Overwintering Killer Whale Field Researcher (SAPRI)

About the role

The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Egagasini Node seeks a qualified Overwintering Killer Whale Field Researcher to collect field data for conservation and academic purposes as part of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI). The position involves extensive field work on sub‑Antarctic Marion Island under extreme weather conditions.

Key responsibilities

• Collect field data on surface‑nesting seabirds, including albatrosses and giant petrels, for conservation and academic use.
• Carry out physiology work with petrel and albatross nestlings, including handling, blood sampling and isotope analysis.
• Record behavioural observations on nestlings of surface‑nesting albatrosses and giant petrels.
• Monitor nestling survival in Wandering Albatrosses.
• Deploy and maintain camera traps and temperature dataloggers.
• Assist with monitoring long‑term study populations of petrels and albatrosses when required.
• Perform remote field work without direct supervision, covering 75 % of the contract time and walking 4 000–6 000 km in gumboots.
• Capture, analyse and report data, ensuring rigorous record‑keeping.
• Operate in harsh outdoor conditions with low temperatures, gusty winds and rain.
• Manage scientific equipment and assets, including satellite relay data loggers.

Required profile

• Ability to work for extended periods in cold, wet and windy environments.
• Strong observation, note‑taking and record‑keeping capabilities.
• Experience handling large electronic datasets and scientific equipment such as satellite relay data loggers.

Required skills

• Satellite relay data loggers
• Camera traps
• Temperature dataloggers
• Large electronic dataset management