Job Ref #: VAWWM001
Industry: Property
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1

Job Description

The Wildlife Monitors are responsible for patrolling the V&A Waterfront precinct to monitor the presence and behaviour of Cape fur seals and other marine wildlife under the Marine Wildlife Management Programme, and to manage wildlife movement where necessary to reduce human-wildlife conflict and discourage animals from accessing areas where their presence may create safety or conflict concerns.

It is their responsibility to contribute to the welfare of marine wildlife, with a particular focus on seals and seabirds, and to support safe coexistence between wildlife and people within the working harbour environment.

The role includes routine patrols; wildlife monitoring, data collection and reporting; assisting with seal disentanglements and other wildlife rescue and response activities; the rescue and collection of injured, compromised or deceased seabirds and other marine wildlife where appropriate; and the cleaning and maintenance of designated wildlife areas, jetties, response equipment and associated infrastructure, and assisting the Marina & Canal team with the general housekeeping, cleaning and maintenance of the V&A Harbour & Canal.

Job Requirements

Job Objectives:

Wildlife Monitoring

• Monitor behaviour of Seals and Birds (and other wildlife) in the V&A precinct

• Assist with the movement of seals/birds and other wildlife as necessary 

• Ensure reduced human-wildlife conflict around the marina and harbour basins

• Ensure reduced incidence of seals on or near yachts and motorboats

• Record and report on marine wildlife sightings, numbers, movements and relevant observations 

• Record and report on bird behaviour

• Record and report on animal health and welfare observations

• Maintain appropriate records 

 

Wildlife Welfare

• Assist with marine wildlife rescue and response activities within the V&A Waterfront precinct (including dry docks)

• Contribute to the welfare of marine wildlife in the V&A precinct

• Conduct general observation patrols to identify welfare concerns within the precinct

• Assist with disentanglements

• Identify, record and report entangled seals and other wildlife welfare concerns

• Identify and assist with the rescue and collection of injured or compromised seabirds and other wildlife where appropriate.

 

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Liaise with the relevant internal and external stakeholders, including the Marine Wildlife Management team, tenants and the public specifically

• Observe Animal Health and well-being and communicate concerns to the Marine Wildlife Management team

• Assist the Marine Wildlife Management team with possible animal rescues within the V&A precinct

• Engage with the public regarding marine wildlife and appropriate human-wildlife interactions within the V&A precinct. 

• Engage with the public to create Conservation Awareness around wildlife found within the V&A precinct

 

Operational Execution

• Assist the Marina Team

• Responsible for general housekeeping and assisting with the cleaning and maintenance of designated wildlife areas and infrastructure (seal platforms)

• Maintain and care for equipment

• Turn off energy consuming equipment when not in use

• Report on problems with or possible improvements to the environmental performance

• Consider environmental issues when making decisions (best practice standards applied)

• Source environmentally friendly products and materials

• Report on environmental incidents or risks

• Dispose of waste in the correct manner

• Involved with sustainability projects

• Attend environmental and other relevant training sessions

• Occasionally assist the curatorial team at the Aquarium

• Ensure business effectiveness and continuity by implementing and adhering to policies and procedures, briefs, and deadlines

• Make sure that all Health & Safety standards are complied with as set out in legislation

• Comply with V&A and TOA’s Environmental Management System (EMS)

• Assist the Marina Team

• Occasionally assist the Marine & Industrial Department at the Cruise Terminal and on the V&A Waterfront Property

 

 

Educational Requirements:

Required: 

• Gr. 12 

Advantageous

• First Aid

• Animal Welfare Training

• Driving license

• Basic swimming ability and confidence working in and around water in a Harbour environment.

 

Knowledge Requirements 

• Working Knowledge of wildlife monitoring (specifically seal and bird monitoring)

• Health & Safety standards

• Basic understanding of animal health and welfare

• General knowledge of relevant marine wildlife characteristics and habits

• Using radio communications

• Data capturing 

• Public engagement

• Basic biosecurity, health, and safety principles
  
  

Skills Requirements:

• Analytical and methodical

• Observation skills

• Data capturing and reporting

• Practical, logicalInterpersonal skills

• Good communication

• Adaptable

*Must be able to cope with the physical demands of the job, undertaking manual and sometimes heavy work

 

Experience Requirements:

• Experience working with animals (including animal care / management)

• Working on weekends and public holidays as well as overtime will be required at times

 

 

Employment Equity:  

 The V & A Waterfront is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. This position will be recruited and filled in accordance with our Employment Equity requirements and legislation.