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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Field Ranger 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121808  Occupational Certificate: Field Ranger 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner- CATHSSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  100  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 1121/24  2024-01-30  2029-01-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-01-30   2033-01-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
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. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    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 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    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 
    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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An international comparability exercise was undertaken to compare the Occupational Certificate: Field Ranger with related qualifications from specific countries in terms of their scope, level and curriculum content. The purpose of this exercise is to compare the qualification against existing and comparable practice internationally. The exercise was conducted for two (2) countries, i.e. Canada and United States of America (USA).

    Canada
    The North American Wildlife Technology Association (NAWTA) in Saskatchewan provides Game Ranger training. Since the area is rich with diverse natural resources the institution provides an Integrated Resource Management (IRM) diploma. The diploma takes a balanced approach and focuses on sustainability and stewardship for the natural resources. The qualification is a two-year diploma that balances the environmental, economic and social factors of natural resource development. The delivery is hands-on where learning takes place through labs, camps, field exercises and work experience. The qualification imparts and develops the following knowledge and skills in:
  • Applying Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to resource management situations.
  • Applying statistics to resource management problems.
  • Fish, wildlife, forestry and parks management.
  • Implementing quality control.
  • Mapping, compassing and remote sensing.
  • Operating and maintaining chainsaws, boats and trailers.
  • Plant and wildlife identification.
  • Research design, analysis and technical reporting.
  • Surviving in the wilderness.

    The qualification is comparable in respect of scope, level and curriculum content, although the content of the Canadian Integrated Resource Management is more advanced in that analysis of information draws on use of statistics and the scope extend to forestry and fisheries.

    United States of America (USA)
    The Skagit Valley College's (SVC) Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy provides a certificate programme for Park Rangers. The certificate programme is one of the only six National Park Services (NPS) approved academies in the U.S. that provide the accredited curriculum. It is also an approved training program accepted by local and state park agencies.

    The Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (PRLEA) Certificate is a 1 500 hours qualification that issues learners with an I-pad containing the curriculum and field exercises for independent and supervised usage.
    The curriculum for the qualification focuses on:
  • Contemporary law enforcement tactics and legal information for visitor protection.
  • Emphasis on natural, cultural, and historic resources protection method.
  • Particular attention to hands-on experiential problem-based learning.

    Eligible learners must be high school graduate with clear criminal record.

    Conclusion
    The qualifications cover exactly the same topics with different intensity based on their respective unique environmental and natural resource challenges. The duration of the qualification is comparable to one another. The unique South African problem not covered by the two qualifications is poaching. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Park Ranger, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • Learners should be physically fit and should have no criminal record.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code are Field Ranger: 213307-000-00-01.

    Encompassed Trades:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA)

    PARENT-QUALIFICATION
  • Occupational Certificate: Park Ranger, NQF Level 5.

    RELATED PART-QUALIFICATION
  • Occupational Certificate: Anti-Poaching Ranger, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.