Local recruitment: Scientist: Land Use Management

The INR is seeking a land use management practitioner to join our team. Applicants should have practical ecological experience with a focus on rehabilitation and restoration, terrestrial ecosystems, an understanding of vegetation dynamics, drivers of degradation and an interest in sustainable land management. The role involves the application of theory and practice in rehabilitating degraded landscapes, management of natural resources and supporting healthy and sustainable ecosystems. To be eligible for consideration, candidates require a minimum of an MSc in Ecology, Land/Natural Resources Management, or a related field and 5 years of professional/applied research experience.

The position requires the following expertise / skill-sets / attributes:

• Strong evidence of experience working in rehabilitation and restoration (Invasive alien plant control, grazing management, erosion control, revegetation; ecosystems protection or conservation);
• Ability to conduct field assessments to assess landscape and ecosystem function and interpret the information spatially;
• Ability to design and oversee the implementation of rehabilitation projects, including rangelands, wetlands and degraded / transformed environments
• Experience working across diverse landscapes with differing environmental and socio-economic contexts;
• Theoretical and Practical knowledge of Integrated Environmental and/or Natural Resource Management and/or Terrestrial Ecology and associated monitoring methodologies;
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams and overseeing the management of large ground teams involved in restoration and land management activities;
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, engaging with communities, traditional leadership, government and researchers;
• Willingness to travel with a valid Driver’s licence and driving experience.

The following evidence/attributes will be an added advantage:

• Ability to communicate in Zulu;
• Knowledge of GIS and remote sensing tools;
• Specific knowledge of rangeland science and rangeland dynamics
• Registration with an accredited scientific body.

Interested persons are invited to apply by sending a letter of motivation that clearly addresses the requirements of the position and a detailed curriculum vitae to recruitment@inr.org.za. The subject line should state ‘Scientist: Land Use Management’.

This position will be permanent, with a six-month probationary period. Remuneration will be on a full Cost to Company basis.