This position presents an opportunity for a recently qualified Nature Conservator to manage and guide the practical implementation of an ecological corridor within the boundaries of the City Of Cape Town. This corridor will be the first planned functional biodiversity corridor within the City and links the Rietvlei Wetland Reserve and the Blaauwberg Conservation Area.

The establishment of this corridor is a priority for the Biodiversity Management branch of the City of Cape Town and this project will be a showcase for effective conservation planning. This project is a partnership between the Table Mountain Fund, the Friends of Rietvlei and the City of Cape Town.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Manage/develop the Diep River corridor by:
•    Overseeing general veld management of the site, including alien vegetation eradication, fire management, problem animal control and baseline data collection.
•    Overseeing the management of students / temporary staff on their site.
•    Securing the Critically Endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos on the site and where resources allow initiating restoration of degraded areas. This could include plant propagation and search and rescue from neighbouring sites ahead of developments. Drawing up, in consultation with area manager, annual plans of operation for site.
•    Ensuring correct spending, in consultation with area manager, of operating and capital budgets.
•    Responding to ecological disasters such as oil spills, pollution events, fires and flooding.
•    Dealing with illegal activities which threaten biodiversity.
•    The compilation of monthly reports of activities.
To facilitate and oversee stakeholder and local community involvement in reserves by;
•    Promotion of the site and the concept of ecological corridors through local publications and liaison with the public and surrounding communities.
•    Reporting regularly on progress at Friends of Rietvlei meetings
•    Report to relevant workshops, seminars, conferences on the activities being undertaken.
•    Ensuring existing local partnerships are created and sustained
•    Servicing advisory committees and volunteer groups 
•    Investigating, with local partners, funding options for future management and restoration of the corridor.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
- A diploma in Nature Conservation, or a related field, or equivalent experience is a minimum requirement.  This post will benefit from a person who has been exposed to on-the-ground ecological and management issues.  Additional related courses are an added advantage.
- The incumbent will need to be in possession of a valid driver’s license and be physically fit.
- The incumbent will need to speak English and a minimum of one other of South Africa’s official languages. Xhosa will be advantageous.

RENUMERATION
R123 000 per annum. Please note this is a junior position and will have limited staff and budget responsibility.   Technical (and other) support will be available from the area and reserve managers

ONE YEAR CONTRACT

Suitable applicants must please submit a concise Curriculum Vitae to Friends of Rietvlei at the email address info@friendsofrietvlei.co.za or post P O Box 182, Table View 7439 or fax 021 5573748 by 15 July 2009.