Field Assistants: Seabirds

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Salary (as advertised)
R280 278 per year
Minimum qualification
Diploma
Closing date

First listed . Last checked at source .

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In brief

Overview The Field Assistant: Seabirds (Reference 34/2026) role comprises two posts within the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. This is an approximately fifteen-month contract position, specifically from April 2027 to May 2028. The role is based on Marion Island, a remote Sub/Antarctic base, and offers a salary of R280,278 per annum, plus 37% lieu in benefits. The primary function involves biological research, fieldwork, and monitoring pertaining to seabirds. What you will do * Undertake biological research, fieldwork, and monitoring in accordance with workplans devised by project managers. * Make day-to-day decisions regarding work priorities and fieldwork protocols. * Maintain accurate records of the work and computer databases. * Regularly report to and provide updates to the project manager on project progress. * Work with animals, including the handling of seabird adults and chicks. * Execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base, adhering to health, safety, and environmental requirements. * Potentially be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to the primary function. Requirements (from the original advert) * **Qualifications**: National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or relevant qualification in Natural Science. * **Experience**: * 0–1-year experience in Marion Island. * Experience in field surveys. * Experience in research administration. * Experience in data collection and management. * Experience in bird identification and handling. * Experience in disseminating information. * Experience in report writing and recording. * Demonstrated experience to conduct scientific monitoring relating to seabirds to a high standard. * **Knowledge**: * Environmental legislation. * Public Service and Departmental procedures and prescripts. * **Skills/Attributes**: * Good attention to detail. * Meticulous in data collection. * Self-motivated. * Ability to work at a remote place away from family and friends with minimal supervision. * Determination. * Physical fitness. * Ability to work under harsh environmental conditions subject to extremes of weather. * Desire to work with animals. * Empathy for birds. * Ability to work and live with small groups of people. * Self-sufficient. * Mentally strong. * Prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. * **Other**: * Subject to screening and security vetting. * Appointment is subject to a rigorous medical examination. * Appointment is subject to psychometric assessment. Who should apply Individuals with a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or equivalent in Natural Science, who also possess 0-1 year of experience on Marion Island and practical experience in field surveys, research administration, data management, and seabird handling. The ideal candidate must be highly self-motivated, determined, physically fit, and mentally strong, capable of working autonomously with minimal supervision in a remote, harsh Sub/Antarctic environment for a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) without the option for early return. Applicants must be able to live and work effectively within a small group, demonstrate empathy for birds, and be prepared for demanding work, potentially including long hours and duties outside their primary function, while understanding the potential impact of the location on personal well-being and relationships. Deadline Not specified Reference Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/department-of-forestry-fisheries-and-the-environment-vacancies-from-dpsa-circular-38-of-2026#spani-ref-34-2026 Source: govpage

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

  • 2 posts available.

Extracted automatically from the advert; confirm requirements on the original listing.

Job description

FIELD ASSISTANTS: SEABIRDS REF NO: 34/2026 (X2 POSTS) (Approximately Fifteen Months Contract) SALARY : R280 278 per annum, (plus 37% lieu in benefits) CENTRE : Marion Island REQUIREMENTS : National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or relevant qualification in Natural Science. 0–1-year experience required in Marion Island. Knowledge of environmental legislation. Public Service and Departmental procedures and prescripts. Experience in field surveys, research administration, data collection and management, bird’s identification & handling, disseminate information, report writing and recording. Must have good attention to detail and be meticulous in data collection and demonstrate experience to conduct scientific monitoring relating to seabirds to a high standard. Must be self-motivated and able to work at a remote place away from family and friends with minimal supervision. DUTIES : Undertake biological research, fieldwork and monitoring according to a workplan as devised by the project managers. Make day-to-day decisions about work priorities and fieldwork protocols. Maintain accurate records of the work and computer databases of the work. Regularly report to and update the project manager on progress of the project. The applicants must have determination, physical fitness and the ability to work under harsh environmental conditions subject to extremes of weather; a desire to work with animals, including handling of seabird adults and chicks, which require empathy for the birds. Successful applicants will spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island. Note that there is no option to return before the end of the expedition, once you land at the island. The well-equipped new base station has full e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities. ENQUIRIES : Leshia Visagie at (082) 447 9302, Makhudu Masotla at (079) 220 8888, Azwianewi Makhado at (082) 377 3088 NOTE : The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2028. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental well-being of the incumbent, their family and close relationships. Candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. In addition the successful candidates may often be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.

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Field Assistants: Seabirds at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment | SPANi - South African Jobs