CapeNature – SANCCOB Marine Field Ranger

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, stationed at Stony Point Nature Reserve and seconded to CapeNature, to support seabird conservation operations.

Institution The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB NPC)

Location Stony Point Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay

Job Title CapeNature – SANCCOB Marine Field Ranger

Reports To The SANCCOB Marine Field Ranger, based at Stony Point Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay is supervised by the CapeNature Conservation Officer (On-Reserve) at the Stony Point Nature Reserve (Kogelberg Nature Reserve Complex) and reports directly to the SANCCOB Research and Ranger Manager. The appointed person will be required to perform conservation related duties that will contribute to the overall protection of the Critically Endangered African penguin and other marine life.

Closing Date 26 June 2026, 17h00

Starting Date 15 July 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 at Stony Point Nature Reserve and involves rostering with other Marine Field Rangers to ensure continuous seabird monitoring. The employee will share responsibility to work after-hours, weekends, and public holidays with other Field Rangers. SANCCOB operates as a seabird rescue and disaster response organization, so given the nature of the work, flexibility in working hours is essential.

Travel Be willing and able to travel locally, as required.

THE POSITION

The purpose of this position is to support seabird conservation and visitor management duties at Stony Point Nature Reserve. The Marine Field Rangers are responsible for ecological data collection and data management, seabird monitoring (especially African Penguins), rescue and stabilisation of injured, oiled or sick seabirds, and relocation to safe areas when necessary. 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 CapeNature’s conservation mandates, carrying out conservation-related duties that will contribute to the overall protection of threatened seabird species.

Additional responsibilities include general maintenance of penguin-proof barriers, infrastructure, equipment (including vehicles), and the surrounding environment. The role also involves disseminating information to the public and visitors, as well as participating in educational public awareness initiatives that highlight the partnership between CapeNature, WWF and SANCCOB in conservation activities. This is a hands-on, 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 Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Comprehensive training will be provided, with a focus on African Penguins and other seabird species.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

1. Seabird and penguin monitoring and rescue

• Conduct field surveys, including monitoring seabird and penguin condition, nest monitoring, recording predation events, and documenting seabird mortality.
• Perform ecological data collection, monitoring, and data capturing according to approved protocols.
• Rescue and stabilisation of oiled, injured, sick, or abandoned seabirds (especially penguins), including basic first aid for seabirds, as per training. Relocate penguins and seabirds found outside core breeding areas, ensuring 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 and/or manage the placement and monitoring of field cameras and other monitoring equipment.
• Data management and compilation of monthly data submissions and reports according to approved templates.

2. Perform administrative duties

• Data Management and Reporting: Manage and maintain databases for penguin and seabird monitoring, ensuring accurate and timely data entry.
• Compilation and timely submission of written reports, monthly and on request.
• Complete attendance registers, reports, and digital filing of images.
• Provide direct support to SANCCOB and CapeNature management and assist with reserve planning, compliation of work plans.
• Keep offices organised and secure.
• Attend training for continued development and capacity building.
• Ensure sound asset management with regular status updates to SANCCOB.

3. 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.
• Address unauthorised access to the nature reserve, as per SOPs.
• Maintain illegal activities and crime registers.

4. Visitor Management and Public Engagement

• Manage visitor activities in accordance with local and national legislation.
• Engage with and educate the public and visitors about penguin and seabird conservation.
• Manage the public and visitors to 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 Penguin Palooza.

5. 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.

6. General maintenance: Infrastructure and Equipment

• Carry out minor repairs and maintenance to infrastructure and equipment.
• Assist with cleaning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the environment and facilities.
• Maintain the designated African Penguin stabilisation room and rehabilitation/oiled wildlife response equipment, including a monthly stock take report.
• Elevate all needs to CapeNature and SANCCOB management timeously in writing, to support timeous ordering of supplies and equipment.

7. Assist in Disaster Management

• Maintain a level of preparedness and respond to all oiling incidents and disasters (including mass abandonment of chicks/eggs and disease outbreaks, at or around the Stony Point Nature Reserve, following prescribed methods and protocols.
• Assist accredited emergency services during emergency and rescue operations.

DESIRED EXPERTISE AND ATTRIBUTES

• Educational Requirements: A relevant NQF Level 6 or equivalent certification in Nature Conservation. B.Sc. in biological sciences would be an advantage.
• The ideal candidate is a team player who is physically fit, hard-working, dedicated, self-motivated and has a passion for seabirds and conservation.
• The successful candidate will require the following:
  • Computer literacy, especially proficiency in Microsoft Suite: Experience with Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, Outlook, OneDrive) for data/information management and report-writing.
  • Basic use of GPS and GIS software – basic map-reading skills.
  • 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, i