&Beyond is built, almost entirely, on the strength of remarkable people who give passionately to their roles, work tirelessly, and have the guest experience at the core of their focus daily and care of the sustainability of our communities and environment. Every single ‘&Beyonder’ makes a huge difference to our success and our contribution to the world, regardless of their role or function. For this reason, we choose ‘&Beyonders’ very carefully – they are the strength and the future of this company.

SUMMARY 

The primary function of this position is to join the ecological monitoring team, assisting with infield data collection, wildlife monitoring and volunteer management. Over a typical six-week cycle, the position will involve four weeks based at Aloe Camp, comprised of two weeks monitoring and managing volunteers and two weeks of full-time pangolin monitoring. The final two weeks will be based at Swilleys camp, monitoring and managing volunteers. The position reports to the Phinda Research Manager.

OUTPUTS:

Volunteers:

• Manage the volunteer programmes, including the volunteer houses, vehicles etc.
• Manage volunteers and students 
• Ensuring cleanliness of camp, food orders, logistics, maintenance etc.   

Data collection:

• Daily Data Collection of Elephant, Cheetah, Lion, White Rhino, Buffalo, Pangolin and Black Rhino amongst other ecological data and species  
• Radio tracking (using telemetry) as and when required  
• Camera trapping and drive counts as and when required 
• Assisting the conservation management team with the collection of various samples
• Assisting external researchers & students in their data collection    

Sample Collection:

• Assist with collection of ecological samples and data of immobilized animals  
• Assist with the collection of samples for external researchers & students as and when required 

ID Kits:

• Compiling, updating and maintaining of ID kits for various species 
• Assist conservation management team when required  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:   

        ·          Decent knowledge of Maputaland and Zululand ecosystems

        ·          Strong computer literacy

        ·          Valid PDP and Code 8 Drivers License

        ·          Experience with 4x4/wilderness driving preferable

        ·          Minimum FGASA level one or BSc Degree in Conservation Biology/Wildlife Management/Ecology or similar field

        ·          Minimum First Aid level one

        ·          Rifle competency certificate and SAPS registered preferable

        ·          Some relevant wildlife working experience will be beneficial

        ·          Experience walking and tracking in a Big5 reserve preferable

        ·          Management skills

        ·          The ability to co-ordinate day to day operations

        ·          To manage conflict

        ·          To be feedback friendly

        ·          The ability to remain calm under stress

        ·          Have a very good work ethic

        ·          People’s person with great communication skills - with volunteers and fellow staff members

        ·          Good organisational ability

        ·          Attention to detail

        ·          This is a full-time permanent position

Must be a South African Citizen or have a valid work permit.

Kindly speak to your manager before making this application.

If you have not received any feedback on your application by the 5th of February 2026 you can consider your application unsuccessful.  

Contact information

Ziphozethu Bota