Carbon Science Technician

About Sayari Earth 

Sayari Earth is a technology- and impact-driven nature-based carbon removals project developer working globally. We work in partnership with landowners and communities to restore land, improve farm resilience, and support sustainable livelihoods through practical land management, conservation activities, and high-integrity carbon project development.

About the Role

Sayari Earth is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Carbon Science Technician to support field-based carbon, vegetation, and land monitoring activities across the Karoo Sustainable Landscapes Program.

This is a field-based technical role suited to an early-career professional with a degree in ecology, environmental science, conservation, agriculture, or a related field. The role will involve soil sampling, Vegetation Condition Assessments, field data collection, farmer interaction, and support to Sayari Earth’s science, project, and engagement teams.

The Carbon Science Technician will play an important role in ensuring that field data is collected accurately, consistently, and in line with project protocols. The successful candidate will also assist with farmer engagement from time to time and should be comfortable building respectful working relationships within Karoo farming communities.

We are looking for someone who is practical, professional, eager to learn, and confident working outdoors in rural environments. The ideal candidate will be based in Graaff-Reinet or Beaufort West, fluent in Afrikaans and English, and able to engage comfortably and respectfully with farmers, landowners, field teams, and internal project staff.

Key Responsibilities

Field Data Collection & Carbon Monitoring

• Conduct soil sampling according to project protocols and quality standards.
• Assist with Vegetation Condition Assessments and other ecological field assessments.
• Collect, record, and organise field data accurately and consistently.
• Support carbon, vegetation, and land monitoring activities across project sites.
• Assist with basic field measurements, site observations, photographic records, and GPS-based data collection.
• Ensure all field forms, digital records, and supporting documentation are completed correctly and submitted on time.

Veld Condition Assessments

• Support the planning and implementation of VCAs on partner farms.
• Assist with identifying vegetation indicators, veld condition observations, and site-specific ecological notes.
• Capture relevant field information to support monitoring, reporting, and project decision-making.
• Work closely with the science and project teams to ensure that VCA data is complete, accurate, and usable.

Farmer & Field Team Engagement

• Engage respectfully and professionally with farmers, landowners, and farm representatives during field visits.
• Assist with farmer communication and engagement activities where required.
• Support the coordination of field visits, site access, and practical arrangements with project teams and landowners.
• Communicate clearly with field teams regarding sampling plans, site requirements, and field observations.
• Help build trust and maintain positive working relationships within Karoo farming communities.

Project & Reporting Support

• Provide field updates to the science, project management, and land management teams.
• Assist with compiling field notes, progress updates, photographs, and data summaries.
• Support internal reporting by ensuring field information is organised, traceable, and complete.
• Flag field risks, access issues, data gaps, or unusual site observations to the relevant team members.
• Maintain strong attention to detail in all records, data sheets, and field documentation.

Equipment, Safety & Field Readiness

• Prepare, transport, and care for field equipment, sampling materials, and data collection tools.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental guidelines during fieldwork.
• Work responsibly in remote, rural, and semi-arid environments.
• Maintain an organised approach to field logistics, equipment, samples, and records.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Agriculture, Botany, Rangeland Science, or a related environmental field.
• Fluency in Afrikaans and English.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Willingness to travel regularly to farms and project sites across the Karoo.
• Comfortable working outdoors in rural and semi-arid environments.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow technical protocols accurately.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, especially in farmer-facing environments.
• Ability to work independently in the field while remaining aligned with project protocols and team requirements.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to keep accurate records.
• Must be based in, or willing to be based in, Graaff-Reinet or Beaufort West.

Preferred

• Previous experience with soil sampling, vegetation surveys, ecological monitoring, veld assessments, or field-based environmental research.
• Familiarity with Karoo farming systems, rangelands, livestock production, or rural land management.
• Experience using GPS devices, mobile data collection tools, GIS applications, or field data platforms.
• Experience engaging with farmers, landowners, or rural stakeholders.
• Interest in carbon markets, nature-based solutions, regenerative land management, or restoration ecology.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, respectful, and confident when engaging with farmers and rural stakeholders.
• Practical and comfortable working in field conditions.
• Curious, motivated, and eager to develop technical expertise.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented.
• Able to take initiative and work independently.
• Strong follow-through and willingness to complete field and administrative tasks properly.
• Adaptable and able to work across field, office, science, and engagement activities.
• Positive, team-oriented, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to:

• Build technical experience in carbon project monitoring, soil sampling, and vegetation assessment.
• Work directly on large-scale land restoration and nature-based carbon projects.
• Gain exposure to both science and farmer engagement in a practical field environment.
• Contribute to meaningful work that supports landscape restoration, farm resilience, and long-term environmental impact.
• Be part of a purpose-driven team working at the intersection of climate action, ecology, and sustainable land management.

How to Apply 

Please send your CV or a brief work history to aloha@sayari.earth with the subject line: Carbon Science Technician.

Your cover letter should highlight your relevant degree, fieldwork experience, Afrikaans communication ability, and interest in working with farmers and land restoration projects in the Karoo.

We are committed to building a diverse team and warmly welcome applications from individuals who bring varied perspectives, practical field experience, and a genuine interest in rural land restoration.

Due to the high volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.