Field Assistants: Seabirds

About the role

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is hiring 2 Field Assistants: Seabirds posts, based in Marion Island. This is a contract post, paying R280,278 a year. (Approximately Fifteen Months Contract) How to apply: All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/ Reference number to quote: 34/2026 Closing date: 09 November 2026, 16:00. No late applications will be accepted Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2028. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with email, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental wellbeing of the incumbent, their family and close relationships. Candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. In addition the successful candidates may often be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.

Responsibilities

• Undertake biological research, fieldwork and monitoring according to a workplan as devised by the project managers.
• Make day-to-day decisions about work priorities and fieldwork protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of the work and computer databases of the work.
• Regularly report to and update the project manager on progress of the project.
• The applicants must have determination, physical fitness and the ability to work under harsh environmental conditions subject to extremes of weather, a desire to work with animals, including handling of seabird adults and chicks, which require empathy for the birds.
• Successful applicants will spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island.
• Note that there is no option to return before the end of the expedition, once you land at the island.
• The well-equipped new base station has full e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities.

Requirements

• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or relevant qualification in Natural Science.
• 0– 1-year experience required in Marion Island.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation.
• Public Service and Departmental procedures and prescripts.
• Experience in field surveys, research administration, data collection and management, bird’s identification & handling, disseminate information, report writing and recording.
• Good attention to detail and be meticulous in data collection and demonstrate experience to conduct scientific monitoring relating to seabirds to a high standard.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work at a remote place away from family and friends with minimal supervision.