ASSISTANT ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER: MARION ISLAND REF NO: OC37/2026 (Approximately Fifteen Months Contract)

This is a fixed-term contract position for an Assistant Environmental Officer to be based at the remote Marion Island, part of South Africa’s sub-Antarctic territory. The successful candidate will join a small overwintering team and work under the direction of a senior Environmental Control Officer, helping to protect the island’s unique ecosystems and ensure that all human activities comply with environmental legislation and management plans. The role is demanding but rewarding, offering an opportunity to contribute directly to conservation in one of the world’s most isolated environments. The position is advertised for approximately fifteen months, which includes the full year spent on the island and any associated deployment and orientation periods.

Applicants need a National Diploma in Environmental Sciences, Management, Conservation, or an equivalent NQF level 6 qualification in Natural Sciences recognised by SAQA. While the role is entry-level and allows for zero to one year of experience, it requires a solid understanding of Public Service procedures, departmental prescripts, and environmental legislation. The successful candidate must also possess strong strategic coordination and planning abilities, along with practical computer skills, report and professional writing skills, and good verbal and written communication. Interpersonal and diplomatic skills are essential, as is the capacity for relationship management and stakeholder engagement. The role demands teamwork, honesty, integrity, reliability, and the ability to gather and analyse information. Candidates must be prepared to work both independently and within a team, walk in the field under extreme weather conditions, and operate with minimal supervision. The ability to deal with difficult persons and resolve conflict is also critical, given the confined and high-pressure living environment.

The core duties involve supporting the senior Environmental Control Officer in implementing the Alien Species Eradication Plan, which covers plants, invertebrates, and rodents, as well as the broader Prince Edward Islands Management Plan and its associated legislation. The Assistant Environmental Officer will monitor compliance with Environmental Authorisations issued under the EIA Regulations for activities at the Prince Edward Islands. They will also help implement biosecurity measures, promote environmental awareness among base personnel, ensure compliance with the SANAP Waste Management Handbook, and undertake clean-up activities around the base. Additional responsibilities include supporting environmental compliance audits, compiling monthly and annual ECO reports, managing threats to environmental integrity, and contributing to the conservation of ecosystems. The work is varied and may include manual tasks, inspections, record-keeping, and awareness campaigns.

Candidates should note that this is a physically and mentally demanding posting. The incumbent will spend a full year, from April 2027 to May 2028, on Marion Island with no option to return to South Africa before the end of that period. The ability to live harmoniously with a small, isolated group of people is essential. Although the base is equipped with email, fax, and satellite telephone facilities, the individual must be self-sufficient, self-motivated, and resilient. The isolation can affect physical and mental well-being, as well as relationships with family and close friends. Therefore, candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong, and willing to work long hours in extreme conditions, sometimes on tasks outside their primary function. Short-listed applicants will undergo screening, security vetting, a rigorous medical examination, and psychometric assessment, all at no cost to the applicant. This role is ideal for an early-career environmental professional seeking a unique, challenging experience in sub-Antarctic conservation.