This is a contract position suited to a research-driven candidate who holds a recognised guiding qualification, is confident leading volunteers of varying skill levels in the field, and thrives in the logistical and administrative demands of a live-in conservation environment.
Core Criteria:
- FGASA qualification or CATHSETA accreditation
- Valid First Aid certificate
- Valid Professional Driving Permit (PDP)
- South African citizen or holder of a valid work visa
- Diploma or degree in Conservation Sciences, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or a related field
- Practical experience in field data collection and applied conservation research
- Experience training, mentoring, or supervising volunteers or students
- Familiarity with data entry, data management, and camera trap image tagging
- Able to thrive in a remote, basic bush camp environment
- Strong organisational and communication skills
Candidate Responsibilities:- Act as Field Guide and Research Coordinator for all field-based research activities
- Lead daily research field sessions, delivering pre-determined protocols to volunteers across all experience levels
- Teach and support volunteers in species identification, survey techniques, data collection, and ethical wildlife practices
- Onboard and orient incoming volunteers to research objectives, safety procedures, and programme expectations
- Provide ongoing mentorship and support throughout volunteer placements
- Oversee camera trap deployment, data retrieval, and image tagging
- Support field data collection, ensuring accuracy and consistency of research outputs
- Coordinate daily and weekly research schedules in collaboration with camp management
- Assist volunteers with data entry and basic data management
- Serve as the primary on-site liaison between the research programme and the broader research team
- Report directly to the Research Manager on progress, challenges, and outcomes
- Complete required administrative tasks and research reporting
On Offer:- Salary: R15,000 per month
- 4-month fixed-term contract (start ASAP, end 03 November 2026)
- Live-in position — shared accommodation provided
- Meals provided
- Laundry service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Work cycle: 3 weeks on, 1 week off
