Areas Assistant in eThekwini Municipality - Job Description
Comprehensive Guide to the Role of a Natural Areas Assistant in eThekwini Municipality
Overview
The Natural Areas Assistant position, based in Durban under the eThekwini Municipality’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture division, plays a pivotal role in maintaining and managing natural areas. This article provides a detailed insight into the job responsibilities, requirements, competencies, and working conditions associated with the position.
Job Context
This permanent position falls within the Natural Resources and Special Services Branch and reports directly to a supervisor. The role is centered on maintaining natural areas such as protected reserves, riverine wetlands, coastal habitats, and other designated spaces within Durban’s Municipal Open Space System (DMOSS). The assistant ensures that public facilities in these areas align with the municipality’s environmental policies and procedures.
The position requires significant physical effort, flexibility in working hours, and adaptability to various environmental conditions. The individual must also be comfortable working with animals and navigating rugged terrain.
Key Responsibilities
The Natural Areas Assistant is entrusted with several responsibilities, which are summarized as follows:
Preparation for Daily Work
Ensuring readiness for assigned tasks.
Conducting pre-task checks to ensure tools and resources are available and functional.
Maintenance of Small Plants and Equipment
Keeping equipment clean, operational, and safe.
Ensuring that all tools and machinery comply with safety standards.
Land and Facility Maintenance
Maintaining public lands, infrastructure, and facilities within designated natural and DMOSS areas.
Performing regular inspections to identify and address maintenance needs.
Arboriculture and Habitat Rehabilitation
Engaging in tree care and maintenance (arboriculture).
Maintaining watercourses and rehabilitating habitats specific to reserves and aquatic areas.
Clearing Alien and Invasive Species
Managing invasive plant species in terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
Promoting biodiversity through the removal of encroaching indigenous bush where necessary.
Animal Handling and Relocation
Rescuing, handling, and relocating animals as part of conservation efforts.
Providing care and ensuring safe handling practices for animals within reserves.
General Zoological and Enclosure Maintenance
Maintaining enclosures and habitats to ensure they are conducive to the animals’ well-being.
Construction and Maintenance of Facilities
Assisting in the construction and repair of infrastructure, such as pathways, viewing platforms, and fences.
Public Engagement
Assisting members of the public with general queries about natural areas.
Providing information to promote awareness and understanding of conservation efforts.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Compliance
Ensuring that all tasks adhere to OHS regulations.
Promoting a safe working environment for team members and visitors.
Working Conditions
The role demands adaptability to varying conditions, including:
Weather Conditions: Work may occur in extreme weather, whether rain, heat, or cold.
Irregular Hours: May include overtime or working during weekends and holidays.
Physical Terrain: Tasks often take place in rugged and uneven terrains.
Animal Interaction: The assistant must be prepared to work closely with animals, which may involve unpredictable behaviors.
Competencies and Skills
To excel in this role, the following competencies are essential:
Managing Work
Ability to prioritize and efficiently complete tasks within deadlines.
Workplace Safety
Knowledge of safety protocols and practices to minimize risks.
Task Accountability
Taking responsibility for assigned duties and outcomes.
Operation and Control
Proficiency in operating tools, small plants, and machinery.
Service Delivery Orientation
Commitment to providing high-quality service to the public and the environment.
Interpersonal Relationships
Ability to build positive relationships with team members and the public.
Communication
Clear and effective communication skills for engaging with colleagues and visitors.
Action Orientation
Proactive and results-driven approach to work.
Team Orientation
Collaborating effectively within a team to achieve goals.
Qualification Requirements
Essential Requirements:
A basic primary education level.
Certificate of competency in operating small plants and equipment (can be obtained within six months of appointment).
At least six months of relevant experience.
Preferred Requirements:
A secondary education level.
At least one year of relevant experience.
Benefits and Remuneration
The position offers an attractive compensation package, including:
Annual salary ranging from R139,675.56 to R176,171.88.
A 13th cheque.
Contributions towards housing, medical aid, and pension fund.
Paid leave entitlements.
Importance of the Role
This position is critical to the preservation and sustainability of Durban’s natural ecosystems. By maintaining protected areas and promoting biodiversity, the Natural Areas Assistant directly contributes to the municipality’s long-term environmental and recreational goals.
Career Development
The role offers opportunities for professional growth, especially for individuals passionate about conservation and environmental management. Gaining experience in this position can pave the way for advanced roles within the natural resources and environmental management sectors.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply before the closing date, 6 December 2024, and reference ETH241120-7 with the job number 44014416. For inquiries, contact the Human Capital department at 031-3114102.
Final Thoughts
The Natural Areas Assistant role is an ideal opportunity for individuals passionate about the environment, wildlife, and community service. It combines physical engagement with meaningful conservation efforts, making it a rewarding career for those seeking to make a tangible difference in the natural world.
