Siyamthanda Kunene
Goodwood
Summary
Highly motivated and goal orientated individual with a Diploma in Nature Conservation and Advanced Diploma in Project Management.Meticulous and curious with the drive to obtain knowledge,retain and utilize it in the position assigned.Thrives in highly pressurized environments while also being able to contribute to projects that have been assigned. Ready to use the knowledge and skills that I have obtained previously in my next role.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
8087
8087
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Junior ranger /environmental educator
Century City Property Owners and Association
04.2024 - 12.2024
- Assist in leading nature walks, programs, and workshops for schools and general members of the public
- Engage with visitors to explain the island rules, wildlife safety, and conservation efforts
- Conduct reception duties, including answering the telephone, inquiry emails, attending walk-in visitors, and till operation.
- Conduct monthly bird and roosting counts
- Conduct water quality tests around Century City
- Conduct littering pick-up operations and conservation education awareness
- Report any significant wildlife sightings or concerns about habitats
- Assist with any relevant work within the environmental division
- Collected data on plant and animal populations to inform long-term conservation strategies within the island.
- Planned, prepared, and taught lesson plans, giving students individual support.
- Addressed visitor inquiries and complaints, ensuring positive island experience.
- Led boat guided tours, providing informative and engaging experiences for visitors.
- Managed interpretive exhibits at the eco -center, providing engaging educational experiences for guests of all ages.
- Promoted sustainable practices through hands-on activities and interactive presentations, fostering positive behavior change in students.
Conservation Assistant
Century City Property Owners and Association
01.2023 - 04.2024
- Seed collection (indigenous fynbos plants for the restoration of the island)
- Assist in implementation of Intaka island alien species eradication plan
- Assist in the re-establishment of rare and endangered plant species
- Contribute to implementation of Intaka island environmental management plan
- Assist in maintaining and reporting of pathways, wildlife injuries and entanglements
- Assist in collecting sediment samples, water samples, and fauna surveys at the Century City canals
- Contribute to planning and policy development for the sustainable management and maintenance of Intaka island wetlands and the century city canals system
Field Assistant (Seabird rehabilitation intern)
Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB)
06.2022 - 12.2022
- Assist in daily care of seabirds, including feeding and monitoring their health
- Prepare and provide appropriate diets for different species
- Observe seabirds for signs of illness injury, or behavioral changes, documenting any concerns and relaying information to rehabilitation staff
- Help maintain cleanliness and organization in rehabilitation facilities, including enclosures, feeding areas, and medical treatment spaces
- Perform routine cleaning and sanitization to prevent spread of diseases
- Administering medications, treatments, and veterinary care as directed
- Participate in educational and outreach activities to teach the public about seabird conservation
- Interacting with members of the public regarding any sea birds' queries
- Ensure Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) are always followed
- Supervise small teams of volunteers as well as animals in care
- Maintain accurate records of bird entries, treatment, feeding and schedules
Work integrated learning
CapeNature (Jonkershoek Nature Reserve)
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Assist in conducting ecological surveys and monitoring programs to collect data on flora and fauna
- Participate in biodiversity assessments, including species identification and population ecosystem monitoring
- Help implement habitat restoration and management plans designed to enhance ecosystems health
- Participate in invasive species control efforts, including removal and management activities
- Assisted with doing vehicle inspections prior departure
- Assisted in enforcing the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment from the EPWP teams
- Assist in drafting reports on conservation activities, outcomes, and recommendations for future actions
- Ensure that pathways, trails and roads are clear of hazards
- Conduct regular inspections and report on the condition of facilities
- Assist with erosion control measures and habitat restoration project
- Assisted in supervising EPWP teams in various activities such as infrastructure maintenance, invasive alien control and any other tasks inside the reserve boundaries
- Provide support during fieldwork activities
- Help ensure adherence to safety protocols and conservation guidelines during field operations
- Pursue opportunities for professional development through training sessions, workshops, and mentorship from experienced conservationists
Data Capturer
Western Cape Department Of Education
01.2021 - 02.2021
- Capturing student details like demographics.
- Entering school data including staff details.
- Verifying accuracy of data by cross checking information and resolving discrepancies.
- Excelled in working independently as well as collaborating with teams, utilizing strong multitasking skills to manage competing priorities.
- Verified accuracy and validity of data entered in databases.
Volunteering
SANParks
03.2020 - 03.2020
- Patrols inside the park and general maintenance
- Invasive alien plant control
- Manual removal
- Chemical control
Volunteering
Kirstenbosch National botanical garden
07.2018 - 07.2018
- Watering, weeding, and mulching garden beds
- Pruning
- Assist with planting and transplanting flowers, shrubs, and trees
- Assist with guided tours for visitors
- Provide information about plant species, garden history, and sustainable practice
- Assist with general maintenance tasks such as cleaning garden tools and equipment
- Help with landscape maintenance such as mowing, edging, and maintaining pathways
- Involvement in restoration projects, such as native plant gardening
- Assist with seed collection and propagation
- Participate in monitoring plant health and management
Education
Grade 12 -
Dover Combined School
Empangeni, South AfricaDiploma in Nature Conservation -
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town, South AfricaAdvanced Diploma in Project Management - Management Science
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town, South AfricaPost graduate Diploma in Project Management -
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town, South AfricaSkills
Time management
Critical thinking
Problem solving
Teamwork
Adaptability
Safety Awareness
Leadership Skills
Decision making
Motivation skills
Conflict resolution
Strategic thinking
Communication skills
Project Management
Certificates And Competencies
- First Aid Level 1 & 2
- Basic Firefighting certificate
- Basic snake identification and handling
- Rehabilitation and Wildlife Rescue certificate
- Wetland ground truthing training
Timeline
Junior ranger /environmental educator
Century City Property Owners and Association
04.2024 - 12.2024
Conservation Assistant
Century City Property Owners and Association
01.2023 - 04.2024
Field Assistant (Seabird rehabilitation intern)
Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB)
06.2022 - 12.2022
Work integrated learning
CapeNature (Jonkershoek Nature Reserve)
02.2021 - 02.2022
Data Capturer
Western Cape Department Of Education
01.2021 - 02.2021
Volunteering
SANParks
03.2020 - 03.2020
Volunteering
Kirstenbosch National botanical garden
07.2018 - 07.2018
Grade 12 -
Dover Combined School
Diploma in Nature Conservation -
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Advanced Diploma in Project Management - Management Science
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Post graduate Diploma in Project Management -
Cape Peninsula University of Technology