OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE
Working outdoors can be thrilling – especially for those who can’t see themselves in an office.
SITE ENGINEER
Site engineers work on construction projects, which range from small-scale building to multimillion-rand civil, road, rail or infrastructure projects.
They’re part of the site management team and work with architects, engineers, construction managers, supervisors, planners, surveyors and subcontractors.
Their role is to apply designs and plans in a technical, organisational and supervisory role and they also share responsibility for security, health and safety, and for the organisation and supervision of material and human resources on the site.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Mathematics is an essential matric subject if you plan to study for this career.
While it’s possible to work up to this position straight out of matric, most site engineers have an engineering degree or diploma, or another technical or numerical-based degree – often in building and construction or civil or structural engineering.
Civil engineers need to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa, and ongoing education and training are crucial to staying up to date with new industry developments.
››STARTING SALARY
R510 000 a year
SAILING MANAGER
These managers oversee the running of sailing training institutions and teach students to sail various types of watercraft from yachts to boats, at sea and on inland waterways.
They ensure that students meet training course standards and plan for training events and training runs.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Geography and mathematics are essential matric subjects.
You’ll need a Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) 95, which is the minimum entry-level credential necessary to work on any vessel at sea. It’s internationally recognised by the International Maritime Organisation and valid for five years.
In addition you’ll have to qualify with appropriate boating certificates for the particular craft as well as have theoretical training and practical experience before you can start working under the supervision of a qualified sailing instructor. Then you can go on to do a yacht master’s course and become a sailing manager.
Training courses are offered at several maritime colleges and academies in South Africa.
››STARTING SALARY
R327 000 a year
GAME RANGER
A game ranger is a lawenforcement officer responsible for protecting wildlife and ensuring it’s maintained at biologically successful levels.
The job is to enforce hunting and fishing licences and seasons by patrolling in an assigned area, such as a national park.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Your matric subjects should include mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences and geography.
You’ll need to follow up with a degree in zoology, or environmental management and zoology; or a diploma in nature conservation. You’ll also have to complete practical training with a wildlifeand nature-based training programme.
››STARTING SALARY
R162 000 a year
TELESCOPE OPERATOR
This is a specialised engineer who maintains the physical and electronic parts of telescopes and other viewing apparatus of observatories.
The job involves ensuring that telescopes are aligned with the correct coordinates for astronomers to study a particular part of the sky.
You’ll need to have comprehensive knowledge of the complex machinery of a modern observatory as well as an understanding of the work carried out by astronomers.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Your matric subjects must include mathematics and physical sciences.
It’s possible to learn through on-the-job training without any tertiary qualification but it’s advisable to obtain a degree or diploma in a relevant subject, such as astronomy, engineering, information technology or computer science.
››STARTING SALARY
R210 000