VACANCY: Fire Risk Reduction Internship

Closing Date: 2 December 2020 at 17h00

Planned Starting Date: ASAP

Groen Sebenza is a capacity building program funded by the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, aimed at developing priority skills in the Natural Resource Management (NRM) sector to help create sustainable employment and business opportunities for the sector. Groen (in Afrikaans meaning green) Sebenza (meaning work in isiZulu) brings young South Africans from previously disadvantaged backgrounds together with experienced natural resource management experts to learn, grow and eventually gain the competence and confidence to embark on rewarding and meaningful natural resources management or related careers.

Purpose of the Position:

Landowners and land-users need to be better informed about the effects of climate change on fire risk, the necessity of managing fire with fire, an awareness of the positive benefits of prescribed burning, the negative impact of unwanted fires on the environment and the impact that invasive alien plants (IAPs) have on fire risk. This mindfulness can result in more resilient communities and ecosystems and a reduction in asset losses and the cost of fighting wildfires. The intern will work with the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association (goFPA) in order to raise awareness levels of and assist with fire risk reduction for landowners and land-users with the focus on identified high risk entities outside the urban edges.

Requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen.

• Possess a valid, South African Code 08 driver’s license.

• Must provide own housing.

• Must be fluent in English and Afrikaans (Written and spoken).

• Must be competent in Microsoft Office suite.

• Tertiary qualification, preferably qualification in science or conservation.

• A minimum of 2 years of Integrated Fire Management or similar experience.

• Energetic

Recommendations:

• Knowledge of Integrated Fire Management.

• A tertiary qualification in forestry management.

• Be familiar with the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998 (NV&FFA).

• Competency in ArcGIS will be a benefit.

• Experience in fire-fighting operations.

• Own transport.

Responsibilities:

• To support goFPA with aspects of Integrated Fire Management (IFM), specifically risk reduction. This includes engaging with land-users and providing risk reduction report and documentation.

• To assist in rolling out an awareness campaign.

• To work with a mentor and monitor and evaluate the efficacy of advocacy.

• Admin support.

• To work with a mentor to identify opportunities for self-development and identify additional training needs.

• Write quarterly feedback reports for NRM on internship progression.

Candidates need to be under 35 years of age and currently unemployed. The intern will be expected to travel to Cape Town for a week to do training and to attend training courses as identified by goFPA and the mentor.

The intern will be based with goFPA in the Overstrand area.

Please forward a covering letter, a CV (max 3 pages) with 3 credible and contactable references to manager@overbergfpa.co.za and coord@fynbosfire.org.za

The appointment will be subject to a compulsory three-month probationary period. The appointment is for one year, with the potential of a year to year extension depending on performance and funding. The stipend is set by the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries. This project is committed to the principles of Employment Equity. Preference will be given to HDI candidates and females. If you have not heard from us within 21 working days after the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful. goFPA reserves the right not to make an appointment.