Ecological Monitor

🌿 ECOLOGICAL MONITOR

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Location:

Private Reserve, Northern KZN

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and field research? Join our ecological monitoring team and play a vital role in protecting some of Africa’s most iconic species while working hands-on in a Big 5 reserve environment.

ROLE SUMMARY

You will assist with infield data collection, wildlife monitoring, pangolin tracking, and volunteer management.

The role operates on a 6-week cycle, including time dedicated to volunteer management and full-time pangolin monitoring.

This position reports to the Research Manager and is a full-time permanent role.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Volunteer Management

• Manage volunteer programmes, houses, vehicles & logistics

• Supervise volunteers and students

• Ensure camp cleanliness, food orders, maintenance & daily operations

📊 Data Collection & Monitoring

• Daily data collection on Elephant, Cheetah, Lion, White Rhino, Buffalo, Pangolin, Black Rhino & more

• Radio telemetry tracking

• Camera trapping & drive counts

• Assist conservation team with biological sample collection

• Support external researchers & students

🧪 Sample Collection

• Assist with sampling from immobilised animals

• Support external research projects

🗂

• Compile, update & maintain species

• Support conservation management when required

🎓 Requirements

• Knowledge of Maputaland & Zululand ecosystems

• Strong computer literacy

• Valid PDP & Code 8 Driver’s License

• FGASA Level 1 or BSc in Conservation Biology / Wildlife Management / Ecology (or similar)

• First Aid Level 1 minimum

• 4x4 and wilderness driving experience (advantageous)

• Rifle competency & SAPS registration (advantageous)

• Experience working in a Big 5 reserve

💡 Key Skills

• Strong leadership & management ability

• Excellent communication & people skills

• Calm under pressure with strong conflict management

• Organised, detail-orientated & feedback friendly

• High work ethic and passion for conservation

🌍 Make a difference where conservation meets purpose.