Environmental Impact Officers

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Okavango Wilderness Safaris (OWS) is part of a multi-national safari operator (Wilderness), which operates safari camps throughout Northern Botswana. In line with Wilderness Safaris’ core beliefs in environmental stewardship the Environmental Impact Officer will carry out the development, maintenance and implementation of a Long-term Wildlife Monitoring Programme throughout all OWS Botswana’s concession areas including preparation and dissemination of regular reports both internally and externally. The Environmental Impact Officer will coordinate and oversee recording of all sightings and wildlife monitoring data with and by guides as well as entering data onto an online system for use in report writing for internal use as well as submission of annual reports to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Wildlife Monitoring Data

Collect & collate the necessary camp & wildlife monitoring data (wildlife sightings data, aerial surveys, biodiversity monitoring, herbivore transects, bird transects, monthly predator summaries etc), and ensuring that data is entered onto the online wildlife monitoring system. This would involve regular visits/checks to each of the camps to ensure sightings data is being entered onto an online system, data is being filled in and monthly wildlife summaries being completed.

• Preparation and Submission of Annual Wildlife Monitoring Reports per camp

Complete a comprehensive ‘Wildlife Monitoring Report’ each year for each concession based on data gathered including all wildlife monitoring carried out in the concessions.

• Consolidate Ecological Data and Compile Reports

Consolidate data from the camps into meaningful outputs (feedback) on a monthly basis (graphical, cartographic, reports, etc.). Ensure circulation of these results to all camps. Ensure consolidated data and interesting findings are communicated to the Marketing and Communications Department in Johannesburg/Maun for distribution on the website/newsletters.

• Ecology, Conservation, Impact and Research

Provide ecological advice, conservation planning and setting the direction of research and research logistics.
Assist in finding new Impact/Research projects to support & setting up partnerships.
Assist with logistical support for independent researchers wishing to carry out research within any WSB concessions. Liaise and supervise any such projects with guidance from Head of Conservation and Environment and Group Impact Manager.

• Bi-Annual Assessments of Environmental Performance of each camp

Carry out bi-annual Environmental Management System (EMS) assessments & prepare reports for submission to Group Sustainability Coordinator. This involves maintaining environmental minimum standards and delivery of training where required.

• Maintenance of Environmental Department Vehicles, Accounts and Equipment

Assist with maintenance of Environmental Department vehicles, assets and equipment as well as keep a record of all environmental accounts and expenditures to be handed to Conservation Manager.

• Representation at Meetings

Act as the OWS representative at any workshops, meetings, public events (eg. ODMP, DWNP, NGO’s), as requested by the Conservation Manager/Senior/Regional Conservation Staff. Build good relationships with other environmental organisations, both profit and non-profit. Identify areas for potential collaboration and standardisation of monitoring systems. This would include assisting and monitoring the activities of governmental departments that may be operating within WSB concession areas (eg. Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Department of Forestry and Range Resources, Department of Environmental Affairs Water and Sanitation, Anti-poaching unit, etc.).

• Presentations to Guests and Staff

Develop and subsequently train, both guides and managers in ‘Conservation Talks’ for delivery to guests in camp (e.g. Overview of Monitoring that is being carried out by WSB, Wilderness Trust presentations, Delta presentations, as well as monitoring results and other interesting environmental topics)

• Road Map update and Road Management Plan

Ensure that updated roadmaps for each concession are prepared by the end of June each year as well as any new roadnames or important waypoints – all this data to be given to the Conservation Manager to be kept in one updated folder for dissemination as required. Develop, implement and enforce an effective Road Management Plan. Ensure OWS meets legal requirements.

• Vehicle Maintenance

Always ensure to maintain environmental vehicles in good running condition, any mechanical or electrical faults identified will be addressed with the mechanics in the workshop, as well as informing line management. Standard vehicle checks to be carried out every time before departing camp/office (oil, water, clutch & brake fluid, spare tyres, high-lift jack, spade, CV joint rubber boots intact etc.). Whenever deep water was crossed –ensure the mechanics drain and replace diff oils and any other relevant oils.

• Environmental Training and Awareness

Carry out Environmental Education training and conservation overviews for what the company is involved with to junior & senior staff in camps, as well as new staff environmental inductions and guests, when required.

• Support ground operations as and when necessary, beyond ecology role as and when required Operational support duties

▪ Conservation/Environmental blogging
▪ Assisting and supporting concessions with fire management
▪ EMS and EMP induction programme for new camp staff and facilitating regular updates and the associated awareness workshops.

• Assistance of ecosystem maintenance as and when required within concessions inter alia, fire management, anti-poaching, problem animal control, road maintenance & creation thereof of a diverse network and other related functions required.

• Additional Responsibilities

Develop good working relations with government ministries and departments.
Preparations of data for EMP’s and EIA’s, as well as Technical Proposals for any renewal or new Wildlife Management area the company is tendering for.
Capturing of content (photographs and video) for internal and external use

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Qualification:

• A university degree (minimum Bachelors of Science, Masters of Science is desirable) in an Environmental subject; and min. of 2 years’ full time working experience within the research/environmental monitoring field. (Or BSc Honor's in Environmental Subject)

Experience:                    

• Entry level graduate / Intermediate
• Added advantage of 3 full time working experience in environmental monitoring field and Scientific report writing)
  
• Experience in the development and management of large-scale, environmental monitoring programmes.

Skills:           

• Excellent computer skills, including extensive knowledge in GIS, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Email and Internet.
• The ability to manage, communicate and train people in a cross-cultural setting.
• Be proactive and have a positive outlook.
• Excellent English writing and speaking skills (Setswana speaking an advantage)
• The ability to work independently, as well as part of a team. Essential to be self-motivated and act proactively in an environment without supervision and instruction, but guided by the company Environmental policies and management.
• Able to travel as is required to and within remote areas.

Competencies:

• Good organization and time management.
• Outstanding communication and writing skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work long hours and travel in and out of camps regularly.

Interests:                        

A passion for wildlife and a commitment to sustainability and conservation.

Apply for this position with us on WhatsApp. Simply send the word ‘Hi’ to +260761166303