by Ria Olivier | Nov 27, 2023 | Announcement, Jobs, Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, Prince Edward Islands, Research, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic
Applications open for:
- Overwintering Birder
- Overwintering Killer Whaler
- Overwintering Sealer (2x positions)
The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.
The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2002. SAEON is mandated to observe and research ecosystems on land, in coastal regions and the oceans to understand how those systems function and might change over time and space when influenced by socio-economic driving forces including climate change. We deliver our data online and offer tools, services and advice for informed environmental policy-making.
SAEON Egagasini Node, based in Cape Town, Western Cape, requires the services of suitably qualified individuals to be responsible for collecting field data on birds and mammals, to be used for conservation and academic purposes as part of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI). The birder will be contributing to the project ‘On-island impacts of climate change on the Southern Ocean’s iconic seabirds’ run by the FitzPatrick Institute (University of Cape Town).
The Marion Island research station is managed and administered by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
Apply before: 07 December 2023
Click here!
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 27 November 2023
by Ria Olivier | Nov 1, 2023 | Announcement, Jobs, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SAPolarRI, SAPRI
The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Egagasini Node, managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) requires the services of SAPRI Operations Coordinator responsible for the day-to-day operational and logistical management of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI).
As per job advertisement:
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate Supply Chain Management activities at SAPRI to meet organisational objectives and ensure compliance
- Coordinate the compiling of promotional content management, progress reports (monthly, quarterly and annually)
- science engagement and annual performance plans
- Provide lead support to ensure effective communication and coordination between SAPRI stakeholders
- Day-to-day responsibility of operational and logistical management of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure
- Provide assistance to a range of services that support sound management and the sustainable development of SAPRI, underpinned by good logistical coordination
- Support the SAPRI manager and Ocean and Polar Coordinator, with other operations and reporting, including drafting relevant documentation in support of the portfolio, including contracts, MoUs and MoAs, promotional content management, progress reports (monthly, quarterly and annual), science engagement and annual performance plans
- Work closely with the key SAPRI stakeholders (NRF SANAP, DFFE and scientists and technicians) to ensure that there is effective communication and coordination for efficient operations
- Support the promotion of transformation within polar science by mentoring and supporting PDPs and emerging polar scientists and technicians in logistics and operation management
Apply before: 13 November 2023
View the full job advert here:
SAPRI Operations Coordinator at NRF National Research Foundation job in Foreshore, Western Cape | CareerJunction
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 01 November 2023
by Ria Olivier | Oct 26, 2023 | Announcement, Jobs, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SAPolarRI, SAPRI
The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Egagasini Node, based in Cape Town, Western Cape, requires the services of a Top Predator Monitoring Coordinator responsible for the day-to-day operational and logistical management of the Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme (MIMMP), and the Albatross & Petrel Programme (APP), as part of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI).
As per job advertisement:
Key Responsibilities:
- Day-to-day responsibility for operational and logistical management of the MIMMP and APP program
- Liaising with Mammal Research Institute (University of Pretoria) to ensure successful transfer of MIMMP to SAPRI
- Liaising with Percy FitzPatrick Institute for African Ornithology (University of Cape Town) to ensure successful transfer of APP to SAPRI
- Oversight of MIMMP and APP field personnel team selection, training and supervision for continued collection of long-term monitoring data
- Raw data integrity and workflow to SAPRI – DPS oversight
- Equipment and consumable management and procurement
- Upkeeping of permits, ethics and reporting administration
Apply before: 07 November 2023
View the full job advert here:
Top Predator Monitoring Coordinator at NRF National Research Foundation job in Foreshore, Western Cape | CareerJunction
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 26 October 2023
by Ria Olivier | Oct 26, 2023 | Announcement, Jobs, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SAPolarRI, SAPRI
The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) requires the services of an EDI Coordinator responsible for driving and supporting transformation in marine and polar sciences in South Africa, coordinating the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) Mentorship Programme, and compiling the SAPRI Code of Conduct (CoC).
As per job advertisement:
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with NRF-SANAP, DFFE, DSI and other key stakeholders to understand past efforts and design a forward looking, phased approach to transforming marine and polar sciences
- Collaborate with historically disadvantaged institutes to promote marine and polar sciences
- Collaborate with previously disadvantaged individuals who are interested in marine and polar sciences
- Collaborate with current and past SANAP and MARS stakeholders to understand the blockages with regards to transformation
- Responsible for coordinating the design and implementation of the SAPRI mentorship programme, including all elements such as the needs to be addressed, programme length and structure, mentee and mentor recruitment, strategies for mentee-mentor matching, activities, addressing mentee and/or mentor challenges to participate (e.g. technological barriers, funding), etc.