Overview
The Natural Areas Assistant position, based in Durban under the eThekwini Municipality’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture division, plays a pivotal role in maintaining and managing natural areas. This article provides a detailed insight into the job responsibilities, requirements, competencies, and working conditions associated with the position.
Job Context
This permanent position falls within the Natural Resources and Special Services Branch and reports directly to a supervisor. The role is centered on maintaining natural areas such as protected reserves, riverine wetlands, coastal habitats, and other designated spaces within Durban’s Municipal Open Space System (DMOSS). The assistant ensures that public facilities in these areas align with the municipality’s environmental policies and procedures.
The position requires significant physical effort, flexibility in working hours, and adaptability to various environmental conditions. The individual must also be comfortable working with animals and navigating rugged terrain.
Key Responsibilities
The Natural Areas Assistant is entrusted with several responsibilities, which are summarized as follows:
Preparation for Daily Work
Ensuring readiness for assigned tasks.
Conducting pre-task checks to ensure tools and resources are available and functional.
Maintenance of Small Plants and Equipment
Keeping equipment clean, operational, and safe.
Ensuring that all tools and machinery comply with safety standards.
Land and Facility Maintenance
Maintaining public lands, infrastructure, and facilities within designated natural and DMOSS areas.
Performing regular inspections to identify and address maintenance needs.
Arboriculture and Habitat Rehabilitation
Engaging in tree care and maintenance (arboriculture).
Maintaining watercourses and rehabilitating habitats specific to reserves and aquatic areas.
Clearing Alien and Invasive Species
Managing invasive plant species in terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
Promoting biodiversity through the removal of encroaching indigenous bush where necessary.
Animal Handling and Relocation
Rescuing, handling, and relocating animals as part of conservation efforts.
Providing care and ensuring safe handling practices for animals within reserves.
General Zoological and Enclosure Maintenance
Maintaining enclosures and habitats to ensure they are conducive to the animals’ well-being.
Construction and Maintenance of Facilities
Assisting in the construction and repair of infrastructure, such as pathways, viewing platforms, and fences.
Public Engagement
Assisting members of the public with general queries about natural areas.
Providing information to promote awareness and understanding of conservation efforts.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Compliance
Ensuring that all tasks adhere to OHS regulations.
Promoting a safe working environment for team members and visitors.
Working Conditions
The role demands adaptability to varying conditions, including:
Weather Conditions: Work may occur in extreme weather, whether rain, heat, or cold.
Irregular Hours: May include overtime or working during weekends and holidays.
Physical Terrain: Tasks often take place in rugged and uneven terrains.
Animal Interaction: The assistant must be prepared to work closely with animals, which may involve unpredictable behaviors.
Competencies and Skills
To excel in this role, the following competencies are essential:
Managing Work
Ability to prioritize and efficiently complete tasks within deadlines.
Workplace Safety
Knowledge of safety protocols and practices to minimize risks.
Task Accountability
Taking responsibility for assigned duties and outcomes.
Operation and Control
Proficiency in operating tools, small plants, and machinery.
Service Delivery Orientation
Commitment to providing high-quality service to the public and the environment.
Interpersonal Relationships
Ability to build positive relationships with team members and the public.
Communication
Clear and effective communication skills for engaging with colleagues and visitors.
Action Orientation
Proactive and results-driven approach to work.
Team Orientation
Collaborating effectively within a team to achieve goals.
Qualification Requirements
Essential Requirements:
A basic primary education level.
Certificate of competency in operating small plants and equipment (can be obtained within six months of appointment).
At least six months of relevant experience.
Preferred Requirements:
A secondary education level.
At least one year of relevant experience.
Benefits and Remuneration
The position offers an attractive compensation package, including:
Annual salary ranging from R139,675.56 to R176,171.88.
A 13th cheque.
Contributions towards housing, medical aid, and pension fund.
Paid leave entitlements.
Importance of the Role
This position is critical to the preservation and sustainability of Durban’s natural ecosystems. By maintaining protected areas and promoting biodiversity, the Natural Areas Assistant directly contributes to the municipality’s long-term environmental and recreational goals.
Career Development
The role offers opportunities for professional growth, especially for individuals passionate about conservation and environmental management. Gaining experience in this position can pave the way for advanced roles within the natural resources and environmental management sectors.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply before the closing date, 6 December 2024, and reference ETH241120-7 with the job number 44014416. For inquiries, contact the Human Capital department at 031-3114102.
Final Thoughts
The Natural Areas Assistant role is an ideal opportunity for individuals passionate about the environment, wildlife, and community service. It combines physical engagement with meaningful conservation efforts, making it a rewarding career for those seeking to make a tangible difference in the natural world.
