SAPRI Birder Overwinterer 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 collecting field data on Albatrosses and Petrels to be used for conservation and academic purposes as part of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI). All overwinterer positions involve undertaking fieldwork under very rigorous and extreme conditions (cold, wet and windy 95% of the time). Meticulous observation, note-taking and record-keeping abilities are important. As is being able to manage large electronic datasets, electronics, (e.g. satellite relay data loggers) and a storage facility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collecting field data on surface-nesting seabirds including albatrosses and giant petrels to be used for conservation and academicpurposesCarrying out physiology work with petrel and albatross nestlings including handling, blood sampling and isotope workCollecting behaviour observations on nestlings of surface-nesting albatrosses and giant petrelsMonitoring nestling survival in Wandering AlbatrossesDeploying and maintaining camera traps and temperature dataloggersAssisting with monitoring of long-term study populations of petrels and albatrosses when necessaryRemote field work without direct supervision Field work will encompass 75% of the time, with a lot of walking (4000 – 6000km) ingumboots during the contract time frame
• Data capturing, analysis, and reportingRigorous outdoor activity in harsh conditions (low temperatures, gusty winds and rain)Management of equipment (Asset management)A valuable and friendly member of the team at Marion Island Base

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7

Minimum Experience:

• 1-2 years

• A relevant BSc Degree in Natural and Biological science or equivalent qualification
• A BSc (Hons) Degree or higher will be advantageous

Experience:

• A minimum of one-year work experience on seabirdsExperience in field surveys, research administration, data collection and management, report writing and recording
• Previous experience in handling birds including ringing and blood sampling will be a distinct advantage
• Experience in data management, report writing
• Well versed in MS Office (or related) software programmes
• Relevant field experience (previous bird work, research, familiarity)
• Evidenced ability to work independently and in difficult field conditions
• High fitness levels, ability to carry heavy backpacks and walk long distances in gumboots

Knowledge:

• Must have good attention to detail and be meticulous in data collection and demonstrate experience to conduct scientific monitoring relating to birds to a high standard

Additional Notes:
Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical (physical and psychological) examination, at no cost to the [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 policymaking.