Opportunities

Raptor Field Technician, South Africa


Classification: Part-time, temporay
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Compensation: R1800 to R2200/day (or R225 – 275/hour) based on experience
Application Deadline: July 28, 2025

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About HawkWatch International

Founded in 1986, HawkWatch International is a raptor conservation nonprofit with a mission to conserve the environment through education, long-term monitoring, and scientific research on raptors as indicators of ecosystem health. As we approach 40 years of conservation, we are ready to invest in people who can help our hardworking team of educators, scientists, and administrative staff.

About the Position

We are seeking a highly motivated raptor field technician to lead fieldwork on Secretarybirds in the Western Cape of South Africa. HWI’s Secretarybird research includes finding and monitoring nests, installing nest cameras, and GPS tracking Secretarybirds to understand breeding success and inform conservation strategies. The position may also assist with other projects, including research on Verreaux’s Eagles and Black Harriers across the Western Cape and Northern Cape.

Reporting to the International Programs Director, Dr. Megan Murgatroyd, the candidate will ideally be based in the Overberg (Swellendam or nearby) or Cape Town. The successful candidate should be able to plan, undertake, and report on surveys; keep databases updated; be flexible in terms of travel and hours worked; and keep good relationships with all stakeholders.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Liaise with landowners and follow up on sightings of potential nest locations
  • Install and maintain cameras and batteries to monitor nests
  • Keep good records
  • Assist in handling birds to fit GPS tags 

Qualifications (Essential Skills)

  • Previous experience conducting nest surveys
  • Previous experience on wildlife research projects
  • Experience working independently and as part of a team, often in remote locations
  • Excellent note-taking and report-writing skills
  • Full valid driver’s license

Characteristics That Will Set You Apart

  • Genuine and demonstrable enthusiasm for raptors and the environment
  • Flexibility to adjust hours to meet project needs
  • Experience handling, ringing, or fitting GPS tags to wild birds
  • Afrikaans language (conversational, spoken)
  • Basic GIS skills (mapping and interpreting survey routes and waypoints)

Additional Information

  • Applicants must be flexible, adjusting hours and schedules to meet project needs.
  • Field trips usually last between 5-10 days throughout the field season (September – January). 
  • The role is expected to require between 10-20 days per month.
  • As part of our commitment to providing a safe and secure work environment, we conduct background checks on all prospective employees. These checks are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and are designed to ensure that our hiring decisions are based on legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons.
  • Key Points:
    • Consent: We obtain written consent before conducting any background check.
    • Transparency: Should any information from a background check potentially impact hiring decisions, we will provide you with a copy of the report and an opportunity to respond.
    • Non-discrimination: We apply the same standards to all candidates, regardless of race, national origin, color, sex, religion, disability, genetic information, or age.
    • Relevance: A criminal record will not automatically disqualify you from employment. We will consider the nature and timing of any offenses in relation to the job requirements.
    • Mandatory: Final approval of hiring is contingent upon completion of the background check process.

Compensation

This part-time, temporary position offers monthly remuneration calculated per hours/days worked, based on a rate of R1800 to R2200/day (or R225 – 275/hour) based on experience. Benefits are not provided.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We believe that just as in nature, diversity in the workforce fosters adaptability, resilience, and well-being. We strive to build a team that reflects the stakeholders and communities we serve and the places we work. Our goal is to create an environment where each team member feels valued, respected, and empowered in their work.

How to Apply

To apply, email a motivation letter, CV, and contact information for two contactable references to mmurgatroyd@hawkwatch.org by July 28, 2025 for priority consideration.

Hiring Timeline

Applications will be reviewed using a standardized scoring process that will determine which applicants move on to the interview process. We anticipate that we will have selected applicants for an interview by August 4, 2025. We plan to make an offer no later than August 11, and would prefer the successful candidate to start by September 1, 2025.

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