About the position
Postion Summary:
The Grasslands Node, set up in 2011, is one of seven within SAEON. The nodes research sites and long term observations are carefully designed to support interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding how climate change and human activities affect Grasslands and the essential services they provide to society, with an emerging focus on understanding social ecological systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage long-term ecological and biodiversity observation programmes at the Grasslands Node’s LTER (Long-Term Ecological Research) sitesConceptualise, plan, and implement biodiversity monitoring initiatives to upgrade and expand ecological research at the Grasslands Node, promoting continuous improvement and innovation, with a particularly focus on social ecological system dynamics
- Provide technical and scientific support on ecological observations to SAEON staff, students, visiting scientists, and collaborators, contributing to impactful knowledge generation
- Ensure timely and accurate capture of biodiversity data, following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Develop new SOPs when needed, fostering consistency and quality across ecological monitoring efforts
- Develop and implement data management protocols that meet required standards, ensuring accurate archiving of both biodiversity and hydrometeorological data—in collaboration with other SAEON nodes where applicableConduct data quality control, perform statistical analyses (basic to advanced), and interpret ecological datasets—including large-scale biodiversity and environmental data—to identify trends and their implications for society
- Carry out remote sensing analysis using various GIS platforms (mainly QGIS and SAGA), and through coding in R, Python, and Java (Google Earth Engine), supporting robust spatial product development
- Develop innovative decision-support and engagement tools such as interactive sensor dashboards, status reports, and contribute to policy briefs
- Manage and maintain spatial datasets relevant to the Node’s work
- Take responsibility for securing and archiving all datasets relevant to the node, ensuring appropriate metadata is recorded and maintained, including those generated by staff, collaborators, and students— and Publish Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for node related datasets through the SAEON Open Data Portal
- Actively participate in SAEON technical forums to help advance standardized SOPs and automated data pipelines
- Co-develop research and funding proposals to support the Node’s strategic goals
- Support science engagement and outreach activities, including stakeholder interaction and learner development programmes
- Contribute to SAEON Grasslands Node's academic output through scientific publications and conference presentations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to maximise knowledge and societal impact and ensure effective delivery of scientific products
- Support the Node’s operational and administrative functions, including supply chain management, asset and fleet coordination, and logistical planning
- Mentor and train node students and interns, in particular with respect to plant identification, ecological sampling methods, coding and statistical approaches
- (Co)-Supervise SAEON Grasslands Node Biodiversity technician: Wetlands
Minimum Qualification:
Minimum Experience:
- NQF 9 – Maters in related field (Botany, Ecology) PhD (Ecology/Botanical) (NQF 10) will be advantageous
Experience:
- At least 4 years of relevant post-qualification operational work experience in in-situ field observations associated with biodiversity and associated data management and analysis as well as logistical coordination
- At least 3-years’ experience working in remote locations and or areas with dangerous game for extended periods
- At least 3 years off-road driving experienceDemonstrated experience working in multidisciplinary teams and with a diversity of stakeholders
Knowledge:
- Expert knowledge of grassland plant communities and associated ecologyUnderstanding of ecological sampling and research principles and field sampling techniquesCompetency in herbarium specimen identification and curation of specimensPractical competency with respect to power tool operations and equipment managementBackground in quantitative analysis of environmental/ ecological data for grassland and savanna biomes including strengths statistics and/or statistical modellingData management principles and skills including (advanced) data pipeline management (package development)(Advanced) coding skills in at least one programming language (usually R, Python, bash, and SQL)(Advanced) statistical analysis techniques, machine learning and artificial intelligenceHealth and safety and risk managementData visualisation and presentationGood writing and reporting skillsIntellectual curiosityGood organisation, planning, problem solving, self-management, project management and coordination skills
- Strong interpersonal, collaboration and communication skills for interacting with technical and non-technical colleagues and collaborators, to work cooperatively with a wide range of people (peers, scientists, students, land owners and project collaborators/stakeholders)
Additional Notes:
The incumbent must be physically fit to perform field work in extreme mountain conditions with long distance walking and driving in rough terrain and sometimes working in areas with dangerous game. Must be willing to work away from home for extended periods of time, in rustic conditions when conducting field tripsThe incumbent should also have a passion to teach junior staff, interns and students. The opportunity to contribute academically to student co-supervision [URL Removed] 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.
