SAPRI Birder Overwinterer (x2)

About the role

The NRF-SAEON Egagasini Node, based in Cape Town, needs two suitably qualified people to collect field data on albatrosses and petrels for conservation and academic use as part of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI). The work takes place at a sub-Antarctic research base on Marion Island from April 2027 to May 2028, with no option to return to South Africa before May 2028. Conditions are cold, wet and windy 95% of the time, and applicants must be able to work and live with small groups.

Key responsibilities

• Collect field data on surface-nesting seabirds, including albatrosses and giant petrels, for conservation and academic purposes
• Carry out physiology work with petrel and albatross nestlings, including handling, blood sampling and isotope work
• Collect behaviour 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 of long-term study populations of petrels and albatrosses when needed
• Work remotely without direct supervision, with about 75% fieldwork involving 5,000 to 7,500 km of walking in gumboots
• Manage samples and data in the office and laboratory, capture, analyse and report data
• Manage equipment assets and work as a team at the base

Required profile

• BSc in Natural and Biological Sciences or equivalent; BSc (Hons) or higher is advantageous
• At least one year of work experience on seabirds
• Experience in field surveys, research administration, data collection and management, report writing and recording
• Previous bird-handling experience such as ringing and blood sampling is a distinct advantage
• Evidence of ability to work independently and in difficult field conditions, and of high fitness (carrying heavy packs and walking ~10 km a day in gumboots)
• Current or past sporting or hiking evidence of physical ability

Required skills

• Well versed in MS Office or related software
• Data management, report writing and computer skills
• Meticulous data recording, good communication and conflict resolution

Shortlisted candidates face screening and security vetting, and appointment is subject to a free medical, physical and psychological examination. Applications close on 11 November 2026.