Two intern positions available for 2015 – Communications Assistant and Research Assistant/Technician

Shark Spotters has two internship positions available for new graduates in 2015 as part of the City of Cape Town’s Urban Sustainability Internship Programme.

We are looking for recent graduates for the following positions, details of which are given at the end of this post:

• Communication/admin assistant
• Research assistant/technician

The internship is for 12 months from 2 February 2015 – 31 January 2016 and provides an exciting opportunity for graduates to develop capacity and skills and gain practical hands-on experience. Interns will be mentored by Shark Spotters management and skills development will be enhanced by attending compulsory capacity building and training workshops at the City of Cape Town.

A minimum stipend of R30.50 per hour, based on a 40-hour week, will be paid together with selected employment fringe benefits such as paid annual leave, sick leave and training.

Interviews will take place during early December 2014, and applicants must be able to commence work on 2 February 2015 at the latest. Preference will be given to graduates from the University of Cape Town (UCT), University of the Western Cape (UWC), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and University of Stellenbosch (US), and who have not enrolled for further studies coinciding with the internship period.

Details of all available posts for the internship are provided at www.capetown.gov.za/environmentalinterns

Only electronic applications will be accepted (no hard copies). Please email a brief CV (max 2 pages) that contains the names and contact details of two referees, plus an academic transcript, to enviro.interns@capetown.gov.za . Other relevant documents will be requested if you are shortlisted for an interview.

Please submit a separate email for each post you are applying for with the name of the post in the subject line. Kindly note that applications received will not be acknowledged in writing.

Important: If you have any relatives or friends currently employed by the City of Cape Town, state the name of the person and the department they work for in your email.

The closing date for applications is 14 NOVEMBER 2014 at 16:00. No late applications will be considered.

If you have not received a response by 31 December 2014, please deem your application as unsuccessful.

POST 22 – Shark Spotters Programme Communication and Admin Assistant
Reference: CCTUSIP 22 (1 position)
Location: Muizenberg beachfront
Department: Shark Spotters Programme
Branch: Safety and Communication Units
Intern Managers: Sarah Waries / Alison Kock

Key Learning Areas
The intern will be required to do the following:

• Project management and facilitation of programmes.
• Development of educational and resource materials – converting science and safety information into a format easily accessible by the public.
• Environmental education in the field, at the information centre and community liaison.
• Manage and develop social media presence of Shark Spotters and other communication formats.
• Develop monthly newsletter and assist with communication campaigns.
• Develop a range of merchandise for the programme and manage merchandise activities including stock take, ordering, sales and marketing.
• Monitor and keep track of media impact of Shark Spotters.
• Provide general administrative support to management including HR, data management etc.
• Assist with all fundraising events and activities.
• Assist management with coordination of Shark Spotting training events.
• Assist management with education groups and host displays.
• Assist with promotion of the Shark Spotters programme activities in written and oral formats.

Qualification
Relevant degree or diploma in Marketing, Communication, Project Management or alternatively a degree/diploma in Biological/Environmental Science with proven design/communication skills/experience

Skills required
Excellent communication, written and oral skills
Advanced computer literacy including knowledge of design software
Design skills
Knowledge of WordPress an advantage
Project management, planning and organising
Report writing
Driving licence with own car

Other Requirements
Passionate about ocean conservation and communication
Social sensitivity – ability to work cross-culturally

POST 23 – Shark Spotters Programme Research Assistant/Technician

Reference: CCTUSIP 23 (1 position)
Location: Muizenberg beachfront
Department: Shark Spotters Programme
Branch: Research Unit
Intern Managers: Alison Kock / Sarah Waries

Key Learning Areas

The intern will be required to do the following:

• Provide technical and logistical support to shark research programme.
• Conduct field work on various shark species.
• Acquire equipment or supplies necessary for the project.
• Maintenance of research vessel and research equipment.
• Data management, capture and analysis.
• Develop and maintain research databases.
• Develop research protocols.
• Diagnose and problem solve as it relates to the research projects.
• Prepare progress reports.
• Desktop research, report writing and presentations.
• Arrange annual boat safety certificate.
• Assist with research permit applications and renewals.
• Assist students with research projects.

Qualification
A degree or diploma in Environmental Science, Nature Conservation, Biology or Oceanography (preferably Honours degree or equivalent)

Skills Required

• Excellent communication, written and oral skills
• Advanced computer literacy
• Data proficiency and analytical skills
• Project management
• Driving licence and own car
• Skippers certificate
• Class 4 commercial dive qualification

This position requires long hours of physical work in a variety of sea and weather conditions. As such, applicants must be in good physical condition and feel comfortable working on boats for extended periods.

Other qualities
Passionate about ocean conservation
Social sensitivity – ability to work cross-culturally