SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PARKS

VACANCY:  SCIENTIST (ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL SCIENCE)

PATERSON GRADING D3

SCIENTIFIC SERVICES, RONDEVLEI, GARDEN ROUTE NATIONAL PARK

 

Closing date:  14 October 2015

 

A vacancy exists in the Conservation Services Division in the Scientific Services Unit, based at Rondevlei in Garden Route National Park, for a Scientist (Environmental Social Science). The successful candidate will be expected to conduct monitoring and research on interrelations between humans and both marine and natural terrestial environments. The Garden Route National Park, which includes the former Tsitsikamma and Wilderness Parks, and Knysna Estuary, will be the primary area of responsibility.

 

Key responsibilities include:

  • conducting applied research to address socio-ecological and tourism issues • developing and implementing relevant monitoring programmes, with emphasis on sustainable resource use initiatives, tourism, and community benefit projects. • providing support to scientists of other disciplines on social aspects of their research • keeping abreast of current scientific thinking and the peer-reviewed literature and pursue appropriate academic development and growth to maintain scientific credibility and recognition • publishing research findings in scientific journals and popular media • translateing research and monitoring outputs into appropriate policy and management guidelines • providing advice to senior management within sphere of expertise in support of park management plans • liaising with external scientists and stakeholders, including SANParks People and Conservation, and seeking greater involvement in collaborative projects • representing SANParks at relevant meetings, committees and workshops • work planning and scheduling, budget control, personnel supervision, general administration.

 

 Requirements:

 

  • A minimum of an MSc degree (preferably PhD) in an appropriate field of social-ecological science, enhanced by at least three to five years relevant experience.
  • Proven extensive independent publication record in peer review journals.
  • Excellent written, verbal communication and networking skills.
  • Excellent people management skills.
  • A sound knowledge of conservation practices and principles, especially those relating to protected areas and sustainable resource use.
  • A valid Code B driver’s license and own transport.
  • Able and willing to travel extensively to national parks and regularly conduct fieldwork.
  • Research leadership and supervision experience would be advantageus.

 

The remuneration package includes a basic salary, based on the salary scale of a position with a Paterson D3 job grade, and allowances and benefits as specified in the HR Tariff document and Conditions of Service of SANParks.

 

 

To apply, e-mail your application accompanied by a CV and certified copies of your qualifications to Jacqueline.jacobus@sanparks.org

P O Box 787

PRETORIA

0001

 

Contact number: (012) 426-5049

 

Candidates who have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date may consider their applications as unsuccessful.