SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds) Seabird Learnership 2023-2024: Opening X8 Positions for Unemployed Candidates

About SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds)
SANCCOB, which stands for the Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds, is an organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of coastal birds in the southern African region. They work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured, oiled, and abandoned seabirds, with a particular focus on species such as African penguins, Cape gannets, and various other seabird species.

The organization plays a crucial role in responding to oil spills along the coastline, providing emergency care and rehabilitation for affected birds. SANCCOB operates several seabird rehabilitation centers and works closely with local communities, volunteers, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of seabird conservation and the threats they face.

About the SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds) Seabird Learnership 2023-2024
SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds) is offering a learnership programme for candidates keen in the Seabird field. The SANCCOB Seabird Learnership, facilitated by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, presents a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking a 1-year paid learnership. This program offers a well-structured and mentor-guided training experience, with a primary focus on skill enhancement. Candidates who are currently unemployed and have a keen interest in completing a Further Education and Training Certificate in Nature Conservation: Natural Resource Guardianship Terrestrial (NQF level 4) are encouraged to apply. A genuine dedication to the conservation of seabirds is essential. Throughout the 12-month duration, learners will gain invaluable workplace exposure at SANCCOB and various other conservation sites.

The SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds) Seabird Learnership requires you to perform the ressponsibilities below:

• Calculate and adjust medication dosages for individual birds under the supervision of the Veterinarian
• Evaluate basic blood test results, including packed cell volume, buffy coat, and total protein levels
• Maintain detailed records for each individual bird
• Assist in the admission process for new seabirds at the rehabilitation center
• Safely handle and care for various species of seabirds, including force feeding, free feeding, hydration through tubing, and administering medication
• Monitor and care for eggs during incubation and hatching, including weighing, candling, measuring, and using an egg buddy
• Identify behavioral patterns in seabirds to assess their overall health condition
• Ensure a high level of cleanliness and hygiene in different areas of the facility
• Maintain appropriate temperature control in designated areas
• Defrost and prepare fish for various seabird species
• Supervise the intensive care unit for seabirds under the guidance of staff
• Oversee bird pens and provide guidance to other volunteers
• Assist in evaluating the waterproofing of feathers in African penguins
• Observe seabird necropsies for research and diagnostic purposes
• Participate in the release of rehabilitated seabirds back into their natural habitat
• Assist in biodiversity conservation efforts within protected areas
• Monitor and remove invasive vegetation to protect the natural ecosystem
• Aid in rehabilitation and restoration projects, infrastructure maintenance, fauna and flora monitoring, plant propagation, and administrative tasks
• Assist in conducting awareness and education activities for community members, schools, residents, and organizations to promote environmental education and raise awareness about seabirds and other conservation-related topics
• Provide basic training to other learners within the program.

You will be exposed to these different work areas during your learnership:

• General – This area encompasses tasks such as managing laundry, defrosting fish, preparing fluids/formula, and cleaning food preparation and feeding equipment.
• Cleaning Station – Responsible for using a high-pressure hose to clean large equipment, including mats from bird enclosures and bird crates.
• Aviary – Dedicated enclosures for flying birds that require daily cleaning, feeding (free feeding), and potential tasks like hydration (tubing), medication, or force-feeding for some birds.
• Intensive Care Unit – Primarily overseen by staff and learners, with potential assistance from volunteers for cleaning duties in the ICU.
• Rehabilitation pens – Main enclosures for birds undergoing rehabilitation, primarily African penguins. Daily cleaning and feeding tasks (force feeding) are required, along with potential hydration (tubing) and medication for some birds.
• Home Pen – An exhibit housing permanent and long-term temporary birds at SANCCOB. Assistance is needed in maintaining the exhibit, including tasks like scrubbing rocks, raking sand, and food preparation.
• Jobs – Various tasks crucial to the daily operations of the rehabilitation center, including general maintenance and cleaning duties.
• Chick Rearing Unit – Focuses on the care of smaller chicks and eggs weighing less than 1.5kg. Shift work is involved, either during the AM shift (5:30 am – 2:30 pm) or the PM shift (1:30 pm – 9:30 pm).
• Nursery Unit – The Penguin Nursery Learnership is centered around caring for larger chicks, typically weighing 1.5kg or more. These chicks remain in the nursery until they are ready to transition to swimming rehabilitation pens.
• Conservation Site: Involves activities such as planting, restoration work, soil erosion control, removal of invasive plants, monitoring of flora, and waste management.

The SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds) Seabird Learnership is currently available for X8 positions.

The learnership is expected to start on Monday, 3 July 2023.

Eligibility Requirements
Do you think you have what it takes to register for the SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds) Seabird Learnership? Be sure to send in your application as soon as possible! But first, you will need to take a look at the position’s eligibility criteria. These items will determine whether you’d make a great candidate or not. If you’d like to check your qualifications, be sure to take a look at the eligibility criteria below. If you’d like to guarantee a higher chance of success, it’s advisable that you meet all these times in the following list.

The SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds) Seabird Learnership Eligibility Criteria are as follows:

• Hold South African citizenship and possess a valid ID card/book
• Have obtained a Grade 12/matric certificate
• Belong to the category of young, unemployed individuals between the ages of 18 and 30
• Maintain a personal bank account in your name
• Demonstrate willingness to undergo training and fulfill associated assignments
• Reside within close proximity of the SANCCOB Cape Town centre in Table View
• Possess a genuine passion for nature and conservation
• Display readiness to engage in physical work, primarily conducted outdoors
• Give priority to women applicants, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
• Exhibit dedication towards career advancement within the biodiversity/environmental/conservation sector.

Application Instructions
Apply via email: [email protected] for the attention of Nevallian Abrahams (SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds) Seabird Learnership 2023-2024).

Applicants must provide the following documents: an updated curriculum vitae (CV), a copy of their identification card (both front and back if applicable), their matric certificate, and a motivational letter. The motivational letter should highlight their unique qualities compared to other applicants and explain why they are the ideal candidate for the position.

To apply, please send your complete application to the email address specified above. When submitting your application, ensure that the email subject clearly indicates “SANCCOB/Nature Connect Learnership.”

By submitting your application, you grant permission to the selection committee to utilize your personal information for registration purposes.

All applications will undergo thorough review and vetting processes to verify the legitimacy of the applicants. Candidates who are found to have provided false information on their application will not be eligible for registration during the designated period.

Please note that applications must be submitted through the provided portal. Submissions made via alternative methods such as hand delivery or fax will not be accepted by the selection committee.

Closing Date
Applications for the SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds) Seabird Learnership must be submitted before the closing date on 20 June 2023.

The selection committee strictly enforces a policy of zero tolerance towards late applications. Applications submitted after the specified closing date will not be considered or acknowledged during the registration period.

It is highly recommended that candidates submit their applications promptly to allow sufficient time for careful review and evaluation. Please ensure your applications are prepared at the earliest opportunity.

SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds) retains the authority to make appointments or decline candidates throughout the recruitment process. All decisions made by the selection committee are considered final and conclusive.

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