Biodiversity Monitor

1. POSITION DETAILS

Position Title:

Biodiversity Monitor

Reports to:

Biodiversity Monitor Supervisor, South Africa

Department:

Operations and Maintainance

Period:

Full Time Local Employment Agreement

Company:

Biotherm Operations and Maintenance (an ENGIE SA company)

Location:

ENGIE Southern Africa, Golden Valey Windfarm Facility, Eastern Cape South Africa.

CLOSING DATE:

 31 October 2024

2. BACKGROUND

ENGIE is global leading energy company that develops its businesses – Power, Natural Gas, Energy Services around a model based on responsible growth to take on the challenges of the transition to a low-carbon economy: security of supply, the rational use of resources, access to sustainable energy and climate change. The Group provides governments, communities, cities and businesses with efficient and innovative solutions based on its expertise in four key sectors: independent power development, renewable energy, liquefied natural gas and energy efficiency services.

For more information please visit: www.engie.com or www.engie-africa.com

The Group turnover in 2021 was 57.9 billion Euros. The Group is listed on the Paris and Brussels stock exchanges (ENGI) and is represented in the main financial indices (CAC 40, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe) and non-financial indices (DJSI World, DJSI Europe, Euronext Vigeo Eiris - Eurozone 120/ Europe 120/ France 20, MSCI EMU ESG screened, MSCI EUROPE ESG Universal Select, Stoxx Europe 600 ESG, and Stoxx Global 1800 ESG).

3. JOB PURPOSE

ENGIE Southern African is seeking a Biodiversity Monitor for the Golden Valley Wind Farm near Bedford in the Eastern Cape Province. In efforts to ensure conservation of avifaunal life, the Golden Valley Wind Farm implements Shutdown on Demand (SDoD), as a mitigation measure to curb priority bird fatalities. The primary responsibility of this position is to conduct operational avifaunal monitoring, with a focus on birds and bats. The successful candidate will be expected to implement the SDoD Protocol, which is the cornerstone of the position’s requirement. The program is inclusive of bird and bat monitoring, carcass searches, searcher efficiency trials and carcass persistence trials, while adhering to standardized protocols as trained, and being part of a small field crew and keeping detailed datasheets. As such, the candidate will undergo extensive training on SDoD and Bird Identification, and will be regularly monitored on their competency on these.

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with environmental monitoring scope of work at Golden Valley Wind Farm. 
• Conduct bird and bat monitoring. 
• Conduct surveys on foot 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 nature 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.