Geospatial Field Technician - Spekboom Restoration Project

About the role

NatCarbon Africa is looking for a Geospatial Field Technician for its Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape, South Africa. The role reports to the Senior Geospatial Field Technician and covers the collection, processing and management of high-resolution aerial imagery and spatial datasets, combining field-based UAV operations with data processing, analysis and reporting. It supports ecological monitoring, restoration assessment and carbon accounting.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and execute high-precision UAV flights to capture aerial imagery and spatial data across restoration sites.
• Operate UAV systems safely and in compliance with regulations and company standards, with pre- and post-flight checks and detailed flight logs.
• Process raw imagery and sensor data into orthomosaics, digital surface models and other spatial products.
• Maintain geospatial databases and file systems, and develop geospatial tools, workflows and templates.
• Integrate aerial data with ground-based monitoring to support vegetation, biomass and carbon assessments.
• Run GIS analyses and produce spatial visualisations and maps for technical reporting.
• Work with the Ecology, Conservation, GIS and Data teams and contribute to research on geospatial monitoring methods.

Required profile

• Degree or tertiary qualification in Geomatics, Remote Sensing, GIS, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Engineering, Land Surveying or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in geospatial data collection or UAV operations.
• Valid Remote Pilot Certificate (fixed-wing and multi-rotor); BVLOS rating advantageous, with training support offered.
• Valid South African driver's licence; off-road experience advantageous.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the Eastern and Western Cape, including to remote locations, and to work occasionally on weekends or holidays; irregular hours.

Required skills

• UAV operation and aerial data acquisition.
• Image mosaicking, 3D reconstruction and photogrammetry (e.g. Agisoft Metashape, DJI Terra).
• GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.
• English and Afrikaans; isiXhosa is an advantage.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and a resume (CV) of up to three pages. The employer offers competitive pay depending on experience, plus health care, life insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off and professional development funds.