Job Description

Job Title

: Research and Student Coordinator

Location

: Hanover & Swebeswebe Nature Reserves, Waterberg, Limpopo, South Africa

Organisation

: GAP Africa Projects Ltd

Start Date:

9 February 2026

About the Role

GAP Africa Projects designs bespoke academic field trips and volunteer experiences in conservation and community development, offering students hands-on learning and personal growth.

We are seeking a dedicated and self-motivated

Research and Student Coordinator

to lead ecological data collection and student engagement on our new programme at Hanover (779 ha) and Swebeswebe (5500 ha) Nature Reserves.

The role initially focuses on baseline data collection across all taxa, long-term ecological monitoring, and tracking ecosystem changes following the removal of the fence between the two reserves. It also includes coordinating student groups, supporting visiting researchers, and managing a small research camp.

Minimum Qualifications

NQF Level 7 or 8 (BSc/BTech in Natural Sciences, or similar) Valid South African driver's license with PrDP First aid (Level 1 minimum) Legal qualified guide (CATHSSETA certificate and LEDET registration)

Minimum Experience

2 years in conservation and research Coordinating student/volunteer groups Camp operations and logistics 4x4 driving experience

Additional Preferred Qualifications/Experience

NQF Level 9 MSc in Natural Sciences (can be pursued with data from the project) Experience with EarthRanger and GIS Experience in savanna ecology research

Skills & Attributes

Friendly, enthusiastic to engage with students Data curation and scientific report writing Confident, independent, adaptable, and comfortable in remote settings Strong communication and stakeholder engagement Public speaking and project management Interest in reserve management: i.e. game management, bush encroachment, erosion control etc. Own transport (high-clearance advantageous) Fluent in English

Key Responsibilities

Manage research centre and student camp Oversee and assist with the various research projects Design monitoring and research projects (with support from various stakeholders/advisors) Lead and supervise fieldwork and ecological monitoring Lead students in reserve management work (with support from managers) Coordinate student groups and visiting researchers Manage logistics, purchasing, and administration Compile ecological and project reports Represent GAP Africa Projects at local meetings Implement community engagement initiatives

What We Offer

On-site accommodation: Comfortable large shared house on the reserve, with fenced garden and pool - occasionally shared with visiting lecturers, researchers and GAP team.

Meals while groups are on site

Opportunity for own research and participation in publications

Salary to be discussed based on experience and qualifications

To Apply

Email your CV (2 pages or less) with cover letter to info@gapafricaprojects.com with the following in the subject line: "[Your Name] - Research and Student Coordinator application - ATT: Carmen Warmenhove"

Application deadline: 1 December 2025

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person