Biodiversity Monitor

1. POSITION DETAILS

Position Title:

Biodiversity Monitor

Reports to:

Biodiversity Monitor Supervisor

Department:

Operations and Maintenance

Period:

Full Time Local Employment Agreement

Company:

Biotherm Operations and Maintenance (an ENGIE SA company)

Location:

ENGIE Southern Africa, Excelsior Windfarm Facility, Western Cape South Africa.

CLOSING DATE:

 10th March 2025

2. BACKGROUND

ENGIE Southern African is seeking Biodiversity Monitor for the Excelsior Wind Farm Facility near Swellendam in the Western Cape Province. The primary responsibility of this position is to conduct operational bird and bat monitoring at the wind facility. The program is inclusive of bird and bat monitoring, fatality searches, searcher efficiency trials and carcass persistence trials, adhering to standardized protocols as trained, being part of a small field crew and keeping detailed datasheets.  If required, this position may require the implementation of the Shut Down on Demand (SDOD) protocol.  Preference would be given to candidates residing at Riviersonderend , Western Cape, South Africa.

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with environmental monitoring scope of work at Excelsior Wind Farm Facility. 
• Conduct bird and bat monitoring. 
• Conduct surveys on foot (up to 15 km per day) in potentially adverse weather conditions and record data. 
• Conduct visual surveys of bird flight activity and advise/alert a control room when specific bird species approach too close to wind turbines in accordance with a specific protocol. 
• Search for dead or injured birds and bats on foot in amongst vegetation under wind turbines. 
• Conduct bird observations for extended periods of time (up to 40 hours per week) to record behaviour and flight patterns. 
• Operate a camera and Global Positioning System (GPS) and record details of carcasses found, and observations made. 
• Follow instructions from the Supervisor and collect precise and thorough data. 
• Prepared to work in shifts that will result in working over the weekend when required. 

5. EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Diploma in natural conservation will be an advantage. 
• Matric Certificate/Grade 12.
• Computer literate (especially MS Word and Excel), ability to work with electronic data collection protocols and data submission timing requirements; 
• A valid driver’s license, with at least 2 years driving experience. 
• Candidates who have previous field experience with birds and/or bats monitoring will be preferred. 
• Ability to identify local bird and/or bat species. 
• Firefighting Certificate; 
• First-Aid Certificate; 
• Experience in the use of the camera, binoculars, topographic maps, GPS units, and other field equipment. 

Additional information:

• All applications need to be accompanied by the following supporting documents or will be automatically disqualified: 
• Certified copy of ID
• Certificate copy of a driver’s licence.
• Certificate copies of all qualifications (if applicable) 
• Proof of residence 

Language

• Fluent in English (verbal and written skills)
• Other languages would be a benefit
• Excellent writing, spelling, editing and proofreading skills

Behavioural Competencies

• Must be able to work independently and with others, and interact positively with project management and landowners; 
• Must be able to follow instructions from Supervisor and collect data precisely and thoroughly; 
• Candidates must be able to walk for extend periods of time and be able to handle exposure to weather extremes; 
• Must be a good communicator, have the ability to maintain a positive attitude, and to accept guidance and constructive criticism; 
• Have a passion for the environment; 
• Energetic, fit and self-motivated; 

6. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adheres to the Company Policies and Procedures and Ethics;
• Behaves in a responsible way;
• Lives the values of the Company.