Team Leader Ecologist1 Post CapeNature

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/