Ecological Monitor

🌿 ECOLOGICAL MONITOR

📍

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.

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.

• Manage volunteer programmes, houses, vehicles & logistics
• Supervise volunteers and students
• Ensure camp cleanliness, food orders, maintenance & daily operations

• 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

• Assist with sampling from immobilised animals
• Support external research projects

• Compile, update & maintain species
• Support conservation management when required

• 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
• 44 wilderness driving experience (advantageous)
• Rifle competency & SAPS registration (advantageous)
• Experience working in a Big 5 reserve

• 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.