Manager: Invasive Alien Species at South African National Parks (SANParks)

Requirements

• A postgraduate Degree\Diploma\NQF Level 8 in Nature Conservation, Environmental or Wildlife Management or related disciplines. Added advantage for a NQF 9/ Masters or above, or equivalent qualification.

Certificates (minimum 3 of 5) for the following training:

• Invasive species identification
• Herbicide Application
• Biocontrol Management
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Pest Control
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the management and control of IAS. Added advantage if the experience is in a Protected Area.
• Minimum of three (3) years in a managerial position.

Recommended and added advantage

• Certificates for Geographic Information System training

Skills

• A genuine interest in and understanding of environmental issues, relevant legislation and international best practice of IAS management within a Protected Area;
• Good leadership, organization and time management;
• Attention to detail, specifically plant species and/or IAS identification;
• Proven experience with IAS mapping, monitoring, analysis and reporting;
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) (English);
• Good working knowledge of various IT packages required for the post;
• Good team-working; networking and influencing skills;
• Valid Code 08 (B) driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• The role of the Manager: Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is to oversee the implementation, coordination, reporting and effective control of alien biota (flora and fauna) within the KNP, by influencing and supporting decisions, actions and engagements within and around the KNP. Specific key roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Oversee, coordinate and ensure the development, alignment, compliance and implementation of integrated Invasive Species control plans (including Ornamental, biocontrol and aquatic species) as per the Park Management Plan and NEMBA IAS Control Plans;
• Review, update and develop new SOPs, Protocols, Guidelines and Policies for IAS Management in KNP;
• Devising strategies, best tools and systems to monitor performance and encourage best environmental practices for IAS Management;
• Oversee compliance, enforcement and monitoring with environmental legislation including NEMA, NEM:BA, NEM: PAA and IAS Regulations;
• Oversee invasive alien species reporting and monitoring of programs and activities in the KNP;
• Stakeholder management, communication; advisory and liaising with internal/external departments, partners and regulatory bodies;
• Assessing, analysing, collating and communicating IAS environmental performance data and reporting information to internal staff, clients, stakeholders and regulatory bodies;
• Perform general staff, administration and financial management.