- Organise and chair meetings of the mentorship programme organisational committee and ensure that minutes are recorded
- Design and implement a programme monitoring and evaluation strategy
- Report writing at the end of each iteration of the programme and work on strategies to ensure programme sustainability
- Compile the SAPRI Code of Conduct (CoC)
- Review existing SA polar / marine CoCs (e.g. SEAmester, etc)
- Form and chair a CoC Action Group
- Represent SAPRI and South African polar community on EDI committees (e.g. SCAR, SOOS, others) and give talks, presentations, webinars on EDI where relevant
- Organise workshops for SAPRI stakeholders and community to create awareness of EDI
Apply before: 08 November 2023
View the full job advert here:
EDI Coordinator at NRF National Research Foundation job in Foreshore, Western Cape | CareerJunction
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 26 October 2023
by Ria Olivier | Oct 6, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Jobs, Marion Island, Meteorology, Overwintering Team, SANAP, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic
The following vacancies are advertised by The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for positions based on Antarctica and Marion Island.
Antarctica, SANAE IV (the 4th South African National Antarctic Expedition Station):
The successful applicant will spend a full year (December 2023 to February 2025) at SANAE base. There is no option to return to South Africa before February 2025.
Marion Island:
The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2024 to May 2025) at Marion Island. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2025.
| Job Title | Station | Period | Closing Date | Job Advert |
| Senior Meteorological Technician | SANAE IV Antarctica | December 2025 to March 2027 | 18 August 2025 | Click here |
| Instrumentation Technician | SANAE IV Antarctica | December 2025 to March 2027 | 18 August 2025 | Click here |
| Medical Doctor | SANAE IV Antarctica | December 2025 to March 2027 | 18 August 2025 | Click here |
| Mechanical Engineer | SANAE IV Antarctica | December 2025 to March 2027 | 18 August 2025 | Click here |
| Diesel Mechanic | SANAE IV Antarctica | December 2025 to March 2027 | 18 August 2025 | Click here |
| Electro-Mechanical Technician | SANAE IV Antarctica | December 2025 to March 2027 | 18 August 2025 | Click here |
| Communications Engineer | SANAE IV Antarctica | December 2025 to March 2027 | 18 August 2025 | Click here |
| 2 X Field Assistant - Birders | Marion Island | April 2026 - May 2027 | 25 August 2025 | Click here |
Anche Louw, Co-Principal Investigator of Antarctic Legacy of South Africa and Digital Marketing and Communications Manager of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 06 October 2023.
by Ria Olivier | Oct 5, 2023 | Announcement, Marion Island, News, Newsletters>Marion Island Newsletters, Overwintering Team, Prince Edward Islands, SAPolarRI, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic, Team member
The 80th Marion Island overwintering team has published their first newsletter.
Content included in The Wanderer Spring Edition:
- Editor’s Note and Message from the Team Leader
“Hello from the little swampy volcano in the Southern Indian Ocean we call home, or Marion Island. The year has kicked off and the overwinterers have settled into their routines, just in time for it all to change. The Spring Edition of The Wanderer marks the beginning of a massive influx of wildlife onto the island, eager to breed and moult on this isle of paradise. Follow on as the chaos descends for field researchers alike and the hustle continues at the Base at Cabbage Point” ‐ Zafar Monier.
- Meet the team
- Marion’s Magnificent Birds
“Marion Island is home to 40% of the world’s Wandering Albatross population” Zafar Monier.
“M80 has the opportunity to conduct upper air ascends on our expedition twice a day, everyday of the year. Weather balloons are released simultaneously from different locations worldwide! On Marion Island we release the balloon at 12H00Z and 00H00Z (15H00 and 03H00 Marion local time)” – the 2023/2024 South African Weather Service Meteorological team members on Marion Island.
Click on the link below to download the first M80 newsletter.
M80 Newsletter: The Wanderer Spring Edition
The 80th Marion Island overwintering team. This photo was taken before the last helicopter flight to the S.A. Agulhas II, at the end of the 2023 takeover. The ship departed from Marion Island to Cape Town late afternoon of 12 May 2023. Image: Michelle Risi.
Anche Louw, Co-Principal Investigator of Antarctic Legacy of South Africa and Digital Marketing and Communications Manager of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 05 October 2023.
