• The Specialist Scientist provide leadership in research and strategic direction that strengthens evidence-based conservation within SANParks and contributes to broader conservation science at national and international levels.
• The role focuses on generating and sharing high -quality scientific knowledge, mentoring the next generation of researchers, and ensuring that research findings influence policy and management practice.

Requirements

• A PhD (or equivalent) with at least one year of post-doctoral fellowship at a recognised university is required.
• 5–10 years of experience in a relevant research or science-related environment following their doctorate.
• A portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, including first-authored papers in rated scientific journals is required.
• Sound knowledge of and background in ecosystem research, monitoring and management, including in-depth knowledge of conservation practices and principles with an emphasis on adaptive management approaches.
• Contribute towards national and international scientific leadership.
• Strategic influence on policy and management decisions, and long-term impact across the organisation and broader conservation sector, with responsibilities aligned to expert-level knowledge, stakeholder engagement, and research integration at a high level.
• Good people management skills, an excellent networker and communicator.
• Required to travel extensively in the Arid Parks and across the SANParks estate, spending nights away from home and occasionally travel on weekends.
• A valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Leadership in Research and Strategic Direction.
• Knowledge of production and significant impact on quality of science within and outside the organisation.
• Knowledge of dissemination and co-learning.
• Teaching, Mentorship and Supervision.
• Research Impact.
• Coordinate and ensure implementation of the variety of ecological monitoring programmes such as; vegetation monitoring, fire ecology, taxonomic classification.
• Contribute to various assessment undertaken at parks to track and monitor progress i.e. Management Effective Monitoring Tool (METT).
• Take responsibility for upkeep and maitanance of research and monitoring infrastructure and equipment.
• Work planning and scheduling, budget control, general administration.

Closing Date

• 19 September 2025