Full Job Description:
Conservation Field Ranger – Pullen Nature Reserve
Pullen Nature Reserve is seeking a dedicated and resilient individual to join our team as a Conservation Field Ranger. This pivotal role is responsible for the hands-on ecological management and infrastructure maintenance of our pristine reserve, contributing directly to the preservation of its unique biodiversity and the safety of its visitors. The successful candidate will be a proactive, physically fit, and self-sufficient individual with a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for nature conservation. This is a residential position, requiring the incumbent to live on-site, fully immersing themselves in the rhythm of the reserve and contributing to its ongoing success.
Essential Requirements
To be considered for this vital role, applicants must meet the following non-negotiable criteria:
- Educational Foundation: Possess a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or an equivalent National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level, such as an N4 certificate. This ensures a foundational level of literacy and numeracy necessary for understanding instructions, reporting, and basic administrative tasks.
- Practical Experience – Foundational Labour: A minimum of two (2) years of demonstrable experience in general labour, farm work, or a similar physically demanding outdoor environment. This experience should showcase an ability to undertake strenuous tasks, operate basic tools, and work effectively in varying weather conditions.
- Outdoor Maintenance Expertise: Proven experience in bush clearing and outdoor maintenance work is crucial. This includes familiarity with techniques for vegetation removal, an understanding of safety protocols in such environments, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team on outdoor projects.
- Basic Building Maintenance Acumen: Fundamental knowledge and practical experience in basic building maintenance are required. This encompasses tasks such as minor repairs, painting, and general upkeep of structures, demonstrating a versatile skill set beyond just veld management.
Desirable Requirements
Candidates possessing the following qualifications and experiences will be highly regarded, as they directly contribute to the specialized demands of a nature reserve environment:
- Controlled Burning Operations: Direct experience assisting with or participating in controlled burning operations. This demonstrates an understanding of fire management techniques, safety protocols, and the ecological benefits of controlled burns, which are critical for veld health.
- Nature Reserve/Farm Experience: Previous employment or significant volunteer experience on a nature reserve or a working farm. This indicates a pre-existing familiarity with the unique challenges and responsibilities associated with managing natural or agricultural landscapes, including wildlife interactions and remote living.
- Botanical Knowledge: A working knowledge of local plant species, with particular emphasis on identifying and understanding invasive alien plants. The ability to distinguish between indigenous and invasive flora is paramount for effective conservation efforts and targeted removal programs.
- Machinery Operation Skills: Certified experience in operating chainsaws and/or tractors. These skills are invaluable for various tasks, including bush clearing, firebreak maintenance, road grading, and general land management, requiring adherence to strict safety standards.
- First Aid Certification: Possession of a valid First Aid Level 1 certificate. Given the remote and physically demanding nature of the work, the ability to provide immediate basic medical assistance in an emergency is a significant advantage and contributes to overall team safety.
Other Requirements
Beyond the technical skills, the following personal and logistical requirements are essential for successful integration into the Pullen Nature Reserve team:
- Residential Commitment: The successful candidate must be willing to live on-site at Pullen Nature Reserve. This is a non-negotiable condition of employment, fostering a strong connection to the reserve and ensuring rapid response capabilities for emergencies or urgent tasks. Accommodation will be provided as part of the employment package.
- Flexible Working Hours: Willingness to work weekends and public holidays when required. The demands of nature conservation do not adhere to a Monday-to-Friday schedule, and flexibility is critical, especially during peak seasons, fire seasons, or for urgent operational needs.
- Mobility and Independence: Possession of a valid driving license (Code B or higher). This is essential for operating reserve vehicles, transporting equipment, and responding to various locations across the expansive reserve.
- Basic Digital Literacy: Demonstrable IT competence, specifically the ability to receive and send emails and to apply for leave online. While not an office-based role, basic digital communication skills are necessary for administrative efficiency and staying connected with management.
- Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: Proficient in basic writing and numeracy skills. This includes the ability to accurately record data, complete incident reports, understand work schedules, and perform simple calculations related to materials or measurements.
Key Responsibilities
The Conservation Field Ranger’s duties are diverse and crucial, encompassing ecological management, infrastructure maintenance, and general reserve upkeep. These responsibilities are critical for maintaining the health of the ecosystem and the functionality of the reserve.
Bush and Veld Management:
- Invasive Alien Plant (IAP) Control: Proactively and systematically clear bushes and meticulously remove invasive alien plants (IAPs) using appropriate techniques (manual, chemical, mechanical) to restore indigenous biodiversity and ecological balance. This requires ongoing vigilance and identification skills.
- Controlled Burning Support: Actively assist with all aspects of controlled burning operations, including firebreak preparation, ignition, monitoring, and post-burn assessment, always adhering to strict safety protocols and under expert supervision.
- Firebreak and Cleared Area Maintenance: Diligently maintain and expand firebreaks and other cleared areas, ensuring they are free of combustible material to mitigate fire risk and facilitate access for management activities.
- Vegetation Management: Efficiently stack and remove cut vegetation, either for disposal, mulching, or designated brush piles, maintaining a tidy and safe working environment.
- General Veld Maintenance: Undertake a variety of basic veld maintenance tasks, which may include seed dispersal, erosion control measures, and monitoring veld health indicators.
Road and Infrastructure Maintenance:
- Internal Road Network Maintenance: Systematically maintain internal roads across the reserve, including identifying and filling potholes, clearing drainage systems to prevent erosion, regular grading to ensure smooth passage, and mowing verges to prevent overgrowth.
- Pathway and Roadside Clearing: Clear vegetation diligently along all roads and pathways, ensuring clear lines of sight, preventing encroachment, and maintaining accessibility for vehicles and pedestrians.
- Perimeter and Internal Fence Maintenance: Conduct regular inspections, perform necessary repairs to fences (both perimeter and internal), and clear vegetation from fence lines to prevent damage and maintain their integrity for wildlife management and security.
- Facility Grounds Upkeep: Ensure all facility grounds (e.g., staff quarters, visitor areas) are consistently kept neat, tidy, and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the high standards of the reserve.
Vehicle and Machinery Operation and Maintenance:
- Equipment Operation: Safely and proficiently operate a range of vehicles and machinery pertinent to reserve management, including but not limited to mowers, tractors, and welding machines, adhering to all operational guidelines and safety procedures.
- Preventative Maintenance: Carry out regular assessments and perform routine maintenance on all assigned vehicles and machinery. This includes daily checks, cleaning, lubrication, and reporting any defects or issues promptly to ensure their longevity and reliable operation.
Building and Facility Maintenance and Small Developments:
- Structural Upkeep: Perform basic building maintenance tasks such as painting, addressing minor repairs (e.g., fixing leaky taps, repairing broken fixtures), and ensuring the general structural integrity of reserve buildings.
- Water System Management: Monitor and maintain water systems, which includes regularly checking water tanks for levels and leaks, clearing gutters to prevent blockages, and assisting with pump maintenance as required.
- External Area Cleaning: Ensure the general cleaning and upkeep of all external areas around buildings and facilities, contributing to a hygienic and presentable environment.
- Accommodation Facility Support: Assist with the general maintenance and minor repairs of accommodation facilities, ensuring they are in good order for residents and visitors.
- Waste Management: Efficiently manage rubbish removal and implement effective waste management practices across the reserve, including sorting, recycling, and responsible disposal to minimize environmental impact.
- Small Building Projects: Undertake and assist with small building projects as directed, contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of reserve infrastructure.
General Duties:
- Team Support: Actively assist the broader Pullen Nature Reserve team with various tasks as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a collaborative spirit to achieve collective conservation goals. This may involve assisting with ecological surveys, wildlife monitoring, or visitor services during busy periods.
