Occupational Certificate: Field Ranger

Purpose

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Field Ranger.

A Field Ranger supports and assists the Reserve managers/ Section Ranger in protecting the integrity of the area in line with the legislation, management plans, rules and guidelines through patrolling. Typical graduate attributes will include among others leadership, discipline, compassion and dedication.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Perform field operations.
• Track quarry to protect biodiversity.

Rationale

Since 2008 there has been a huge increase in rhino, elephant and other key animal species poaching in Southern Africa, in which 93% of the remaining rhino in the world occurs in South Africa. Poaching is taking place at an alarming rate of 1000+ of the key species per year and threatens their existence.

During the African Wilderness Foundation (AWF) emergency Rhino Summit in Kenya for African Countries in April 2012 and the 1st National Rhino Conservation Dialogue held by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in May 2012, the primary objective to ensure the survival of these species emerged with the theme: 'Boots on the Ground' - an increase in the deployment of well trained and equipped Anti-Poaching Rangers. Currently there is a limited number of new generations of Anti-Poaching Rangers to fulfil the huge demand in National Parks, Provincial Parks and Protected Areas, Private Nature Reserves and Wildlife Ranches.

The 'Conservation / Anti-Poaching Ranger Career Path' initiative will utilise models with new processes and approaches to capacitate a new generation of Rangers with theory, skills and practical experience to address this challenge to save our biodiversity and wildlife heritage for future generations.

Entry into this specific occupation and specialisation will allow for career progression towards Anti-Poaching Ranger and ultimately Park Ranger. Qualifying learners may be able to gain employment in National Parks, Provincial Parks, Protected Areas, Private Nature Reserves, Wildlife Ranches, Anti-Poaching Units as well as Specialised Wildlife Security Providers.

Qualifying learners are capable of using a series of legal, security, technological and environmental skills to protect biodiversity and wildlife. This will position a qualified learner to fulfil the mission of creating a safe and secure environment for all wildlife in South Africa and range states.

This part-qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 213307-000-01-KM-01, Biodiversity Conservation, Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 213307-000-01-KM-02, Introduction to Relevant Legislation, Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 213307-000-01-KM-03, Wilderness First Aid, Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 213307-000-01-KM-04, Communication, Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 213307-000-01-KM-05, Handle and use of Specialized Equipment, Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 213307-000-01-KM-07, Tracking, Level 5, 5 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 30

Practical Skill Modules

• 213307-000-01-PM-03, Perform Area Integrity Duties, Level 4, 10 Credits.
• 213307-000-01-PM-04, Track a Quarry to Establish Contact, Level 4, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 20

Work Experience Modules

• 213307-000-01-WM-01, Procedures for Field Operations, Level 4, 20 Credits.
• 213307-000-01-WM-03, Processes for Area Integrity Management, Level 6, 30 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 50

1. Gather and interpret information to perform field operations to protect biodiversity.
2. Apply methods, procedures and techniques to identify and track quarry to maintain biodiversity conservation and protection according to the standard procedure.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Gather and interpret information to perform field operations to protect biodiversity.

• Apply control measures for the removal of alien and invasive plants in accordance with standard operational procedures.
• Identify and apply control measures to solve damages caused by animals.
• Construct, maintain and monitor area fencing for wildlife for protection of wildlife.
• Handle any emergencies arising during field operations in accordance with standard practice.
• Explain the role of fire and erosion in conservation management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Apply methods, procedures and techniques to identify and track quarry to maintain biodiversity conservation and protection according to the standard procedure.

• Explain and apply tracking principles correctly.
• Organise and execute track search methods to standard practice.
• Explain methods of counting of tracks and demonstrate each to standard practices.
• Identify bird, reptile and invertebrate ground signs that assist with spoor ageing correctly.
• Explain and determine human/animal ground signs during field operations.
• Identify and report primary and secondary information relevant to tracking quarry and establishing contact correctly.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Formative Assessment

The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

The assessment will be conducted through written assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites by a panel of assessors evaluated by assessor(s) registered with the AQP.

Integrated Summative Assessment

Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a theoretical assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites in a simulated environment and conducted by an assessor(s) registered with the relevant AQP.