September 2024
Every Year since 2008 Fransmanshoek Conservancy Hostess 3rd year Nature Conservation students to complete their experiential training year. While fulfilling the requirements set out by their respective universities, these Student Rangers gain hands-on experience in Community Conservation projects.
This coastal conservancy has previously employed twenty-seven students over the last Seventeen years who have acquired their Nature Conservation Diplomas, and most have gone on to do their B Tech/Advance dip. The Conservancy is 2000 ha in size, stretches over 16.4 km of coastline and is situated about half an hour west of Mossel Bay in the Garden Route. This post suits people who are keen on terrestrial and marine coastal conservation.
Fransmanshoek Conservany’s roles are a combination of urban and rural nature conservation with the main focuses being compliance management, environmental education and awareness, veld rehabilitation and alien vegetation management, maintenance of tourist facilities, vegetation surveys, project management, research and monitoring and general administration.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Coastal law enforcement patrols are to be conducted throughout the year. On these patrols inspections are done on all anglers and bait collectors, including commercial oyster harvesters, to ensure that all are abiding by the Marine Living Resources Act.
- Assist all Conservancy members with matters related to Nature Conservation such as alien vegetation removal, snake removals, problem animal capture and general conservation advice and information, among other things.
- Upkeep and maintenance of public areas within the conservancy such as erosion control, rehabilitation of vegetation, litter picking, minor gravel road maintenance, signage and the upkeep and maintenance of visitor facilities.
- Collect important ecological data such as rainfall measurements, Black Oystercatcher statistics, general biotic monitoring, etc.
- Ecological Research Projects.
- Environmental Education programs.
- Coordinates and performs beach cleanups for the area.
- General administration and Report writing
Minimum Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a Nature Conservation Diploma (2nd year going into 3rd year WIL year) or equivalent Natural Sciences Degree.
- Proficient in English, whereas the the ability to also speak Afrikaans relatively well, will be advantageous
- Own transport and a valid driver’s license
- Basic Microsoft Office skills
Personal Attributes
- Individuals who are eager and able to use their initiative without always being under direct supervision.
- Physically fit and willing to walk long stretches of coastline in all conditions.
- Excellent People skills
- Hands-on attitude
- Strong work ethic
- Problem Solver skills
- Good verbal and written communicator
The successful candidate will be fully exposed to conservancy management and will gain invaluable conservation and project management experience in both the terrestrial and coastal/marine environments. The Conservancy will be able to provide the student with all the necessary experience as required by the Nature Conservation diploma’s experiential year. A monthly stipend and basic accommodation will be provided.
How to Apply
Applicants should send their CV and cover letter to fransmanshoek@gmail.com on or before 1 November 2024.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and informed of interview dates. Applicants who have not been contacted within 21 days of the closing date, must please assume that their application was unsuccessful.
For any further information, you can contact Head Ranger Erich Goold at 082 084 2791 or email us at fransmanshoek@gmail.com
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