Spatial Analyst: Marine Biodiversity Mapping and Assessment

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide technical spatial analysis support to the Marine Programme in the Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring Directorate.

The appointment requires the candidate to be in possession of a relevant post-graduate degree at Masters level enhanced by at least 8 years’ working experience in marine biodiversity. A comprehensive GIS skill set (data collection, data management, spatial analysis and cartography) is essential. Basic remote sensing expertise is advantageous.  Familiarity of ESRI packages is preferred.

Evidence of the ability to build capacity / provide training in technical spatial analysis will be advantageous. Furthermore the suitable candidate must be in possession of a valid unendorsed driver’s license (B/EB), as well as be willing to travel. The ability to maintain sound interpersonal relations, and highly effective verbal and written communication capabilities are essential.

Good project coordination and networking skills will be advantageous. The candidate will support marine work for mainland South Africa and may need to support cross-realm components of the National Biodiversity Assessment including the coastal and sub-Antarctic aspects. Experience in marine and/or estuarine biodiversity mapping and assessment is essential. Biodiversity planning experience is highly advantageous.

Key responsibilities include:

• Source (gather), generate (capture data, create secondary data) and manage (store, secure or disseminate) relevant marine spatial data. This includes key data sets for the marine ecosystem map and assessment for mainland South Africa and our sub-Antarctic territory;
• Undertake advanced spatial analyses to support marine biodiversity ecosystem classification, assessment, planning and monitoring work at SANBI, including the development and computation of indicators;
• Assist in design of GIS methodology for projects that have a spatial component;
• Provide GIS technical support to stakeholders relating to marine biodiversity assessment and monitoring needs, including ecosystem mapping and technical support to the ecosystem classification committees - managing the iterative improvement of product and versioning;
• Spatial analysis and GIS data management mentoring and capacity building within the directorate and support to SANBI students contributing to SANBI work;
• Communication of biodiversity spatial outputs.

Please note:

1) An application form obtainable from our offices must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for the position and confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of relevant experience will not be considered).

2) A skills test will be conducted as part of the selection process.

3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees.

4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number may result in your application not being considered. 

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will currently be given to candidates from the designated groups. 

Contact Ms Kaashiefa Bassier on (021) 799 8878/8800 or preferably, or forward the completed application form, a letter and concise CV via e-mail to recruitmentct@sanbi.org.za or fax 0865 899 569.

Postal applications are to be addressed to:

Deputy Director: Human Resources,
South African National Biodiversity Institute,
Private Bag X7,
Claremont,
7735.

Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates may consider their applications unsuccessful.