Charl Clarke
Environmental Scientist with expertise in Botany, Ecology, and Ecosystem Research
Hire this person
Send a job offer directly to this candidate
About
Dedicated and innovative environmental scientist with a multifaceted background encompassing botany, ecology, ecosystem interactions, geography, and environmental research, complemented by skills in project management, graphic design, and administration.
Experience spans academic research, fieldwork, herbarium operations, and community engagement, with a passion for sustainability.
Experience
Technical Assistant / Herbarium Coordinator - Herbarium, NWU - Potchefstroom, North-West
(2022-08)
- Maintained and curated herbarium records using BRAHMS, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and long-term data integrity for over [X] plant specimens.
- Oversaw mounting, identification, accessioning, and digitisation of herbarium specimens; ensured high-quality reference material for research and teaching purposes.
- Guided PLKS 211 students and grass identification courses, assisting with practical fieldwork, lab procedures, and ecological data analysis, fostering academic growth.
- Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures for specimen handling, processing, and cataloguing, improving operational efficiency and workflow consistency.
- Managed herbarium acquisitions, general administration, and liaison with academic staff, enhancing the functionality and visibility of the herbarium.
Technical Assistant to Prof. Nishanta Rajakaruna (Fulbright Scholar) - NWU
(2022-08 - 2023-07)
- Planned and led multiple field trips, coordinating logistics, health, and safety protocols for student and research teams.
- Performed high throughput pXRF scanning on herbarium specimens, generating critical data for ongoing phytoremediation and ecological research projects.
- Prepared specimens and managed database entries, ensuring data accuracy for publication and research dissemination.
Technical Assistant to Prof. Nishanta Rajakaruna (Fulbright Scholar) - NWU
(2024-07 - 2024-08)
Research Assistant - GYPWORLD Project (CSIC, Spain) - Madrid, Spain
(2023-05 - 2023-07)
- Assisted in herbarium administration, plant specimen cataloguing, and preparation for a multinational research initiative.
- Conducted fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and data processing to support ecological and Phyto stabilization research.
- Presented findings at the GYPWORLD conference in Madrid, contributing to international knowledge exchange and collaboration.
CNC Potchefstroom Coordinator, Project Manager - NWU
(2023 - 2025)
- Managed planning, budgeting, and execution of CNC events, workshops, and community engagement initiatives.
- Facilitated public participation, citizen science contributions, and increased biodiversity observation data through iNaturalist and other platforms.
- Organised educational events and award programs to inspire student and community involvement in ecological research.
Field Assistant - SAEON NRF - Limpopo Province and Kruger National Park
(2024 - 2025)
- Assisted with fieldwork in Limpopo Province and Kruger National Park, supporting student projects and international research collaborations.
- Contributed to vegetation surveys, habitat evaluation, soil sampling, and ecological monitoring, ensuring robust and high-quality data for scientific analysis.
Education
MSc - Environmental Science - North-West University (NWU) (2026)
BSc Honours - Ecosystem Interactions and Resilience - North-West University (NWU) (2022)
BSc - Botany and Geography - North-West University (NWU) (2021)
Certificate - Graphic Design - CTU Training Solutions (2018)
