The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) seeks to employ a full-time Marine Field Ranger on a 3-year fixed-term contract (funding-dependent), stationed on Dassen Island Nature Reserve (Western Cape), to support conservation operations on Dassen Island and the mainland Ganzekraal Conservation Area. The candidate will be responsible for ecological monitoring (with a strong focus on seabirds and seals), field data collection (biotic and abiotic) and data management, data quality assurance, infrastructure and equipment maintenance, environmental education, and compliance monitoring. The successful candidate will also be responsible for administrative tasks and provide leadership and supervisory support to Extended Public Works Program (EPWP) staff and visiting scientists through knowledge transfer and resource management. A high professional standard will be maintained to uphold SANCCOB and CapeNature’s conservation mandates, carrying out conservation-related duties that will contribute to the overall protection of the Critically Endangered African Penguin, Endangered Cape Cormorant, other seabird species, and marine and coastal ecosystems. The Marine Field Ranger will report to the Conservation Manager (On Reserve): Dassen Coastal Complex and the SANCCOB Seabird Ranger Project Coordinator.
Key responsibilities
- Carry out field surveys and implement the ecological programme of work (terrestrial and aquatic, freshwater and marine), and prepare regular feedback.
- Conduct ecological (biotic, abiotic, cultural-historical, weather etc.) data collection, regular monitoring, data capturing and compilation of feedback reports as per agreed protocols (monthly and quarterly data submissions and reports).
- Basic infrastructure surveys (buildings, roads, fences, etc.) and reports.
- DFFE program implementation as per Integrated Work Plan and MoA/MoU on Dassen Island.
- Assist with the implementation of seabird research projects.
- Rescue and stabilisation of oiled, injured, sick and abandoned seabirds – especially African Penguins on Dassen Island – according to agreed protocols (training will be provided). Apply basic animal care on-island to rescued penguins and other seabirds according to agreed protocols.
- Perform Supervisory and administrative duties
- Compilation of and timely submission of written reports as necessary and when required.
- Supervise and assist local and international researchers and any contractors visiting the island (act as Environmental Control Officer).
- Train and mentor other staff, students and contractors.
- Provide direct support to Management and assist with reserve planning, compliation of annual work plans and budget.
- Ensure sound asset management with regular status updates to SANCCOB.
- Prepare specifications required for purchases.
- Perform Legal Compliance and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) duties
- Implement agreed OHS Policies and Guidelines.
- Carry out patrol duties and observations as and when required, and according to agreed protocols.
- Educate visitors and address unauthorised access to the nature reserve.
- Maintain illegal activities and crime registers.
- Attend court cases (represent CapeNature) as and when required.
- Infrastructure and Equipment
- Carry out minor repairs and maintenance to infrastructure and equipment as necessary and when instructed.
- Keep on-island living space clean and tidy.
- Prepare specifications for the minor repair and maintenance of infrastructure and equipment and communicate with Management.
- Maintain monitoring equipment and the designated African Penguin Sick Bay on Dassen Island – including all SANCCOB rehabilitation and disaster response equipment.
- Elevate all needs to management in writing.
- Assist in Disaster Management and Alien Vegetation Management.
- Maintain an agreed level of preparedness and respond to all oiling incidents and disasters at Dassen Island following prescribed methods and protocols.
- Assist accredited emergency services during emergency and rescue operations when requested.
- Implement invasive alien plant and weedy species eradication plans.
- Ensure the application of herbicide to weedy species and undertake manual eradication of alien / invasive species on Dassen Island.
- Undertake Quality Control duties for special projects aimed at invasive species management, infrastructure or equipment upgrade/maintenance and fire protection.
Competency Profile
Educational Requirements: A relevant NQF Level 6 or equivalent certification in Nature Conservation. B.Sc. in biological sciences would be an advantage.
Knowledge and skills
- Knowledge of environmental legislation such as the National Environmental Management Act, National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Integrated Coastal Management Act, Marine Living Resources Act and the Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance and willingness to learn.
- Good computer literacy and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially MS Excel, Outlook and Word are required, including data/information management and report-writing.
- Knowledge of disaster management and property / asset management.
- Knowledge of ecological processes and biodiversity management.
- Knowledge and experience of coastal, marine and island environments in southern Africa.
- Knowledge of seabird monitoring techniques and seabird stabilization and rehabilitation techniques.
- Use of GIS software and GPS data.
Personal Attributes and behavioural competencies
- Ability and willingness to work long and/or irregular hours, including weekends and public holidays and spend extended periods of time on Dassen Island.
- A passion for seabirds and the marine environment is essential.
- Must meet job-specific health requirements and physical fitness to be able to perform activities.
- Technical and mechanical ability, problem-solving skills.
- Good project planning, coordination, and organizational skills.
- Task- and goal-orientated.
- Emotional maturity and ability to work and perform in isolation and in a small team for extended periods.
- Self-Motivated, energetic, dynamic.
- Willingness to learn/improve.
Other Requirements
- A valid Code-B driver’s licence
- Available to travel locally and internationally at short notice.
- Willing to receive identified and necessary vaccinations.
- South African citizen or valid work permit.
- A clear criminal and credit record is essential and non-negotiable for this position.
Recommended:
- Completion of Fisheries Control Officer training.
- Completion of WIO-COMPAS Level 1 certification.
- Possession of a valid Peace Officer’s certificate or Environmental Management Inspectorate certification.
- ZA EB trailer license.
- ICS certification 100 & 200 / Fire Fighting qualifications.
REMUNERATION:
Remuneration package commensurate with qualifications, experience, and SANCCOB’s remuneration model.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please submit your CV maximum (3) three pages long and cover letter to LisaN@sanccob.co.za by 18h00 on 14 January 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The expected start date is during February 2026.
SANCCOB is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. We invite you to join us in our mission to protect seabirds and make a difference for the future of our planet’s ecosystems.
SANCCOB reserves the right not to make an appointment should a suitable candidate not be found.
SANCCOB is a non-profit organisation (Non-Profit Company, Registration No. 2001/026273/08, Non-profit Number: 003-134 NPO).
