Geospatial Young Professional - Spekboom Restoration Project

About the role

NatCarbon Africa is looking for a Geospatial Young Professional for its Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape, South Africa. The project aims to restore up to 100,000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket biome by planting Spekboom on private land, improving soil filtration, water storage and biodiversity, and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide. The role reports to the Senior Geospatial Field Technician and supports aerial monitoring and field data collection with high-precision drones, data processing, analysis and reporting. The employer supports candidates in obtaining their Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) and BVLOS qualifications.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with high-precision drone flights and data capture using advanced sensors and UAV technology.
• Support processing of complex spatial datasets, managing data layers and analyses that guide project activities and reporting.
• Help develop tools, frameworks and databases that streamline data collection and analysis.
• Work alongside restoration teams on non-drone tasks and give regular progress updates.
• Undertake on-the-job training toward the RPC and BVLOS certification.
• Travel frequently to remote field locations, sometimes on weekends or holidays, with irregular hours.
• Contribute to research and innovation in geospatial monitoring methods for ecological restoration and carbon assessment.

Required profile

• Completed degree in Engineering, Land Surveying, Geomatics, Remote Sensing, Earth Science, Environmental Science or a related field.
• Entry-level role: prior professional experience is not required, though relevant internship, vacation work or academic project experience is advantageous.
• Physically fit and willing to work in remote field locations; valid South African driver's licence (off-road experience advantageous).
• Proficiency in English; Afrikaans and isiXhosa are an advantage.

Required skills

• Spatial data analysis and statistical software; experience with photogrammetry is an asset.
• Remote sensing, image analysis and GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, Agisoft Metashape).
• Familiarity with GPS surveying, UAV operation and environmental data monitoring.

What we offer

• Competitive pay depending on experience, plus health care and life insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off and professional development funds.
• Salary increases and/or promotions for exceptional performance.

To apply, submit a cover letter (one page) and a resume (three pages) through the NatCarbon website or LinkedIn page.