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Team Leader Ecologist1 Post CapeNature

CapeNature
Cape Town, Western Cape Full-time
Posted 25 March 2026 Closing 8 April 2026

Team Leader: Ecologist Position

CapeNature seeks a professional, competent, innovative, and energetic candidate for its Team Leader: Ecologist position. The ideal candidate possesses well-developed interpersonal, communication, and writing skills, coupled with a high level of professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and contribute to the development of an annual Western Cape State of Conservation Report.
  • Lead the development of the five-yearly Western Cape State of Biodiversity Report.
  • Ensure current and accurate taxonomic information is provided for the revision of:
    • Biodiversity and Protected Area Management Plans.
    • the five-yearly Catchment to Coast Strategy.
    • the five-yearly Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan.
  • Ensure timeous, lawful, compliant, and consistent authorisations for biodiversity use.
  • Provide current and accurate scientific data to inform Evidence-based Non-Detriment findings for priority Western Cape CITES and TOPS listed species.
  • Ensure current and accurate scientific information informs the development of:
    • Western Cape Biodiversity Legislation.
    • CapeNature Legislative Policies.
    • Biodiversity Governance Position Statements.
  • Ensure current and accurate scientific information informs Biodiversity and Environmental Legislation distributed for comment.
  • Contribute to and mainstream the implementation of an effective web-based integrated conservation and biodiversity data management system.
  • Mainstream leading edge, professional, formal scientific research and publications to advance biodiversity conservation practice.
  • Represent CapeNature’s mandate on appropriate National and Provincial Forums.
  • Mainstream and support strategic partnerships and finalisation of Memoranda of Agreement/Understanding.
  • Facilitate the development of externally funded proposals and implement projects when applicable.
  • Lead the development, deployment, and integration of Biodiversity Capabilities products and expert decision support.
  • Lead stakeholder capacity building and awareness about healthy natural ecosystems.
  • Lead the mainstreaming and uptake of optimal procedures for effective biodiversity monitoring.

Requirements

  • Natural Science degree (NQF 7) in Conservation Science, Ecological Science, Biological Science, or Zoological Science with at least five years (preferably eight) professional post-qualification experience.
  • Extensive knowledge of relevant national and provincial biodiversity legislation and multilateral environmental agreements.
  • Sound knowledge of the ecology, fauna, flora, and primary threats to Western Cape biodiversity.
  • Sound knowledge of Western Cape biodiversity policies.
  • Demonstrated project management and organizational skills. Applicants must upload an example of a completed project or plan.
  • Excellent formal report and scientific writing skills. Applicants must upload a self-authored report, thesis, or publication.
  • Demonstrated experience in workshop facilitation. Applicants must upload an example of primary workshop facilitation (agenda, programme, proceedings).
  • Proficiency in at least two official Western Cape languages.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Proficiency in using GIS software (e.g., QGIS or ArcGIS).
  • Valid unendorsed Code EB driver's license with own vehicle. Willingness to travel extensively throughout the Western Cape and beyond.
  • No criminal record.

Competencies

  • Self-motivated with minimal supervision and technical management.
  • Comfortable working in a team with willingness and patience to capacitate colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in statistical analyses.
  • Advanced interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Advanced problem-solving, analytical, strategic, and critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure with multiple stakeholders.
  • Active learning, innovative, and problem-solving approach with good organization skills.
  • Ability to work to a detailed schedule and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to prioritise and adapt, managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, peers, and professional associations.

Recommendations

  • South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) accreditation.

Closing Date

08 April 2026

Application

Apply online at https://capenature.simplify.hr/

Job Details

Job Type
Full-time
Location
Cape Town, Western Cape
Posted
25 March 2026
Closing Date
8 April 2026