Field Assistant at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The SAEON Ndlovu Node is located in north-eastern South Africa. It focuses in long-term research on the causes and consequences of the major environmental changes occurring to ecosystems in the savannas, grasslands and rivers of this region. The position is based in PHALAUBENI.

Key Responsibilities:

• DATA COLLECTION:Maintain deployed instruments - download dataloggers, test battery voltages, replace and recharge batteries (monthly)
• Record rainfall in manual gauges (daily)
• Conduct biodiversity surveys in established plots or transects at research sites according to the standard methods used by the node
• Capture data electronically and email to the Node Manager or technician
• INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE:Supervision of road repairs, road verge clearing and erosion control (including the building and installation of rock gabions)
• Supervision of bush-thinning teams and other vegetation controls measures required from time to time
• Engage with owners and managers of the land where SAEON research sites are located, to provide feedback on SAEON activities, learn of planned management interventions and facilitate continued access to these sites
• ASSIST VISITING RESEARCHERS:Assist visiting students and other researchers working at SAEON sites with site access, safety, data collection and installing new instruments
• SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT:Work with Science Engagement staff to facilitate meetings between SAEON researchers and local community members (including learners)

Minimum Qualification:

• Grade 12 / Senior Certificate / National Certificate / Vocational 4 /N3 N4 N5/ NQF 4

Minimum Experience:

• 0-1 years

• Grade 12
• At least 1 year experience in assisting with ecological research
• MS Excel experience for data capture or project management
• Code 08 Driver's license (preferably with off road experience)

Experience:

• Experience with maintaining and downloading field research instruments, including rain gauges, weather stations and soil water loggers
• Experience driving off-road
• Working on foot in areas with dangerous game
• Downloading data loggers using a laptop
• Use of a handheld GPS
• Basic computer knowledge, including competency with MS Excel and an email client
• Ability to identify plants and animals using field guide books and online resources

Knowledge:

• Identification of grass, tree, mammal and bird species, and tracks and dung of large mammals
• Basic maintenance of vehicles and electronic equipment (such as wiring and charging of batteries)
• Maintenance of gravel roads, including use of rock gabions for erosion control

Additional Notes:
Physically fit and able to undertake manual [URL Removed] to an off-road vehicle, and experience driving off-road.The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant·s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Skilled in applied field of position
• Knowledge to be relevant
• Responsible in performing duties

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2002. SAEON is mandated to observe and research ecosystems on land, in coastal regions and the oceans to understand how those systems function and might change over time and space when influenced by socio-economic driving forces including climate change. We deliver our data online and offer tools, services and advice for informed environmental policy-making.