SANCCOB seeks to employ a full-time Coastal Field Ranger, stationed at Simon’s Town, seconded to the City of Cape Town (Spatial Planning and Environment: Environmental Management Department: Coastal Management Branch) to support seabird conservation operations.
| Institution | The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB NPC) |
| Location | Simon’s Town, Cape Town |
| Job Title | City of Cape Town – SANCCOB Coastal Field Ranger |
| Reports To | The SANCCOB Seabird Ranger will report to the City of Cape Town’s Coastal Management Head of Coastal Conservation and Monitoring |
| Closing Date | 30th October 2026 at 17h00 |
| Starting Date | 1 December 2026 (or as soon as possible, paid pro-rata) |
| Full-time / Part-time | Full time (on a 3-year fixed term contract) |
| Work Hours | This is a full-time role based in Simon’s Town. Rangers work 7 days a week on a roster to ensure continuous seabird monitoring. The employee will share responsibility to work weekends and public holidays with other field rangers on a rotational basis After-hours work may be required from time to time. SANCCOB operates as a seabird rescue and disaster response organisation, so given the nature of the work, flexibility in working hours is essential. |
| Travel Requirements | Be willing and able to travel locally |
THE POSITION
The purpose of this position is to support conservation and visitor management duties on City of Cape Town property in the Simon’s Town Penguin Management Area (SPMA). The Seabird Rangers are responsible for ecological data collection and data management, seabird monitoring, rescue and stabilisation of seabirds in the entire SPMA, including the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) (Boulders), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and private properties. The incumbent will support project partners in managing the Simon’s Town penguin colony by conducting monitoring, data collection, penguin protection, penguin sweeps, relocation, and the rescue of injured, oiled, or at-risk penguins and other wildlife.
The successful candidate will assist the City of Cape Town’s Coastal Management branch in carrying out some of its functions, including seal capture and surveillance, marine mammal monitoring, response and recovery, vessel patrols for marine monitoring, etc.
The successful candidate will also be responsible for administrative tasks and providing support to visiting scientists through knowledge transfer and resource management. A high standard of work will be maintained to uphold SANCCOB and the City of Cape Town’s conservation mandates, carrying out conservation-related duties that will contribute to the overall protection of the threatened seabird species, including the African Penguin, Cape Gannet and other seabirds.
Additional responsibilities include general maintenance of penguin-proof barriers, infrastructure, equipment (including vehicles and vessels), and the surrounding environment. The role also involves disseminating information to the public and visitors, as well as leading educational public awareness initiatives that highlight the partnership between the City of Cape Town, TMNP, and SANCCOB in conservation activities. This is a handson, practical role requiring active involvement in all aspects of day-to-day conservation activities, such as patrols to assess and mitigate colony threats according to agreed standard operation procedures (SOPs).
Comprehensive training will be provided, with a focus on African Penguins, other seabird species and marine mammal response.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Seabird and penguin monitoring and rescue
- Conduct field surveys, including monitoring seabird and penguin condition, nest monitoring, recording predation events, and documenting mortality.
- Perform ecological data collection, monitoring, and data capturing according to approved protocols.
- Assist with the implementation of research projects and initiatives within the SPMA.
- Rescue and stabilisation of oiled, injured, sick, or abandoned seabirds. Relocate penguins and seabirds found outside core breeding areas and ensure safe and humane handling and transport when required. Respond promptly to reports of penguins or seabirds in distress or outside designated areas, prioritising emergencies.
- Support the placement and monitoring of camera traps and other research equipment.
- Ensure effective data management and compile monthly data submissions and reports according to approved templates.
2. Administrative duties
- Manage and maintain databases for penguin and seabird monitoring, ensuring accurate and timely data entry.
- Compile, and timeleously submit, written reports, monthly and on request.
- Complete attendance registers, reports, and digital filing of images.
- Provide direct support to City of Cape Town and SANCCOB Management and assist with compilation of work plans.
- Ensure that offices are always organised and secure.
- Attend training for continued development and capacity building.
3. Visitor management and public engagement
- Manage visitor activities in accordance with local and national legislation.
- Educate the public and visitors about penguin and seabird conservation, including the importance of the City of Cape Town/TMNP/SANCCOB partnership.
- Educate the public and prevent disturbances to penguins or damage to infrastructure.
- Participate in community outreach and environmental education programs.
- Assist with events, research activities, and compliance monitoring during special occasions such as the Annual Simon’s Town Penguin Festival.
4. Perform legal compliance and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) duties
- Implement OHS policies and guidelines.
- Carry out patrol duties and man observation posts as and when required.
- Provide education to visitors and learners when at the SANCCOB centres.
5. General maintenance
- Carry out minor repairs and maintenance to infrastructure and equipment.
- Maintain and report on City of Cape Town infrastructure, equipment, vehicles, and vessels.
- Assist with cleaning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the environment and facilities.
- Erect and maintain barriers and fencing as required.
- Maintain the designated African Penguin stabilisation room and rehabilitation/oiled wildlife response equipment, including a monthly stock take report. Elevate all needs to SANCCOB and City of Cape Town management timeously in writing, to support timeous ordering of supplies and equipment.
6. Assist in disaster management
- Maintain a level of preparedness and respond to oiling incidents and disasters (including mass abandonment of chicks/eggs and disease outbreaks, following prescribed methods and protocols.
- Assist accredited emergency services during emergency and rescue operations.
DESIRED EXPERTISE AND ATTRIBUTES:
- The ideal candidate is a team player who is physically fit, hard-working, dedicated, self-motivated and has a passion for seabirds and marine conservation.
- The successful candidate will require the following:
- Senior certificate (Matric certificate).
- Computer literacy, especially proficiency in Microsoft Suite: Experience with Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, Outlook, OneDrive) for data/information management and reportwriting.
- Job specific health requirements:
- Physical fitness to be able to perform duties and the ability to swim.
- Ability to work outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather, and in accordance with SOPs.
- Strong problem-solving and practical skills:
- Basic practical, technical, electrical and mechanical (DIY) abilities.
- Good planning, time management, and communication skills – especially report writing and data capture.
- Knowledge of coastal and marine environments, including basic seabird identification.
- Willingness and ability to work extended hours, including weekends, public holidays, and in varying weather conditions.
- A strong interest in conservation, wildlife care and animal welfare.
- A valid Code-B driver’s licence. Candidates will be required to pass City of Cape Town internal driver assessments and associated training within 6 months of appointment.
- Must be a South African citizen or a hold a valid South African work permit.
- Be willing to receive vaccinations as required.
The following will be advantageous:
- Knowledge of marine ecological processes and biodiversity management.
- 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.
- Category E or C Skippers Licence.
- Valid Marine VHF radio licence.
- Map reading, basic use of GPS and GIS software o First Aid training.
- Knowledge of Disaster Management and Emergency Responses.
- Experience in information management and knowledge of seabird monitoring techniques.
- Experience in seabird stabilization and rehabilitation techniques.
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, with three references, and a letter of motivation (500 words) to MashuduHerbert.Mashau@capetown.gov.za (cc: LisaN@sanccob.co.za) by 17h00 on Friday 30th October 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 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).
