Key Responsibilities

• Undertake repeat field surveys of established long-term biodiversity programs as well as implement new protocol·s and programs when required as well as maintain associated research infrastructure, experimental trials and equipment
• Develop and implement long-term wetland and freshwater biodiversity observations for the node, in collaboration with key stakeholders to contribute to national reporting
• Secure historic data, data capture and quality control, archiving within SAEON data systems, and data sharing
• Perform GIS functions to support nodes analysis and reporting requirements
• Stakeholder engagement and facilitation as well as relationship building with communities associated with the nodes LTER sites, including traditional structures, as well as relevant stakeholders.
• Positive profiling of the NRF:SAEON and the node through approved media platforms
• Contributing to knowledge outputs and science communication
• Provide support to the nodes Science engagement program
• Provide back-up technical support to routine operations associated with the nodes LTER instrument network
• Perform administrative functions associated with maintaining the nodes two LTER platforms, including but not limited to logistical support, SCM, asset management, health and safety compliance.
• Drive community based citizen science programs, including training, liaison, data management and feedback of analyses, in the areas within which we work.

Key Requirements

• MSc in Wetland ecology (preferable) or Botany/ecology or related field
• Three years field based research experience involving multidisciplinary teams
• Experience in working on wetland ecosystems
• Demonstrated competency and experience in community engagement, facilitation, household surveys and engaged research
• Experience with instrument networks
• Science based education within the environmental/global change field* Working knowledge of KZN grassland and wetland ecology and able to successfully identify species using a key, with a degree of
  wetlands species identification expertise.
• Competent in undertaking wetlands assessments and Mini SASS.
• Able to perform analysis on biodiversity / ecological data (high level of computer literacy).
• Competency in research methodology and vegetation sampling approaches.
• Comprehensive understanding of etiquette when working in Traditional community areas.
• Knowledgeable in data management and processing principles.