Field Ranger

Field Rangers (2 vacancies) - Spekboom Restoration Project

Technical and Carbon Department

Location: Jansenville, Eastern Cape

Reports to: Senior Field Technician

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will revitalise landscapes, combat climate change, and promote sustainable agriculture? Join NatCarbon Africa: a mission-driven, proudly African organisation dedicated to high-quality implementation of large-scale carbon, climate, and biodiversity projects. We embrace the power of innovative technology to enhance project execution. Community engagement lies at the heart of our projects, driven by a genuine commitment to meaningful and inclusive participation and co-benefits, such as biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic upliftment. 

NatCarbon Africa seeks 2 Field Rangers in the Technical and Carbon Department for the large-scale Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.

With our partner, Imperative Global, our aim is to restore up to 100,000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket biome. The Project entails planting spekboom (Portulacaria afra) on privately owned land to improve ecosystem functioning and agricultural productivity over time, promote biodiversity, improve soil filtration, enhance water storage capabilities, and to reduce soil erosion. The Project is estimated to permanently store large quantities of Carbon Dioxide over the Project life, thus positively contributing towards climate change mitigation.

Position Summary:

The Field Rangers will work within the Ecology Team to support the Project’s baselining and long-term monitoring activities relating to survival and herbivory monitoring.

Roles and Responsibilities

Field Rangers will support the survival and herbivory monitoring stream. Responsibilities may differ depending on the assigned focus area, and not all duties listed will apply to every candidate.

Planning and Conducting Baseline Assessments 

• Support the Senior Field Technician in organising and performing baseline and regular survival and herbivory monitoring elements of the Project.

Camera Trap Surveys

• Participate in setting up, maintaining, and conducting inventories and repeat photography surveys using camera traps to monitor plant vitality over time.


• As well as conduct biodiversity inventories and surveys using camera traps to capture data on local wildlife.

 Data Tool and Template Development

• Help to develop and refine tools, frameworks, and templates to improve data collection, streamline data entry, and support efficient analysis.

Data Management and Analysis

• Store, manage, and conduct preliminary analyses of ecological, survival, herbivore, and other scientific data, ensuring data accuracy, organisation, and accessibility for team use.

Reporting

• Provide regular reports on data collected, including initial analyses to inform Project adjustments and further planning.

Participation in Technical Events

• Engage in technical sessions, workshops, and conferences, contributing insights and gaining skills to enhance project outcomes.

General:

• Embrace a culture of continuous learning by adapting to evolving job responsibilities, driven by NatCarbon Africa’s commitment to innovation, personal growth, and shifting operational priorities.


• Some travel within the Eastern and Western Cape may be required, including to remote locations, with occasional weekend or holiday work to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.

• This outline of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. The employer reserves the right to assign additional duties or responsibilities at any time, provided they are reasonably aligned with the scope of the role or necessitated by operational requirements. The functions and responsibilities detailed within this job description may be subject to modification at the employer’s discretion, based on evolving operational requirements, while remaining consistent with the parameters of the employee’s position.

Skills:

• Basic understanding of ecological, biodiversity and/or social field survey techniques.


• Proficiency in using data entry tools and software, with experience in Excel or other data management tools.


• Knowledge of GIS or statistical analysis software (e.g., R) is an advantage.


• Strong organisational skills for managing data accurately and maintaining clear records.


• Ability to handle scientific data systematically and contribute to its analysis.


• Good verbal and written communication skills (English required; Afrikaans/Xhosa advantageous).


• Flexibility and resourcefulness in adapting to changing field conditions, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.


• A collaborative attitude and willingness to support a multidisciplinary team in achieving Project goals.


• Strong interest in ecological restoration, conservation, and social impact projects.


• This position requires physical fitness, as it may involve working in challenging outdoor environments for extended periods and in variable weather conditions.

Qualifications:

• Diploma/Degree in Forestry, Conservation, Environmental Science, Ecology, Zoology, Botany, Geology, Soil Science, Geography (Physical or Human), or a related field.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Previous experience in fieldwork or outdoor data collection is preferred.


• Willingness to work in remote locations and under challenging field conditions is essential.


• Knowledge of Thicket Biome ecology is advantageous.

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel within the Eastern and Western Cape anticipated, including to remote locations. Travel may on occasion cross weekends and holidays to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular


• You will join a great team! We are:


• From diverse locations and backgrounds, but all experts in our respective fields. We bring together a wide range of cross-sector experiences, ideas, and skills


• Relentless in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, always pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. But it is not all work for us – we also believe in celebrating our successes, recognising individual contributions, and taking time to support each other’s growth and development


• At our core, explorers, constantly learning, evolving, and seeking new ways to deliver impactful solutions. We are not afraid to dream big, take risks, and step out of our comfort zones because we know that together, we can achieve great things

Compensation

To help us attract and retain top talent, NatCarbon Africa pays employees competitively to the market, depending on experience. Salary is one component of NatCarbon Africa’s total compensation package which also includes health care and life insurance, contributions to each employee’s retirement plan, paid time off and funds to support professional development. We will recognise employees who go beyond expected performance with salary increases and/or promotions.

In return, we expect each employee to, at a minimum:

• Meet expectations in terms of work effort and performance.


• Take the initiative to build the skills and knowledge needed to do their job effectively; and


• Embody the values of NatCarbon Africa.

How to Apply

To apply, please send us the following:

• Cover letter (not to exceed one page).


• Resume/CV (not to exceed three pages).

Please add app.bamboohr.com to your contact list to ensure you receive emails from us

NatCarbon Africa provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination.

Only applications received online via the NatCarbon website or LinkedIn Page will be considered