Field Assistant NExS 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Weekly checks and maintenance of NExS fences and rainout sheltersPrepare research sites for annual fire, drought and herbivory treatmentsProvide assistance with routine data collectionAssist visiting researchers with ad hoc data collectionAssist SAEON staff with ad hoc data collection

Minimum Qualification:

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

Minimum Experience:

• 1-5 years

• National Senior Certificate Grade 12Some work exposure to field-based research/research infrastructures

Experience:

• Field work experience, including high temperatures and in dangerous (Big 5) game areasFence construction and roofing experienceExperience in sampling and measuring physical characteristic of plants, including biomass clipping and height measurementsExperience in processing biological samples in a laboratory, including washing, drying, sorting and weighingPrevious work experience and engagement with Scientific and Conservation Services in the Kruger National Park is highly desirable

Knowledge:

• Health and Safety/Risk Management is highly desirableLocal plant (grass) knowledge is highly desirableKnowledge of the area (central Kruger National Park) and local of the research site (Experiment Burn Plots) is highly desirableKnowledge of the processes, rules and regulations involved with conducting research and collecting samples in the Kruger National Park
• Working knowledge of general and power tool use, including brush cutter experience

Additional Notes:
Drivers licence (EB) is essentialAbility to read and write and communicate verbally in English and Xitsonga is essentialPhysically fit and able to undertake manual labour is essentialStaminaTechnical aptitude/ ability to learnStrong teamwork skillsAbility to follow instruction and work without constant supervisionKeen interest in nature conservation and the environmentThe 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 and Innovation (DSI) 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.