Requirements

• A National Diploma in Nature Conservation or equivalent e.g., a tertiary qualification in Wildfire Management with required equivalent credits to a diploma is essential and a B.Sc., B. Tech, or equivalent would be desirable.
• A minimum of 5 years of work experience in conservation management, 3 years of Ranger or fire team supervision, with specific experience in fire suppression experience direct attack, prescribed burning and fuel reduction burns
• Basic firefighting (Wildlands)
• Divisional Supervisor Training (Advantage would be Ops Section Chief/ Logistics Section Chief/ Planning Section Chief
• IC Type 5 (IC type 4 and higher would be an advantage)
• Basic course module in fire behaviour.
• Code 8 (Code 10 would be an added advantage)
• Experience as an Environmental Management Inspector
• Knowledge and application of Environmental Law.
• Conflict management and problem resolution.
• Computer Literacy.
• Experience in drawing up, managing and controlling budgets.
• An understanding of SANParks Regulations and Code of Conduct.
• Knowledge of National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act

Added Advantages:

• VHS radio operators’ licence will be an added benefit
• 1st Aid Level 1 (Added benefit would be 1st Aid Advanced)
• ICS levels 1 & 2 & 3 (Added benefit would be 400 to 700)
• Ideally, the person should have experience in heavy vehicle 4X4 operations, pumps, and basic mechanical understanding.

Responsibilities

• To ensure that the environmental ethics with regard to the protection and conservation of natural and cultural resources are upheld
• To plan and execute environmental conservation management in line with the SANParks Annual Performance Plan
• To ensure the ecological integrity of the park in line with the SANParks mission and vision, all other relevant legislation, as well as the Park Management Plan, policies, procedures, and guidelines
• To contribute towards an improved representative conservation estate of the area e.g., by applying prescribed burning for ecological enhancement, managing fire risks and promoting fire awareness to visitors and the general public on the periphery of the Park
• To effectively manage eco-systems, species, and cultural heritage assets
• To create diversified and enhanced tourism opportunities and experiences in terms of providing a fire-safe environment for visitors and tourists
• To optimize contributions to the green economy by implementing community-based socio-economic initiatives
• To enhance Stakeholder Engagement by promoting close cooperation with neighbouring communities and other role-players as part of constituency building and economic empowerment within the region
• To positively lead, manage and develop the Human Capital of the Section and encourage participatory management
• To manage, plan, coordinate and conduct effective anti-crime operations by effective use of available intelligence, manpower and equipment on a continued reactive and pro-active basis
• To facilitate the development and management of a contractual park or any co-management agreement in the park, in collaboration with other departments
• To perform a wide range of duties in different fields of conservation and people management within a broader regional context
• To develop and implement an annual plan of operations according to scientific systems and the annual performance plan
• To apply accountable corporate governance, and financial sustainability, as well as to ensure a conducive working environment