- (Continued from original passage – likely additional general duties such as security, reporting, etc.)
Field Station Manager: Operations and Support Specialist
This dynamic role as Field Station Manager involves a multifaceted approach to ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our Pullen Field Station in the breathtaking landscapes of Mpumalanga. We are seeking a dedicated individual who thrives in a hands-on environment and is committed to supporting our conservation and research initiatives.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
- Facilities Maintenance and Upkeep: The core of this position involves a wide array of maintenance tasks. This includes, but is not limited to, routine inspections of all station buildings and infrastructure (cabins, laboratories, communal areas, ablution blocks), preventative maintenance to prolong the life of our assets, and responsive repairs as issues arise. This could involve basic plumbing, electrical troubleshooting, carpentry, painting, and general upkeep to maintain a high standard of living and working conditions for all occupants.
- Visitor Group Preparation and Support: A significant aspect of the role is to meticulously prepare the field station facilities for the arrival of various visiting groups. This encompasses ensuring all accommodations are clean, well-maintained, and fully equipped; confirming laboratory spaces are functional and stocked; and generally ensuring a welcoming and productive environment for researchers, students, and other visitors. You will be instrumental in the initial setup, orientation support, and ongoing logistical assistance for these groups throughout their stay.
- Tool and Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Proficiency in operating and maintaining a range of basic tools and equipment is essential. This includes power tools (drills, saws, grinders), hand tools (wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers), as well as light machinery such as generators, water pumps, and potentially small vehicles or ATVs. Regular cleaning, lubrication, minor repairs, and ensuring all equipment is stored safely and in good working order will be a routine part of your responsibilities.
- Issue Reporting and Resolution: You will be the primary point of contact for identifying and reporting all maintenance issues and equipment problems. This requires a keen eye for detail, the ability to accurately assess the scope of a problem, and clear communication with the Field Station Manager to initiate timely resolutions. This may involve troubleshooting, diagnosing malfunctions, and liaising with external contractors for more complex repairs when necessary.
- Adherence to Health and Safety Protocols: The safety and well-being of everyone at the field station is paramount. You are expected to strictly follow all established health and safety procedures and guidelines at all times. This includes proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), adherence to emergency protocols, safe handling of hazardous materials (if applicable), and promoting a culture of safety among all residents and visitors. Regular safety checks and awareness will be an integral part of your routine.
- Flexible and Responsive Support: This role demands a proactive and adaptable individual. You will be expected to undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the evolving needs of the field station and its operations. This could range from assisting with administrative tasks to supporting specific research projects or logistical challenges.
- Conservancy Task Assistance: As an integral part of the larger conservation effort, you will actively assist with various Conservancy tasks as directed by the Field Station Manager. This might involve habitat restoration, alien plant clearing, trail maintenance, data collection support, or contributing to community engagement initiatives, all aimed at supporting the ecological integrity of the surrounding natural environment.
Working Conditions and Lifestyle:
- Live-in Position: This is a live-in position at our Pullen Field Station, situated in a pristine natural environment within Mpumalanga. On-site accommodation will be provided, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and become an integral part of the station community.
- Physically Demanding Environment: The nature of the work often involves heavy manual labour. You should be prepared for tasks that include lifting heavy objects, digging, clearing vegetation, and prolonged periods of working outdoors in potentially hot and challenging weather conditions. A good level of physical fitness and stamina is therefore essential.
- Variable Work Schedule: While the standard working month comprises 22 days, flexibility is key. Occasional weekend work will be required, particularly when field courses are hosted at the station or when unforeseen operational demands arise. “On and off” work arrangements and specific schedules will be thoughtfully negotiated with the Field Station Manager to ensure a balanced and sustainable work-life rhythm.
- Commitment to Safety: Your safety, and the safety of others, is non-negotiable. You must rigorously follow all safety procedures and guidelines without exception. All necessary safety equipment will be provided to ensure you can perform your duties effectively and securely.
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