Top Predator Monitoring Coordinator at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
SAEON Egagasini Node, based in Cape Town, Western Cape, requires the services of a suitably qualified individual to be responsible for the day-to-day operational and logistical management of the Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme (MIMMP), and the Albatross & Petrel Programme (APP), as part of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI)

Key Responsibilities:

• Day-to-day responsibility for operational and logistical management of the MIMMP and APP program
• Liaising with Mammal Research Institute (University of Pretoria) to ensure successful transfer of MIMMP to SAPRI
• Liaising with Percy FitzPatrick Institute for African Ornithology (University of Cape Town) to ensure successful transfer of APP to SAPRI
• Oversight of MIMMP and APP field personnel team selection, training and supervision for continued collection of long-term monitoring data
• Raw data integrity and workflow to SAPRI - DPS oversight
• Equipment and consumable management and procurement
• Upkeeping of permits, ethics and reporting administration

Minimum Qualification:

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

Minimum Experience:

• 2-5 years

• MSc Zoology / Ecology / Ornithology / Mammalogy – in SANAP related research (NQF Level 9) At least two overwintering years on sub Antarctic Islands as ‘sealer/ whaler/ birder’

Experience:

• Otariid and Phocid handling, marking and care Killer whale mark-resight and remote samplingMechanical maintenance Tissue sampling Technical report writing

Knowledge:

• Understanding of the NRF / SANAP / DFFE / SAPRI interplayResearch administration (ethics, grant, permitting processes)Killer whale mark-resight experience and remote samplingSound understanding of scientific principles of mark-recapture, animal telemetry, molecular (genetic, isotopic etc), photogrammetryData management and analysisAnimal ID, marking, telemetry technical and deploymentTechnical report writingSeabird handling, ringing and care

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. SAEON is funded by the Department of Science and Innovation, and managed by the National Research Foundation. SAEON is mandated to create knowledge of environmental change through six geographically distributed nodes.