Job Description

 vacancy currently exists for a Social Scientist within Scientific Services, based in the Cape Research Centre (Tokai, Cape Town). The successful candidate will conduct monitoring and research on the interrelations between humans and natural environments. This will support co-learning and implementation of practices that benefit people and nature in a climate-uncertain future and aid a better understanding of the ways in which people interact with nature and are components of social-ecological systems. The Cape research unit is responsible for conducting research in Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain, West Coast, Tankwa Karoo and Namaqua National Parks.

Location

TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Requirements

• A minimum of an MSc or MA degree in an appropriate field of social-ecological science
• Three to five years of relevant experience
• A PhD in an appropriate field of social-ecological science will be a significant advantage
• Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent writing, verbal communication and networking skills.
• A sound knowledge of conservation practices and principles, especially those relating to protected areas and sustainable resource use.
• Demonstrated proficiency with qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis and report writing.
• Passion and commitment to bridging the gap between society and parks, and comfortable in transdisciplinarity (especially biological and social realms)
• Excellent interpersonal and relational skills.
• Research leadership and supervision experience would be advantageous.
• Experience with facilitating social processes, such as focus group meetings and stakeholder dialogues is a distinct advantage.
• A valid Code B driver’s license and own transport.
• Able and willing to travel extensively to national parks and regularly conduct fieldwork.
• Understanding climate change, particularly ecosystem-based adaptation, is an added advantage.

Responsibilities

• Conducting, coordinating and overseeing both academic and applied research to address socio-ecological issues related to, for example, material and non-material benefits derived from nature, environmental governance, stakeholder perceptions, relationships and engagement
• Developing and implementing relevant monitoring programmes, with emphasis on sustainable resource use initiatives, tourism, and community benefit projects.
• Collaborating with scientists of other disciplines on social aspects of their research.
• Keeping abreast of current scientific thinking and peer-reviewed literature and pursuing appropriate academic development and growth to maintain scientific credibility and recognition.
• Publishing research findings in scientific journals and popular media
• Translating research and monitoring outputs into appropriate policy and management guidelines
• Inputting to or collaborating on relevant cultural heritage, ecosystem-based adaptation, environmental education and/or community benefit projects.
• Developing networks with external scientists and stakeholders towards greater involvement in collaborative projects.
• Representing SANParks at relevant conferences, meetings, committees and workshops.
• Work planning and scheduling, budget control, and general administration.

Please Note

• The remuneration package includes a basic salary, based on the salary scale of a position with a Paterson D3 job grade.
• Candidates who have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date may consider their applications unsuccessful.

Paterson Grade

D3

How To Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should forward their applications accompanied by the required documentation listed below to the following:

Jacqueline Jacobus
Human Capital Manager

• Email: Jacqueline.jacobus@sanparks.org
• Telephone: (012) 426 5049
• Postal Address: P.O. Box 787 Pretoria 0001

Documents Required

To apply email your application accompanied by a CV, ID, driver’s license and certified copies of your qualifications.

Closing Date

27 February 2024

Skills Required

• Strong Communication skills
• Literate