CAPENATURE VACANCIES - 23 JULY 2026

CAPENATURE

CONSERVATION OFFICER ON RESERVE (LEVEL 8) - LIMIETBERG NATURE RESERVE & WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Paarl, Western Cape

Permanent

Closing Date 04 August 2026

Job Details

Division: Conservation Operations

Business Unit: Landscape Central

Minimum experience: Entry Level

Company primary industry: Environmental Services

Job functional area: Operations

Salary: R530 920 - R613 619 per annum

Job Description

CapeNature is looking for a Conservation Officer: On Reserve to undertake protected area operations at the Limietberg Nature Reserve & World Heritage Site to support and assist the Conservation Manager in the provision of professional, coordinated and integrated protected area management and project management to enhance ecosystem conservation and restoration, promote landscape conservation and stewardship, facilitate access, promote advocacy, monitor and manage environmental law enforcement and compliance and ensure performance and risk management. This position is suited to a competent, analytical, dedicated conservationist who has adequate knowledge and experience in protected area and World Heritage Site biodiversity conservation and management, project management, compliance and enforcement and a clear understanding of CapeNature’s legal obligations, mandate, and environmental protection.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Protected Area Management and Integrated Catchment Management

Assist Reserve Management to achieve effective protected area management and expansion of the protected area estate aligned to relevant strategic plans.
Demonstrate strategic capability and leadership and implement the protected area management plan and associated subsidiary and annual plans of operation, including monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Interpret and implement applicable biodiversity, conservation, financial and administrative policies, plans, systems, standard operating procedures and guidelines.
Assist Reserve Management to achieve effective Integrated Catchment Management aligned to relevant strategic and operational plans and mitigate risk.
Assist Reserve Management with effective biodiversity management to integrate conservation, access and heritage management, implement sustainable utilisation and identify and mitigate risks.
Assist Reserve Management with conservation operations and monitoring at protected area and landscape level and ensure progressive operationalization of various CapeNature initiatives.
Assist Reserve Management with progressive Integrated Catchment Management, with regards to invasive species, fire, and fuel load management.
Undertake project management and implement contract management.
Assist Reserve Management and the Landscape with the building of relationships with neighbours in the field of protected area expansion through the provision of a landscape-scale biodiversity conservation extension service aimed at securing species and ecosystems of conservation concern.
Assist Reserve Management and the Landscape with identified actions to improve the conservation status of priority species and ecosystems.
Manage infrastructure maintenance schedules.
Prepare progress reports as per agreed timeframes and report on the implementation of work plans.
Prepare site level data to inform annual operations plans and prepare relevant plans with Reserve Management.

Environmental Education and Awareness and Stakeholder Management

Implement environmental education and awareness as per strategic plans, subsidiary plans and annual plans of operation.
Facilitate access and citizen science at Limietberg Nature Reserve.
Play an active role in the Limietberg Protected Area Advisory Committee.
Maintain a sound relationship with neighbours and partners.
Support Reserve Management in the collaboration with neighbours and relevant stakeholders to collectively address land and/or water use activities that may have negative impacts on Limietberg Nature Reserve.

Compliance Monitoring and Law Enforcement

Implement effective compliance monitoring and law enforcement in Limietberg Nature Reserve & World Heritage Site and the reserve’s zone of influence to protect biodiversity and promote voluntary compliance.
Undertake regular patrols and implement rapid response / contingency plans.
Maintain the compliance and enforcement monitoring database and prepare monthly reports.
Contribute to the implementation of the Central Region’s on reserve compliance plan.
Issue admission of guilt fines (J534s).
Issue voluntary compliance notices.
Investigate terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity crime originating within or directly linked to the reserve.
Compile investigation dockets (including photo albums and witness / investigation statements etc).
Collaborate with the SAPS to ensure successful investigations.
Present evidence in court (testifying).
Ensure the implementation of CapeNature’s biodiversity legal mandate through compliance and enforcement actions and activities as it relates to the reserve.

Human Resource Management and Occupational Health and Safety

Assist Reserve Management with the management of the reserve’s staff component in line with applicable legislative frameworks, policies, and procedures to ensure a highly productive and motivated team.
Implement performance management.
Ensure that targets for the number of Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) appointed at Limietberg Nature Reserve are met.
Prepare and submit quality reports, attendance registers, standby pre-approvals and claims, subsistence and travel claims, overtime pre-approvals and claims in the prescribed formats timeously.
Implement and adhere to Occupational Health and Safety Act policy and procedure and ensure sound incident reporting and investigation.

Finance and Administration and Asset / Inventory Management

Implement sound financial and administration management in accordance with applicable legislative frameworks, policy, and procedure.
Implement and adhere to procurement policy and procedure.
Support effective financial, supply chain management, asset, fleet, and administration management for the Limietberg Nature Reserve.
Implement asset and inventory stock management and control.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications

National Diploma in Nature Conservation and/or Environmental Management at (NQF 6).
At least 3 years’ experience working in the field of nature conservation and protected area management.
A valid EB or B (08) driver’s license’, willingness to travel regularly and ability to competently drive on 4x4 terrain.
EMI Grade 2.
Peace Officer.
ICS 100, 200 and 300 certifications.
No criminal record.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
Proficiency in GIS applications (such as QGIS and Google Earth).
Bilingualism in at least 2 of the official languages of the Western Cape.
Excellent communication in English both written and spoken.
Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
Project management experience.
Experience working with and fostering good relationships with local communities and protected area neighbours.
Willingness to work irregular hours, after hours and to perform stand-by duties.
Knowledge of environmental legislation.
Physical fitness to perform duties under physically demanding conditions and rugged mountainous and coastal terrain.
Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills.
Willingness and ability to work in remote, mountainous areas.
Ability to swim.

Experience & Competencies

Extensive knowledge and demonstrated experience in integrated fire management within protected areas, including the effective application of the Incident Command System.
Extensive knowledge and proven experience in protected area management within a nature reserve environment.
Demonstrated expertise in stakeholder liaison, engagement, and relationship management in the context of protected area management.
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple projects in a fast-paced protected area management environment while meeting operational priorities and deadlines.
Knowledge in administrative enforcement, criminal procedure, criminal justice, court procedure, crime investigation and criminal case docket compilation and management.
Extensive knowledge and relevant experience in environmental and administrative decision-making processes.
Extensive knowledge of organizational legal mandates, duties, functions, and responsibilities.
Extensive knowledge and experience of compliance and enforcement methods, procedures, policies, and the laws governing and prescribing the powers, duties and authorities of compliance and enforcement officials.
Knowledge and understanding of biodiversity conservation, natural resource management and environmental management and its related governance and regulation.
In-depth knowledge of ecological processes and biodiversity management.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the biodiversity of the Western Cape, and the primary threats to biodiversity in the province.
Good understanding of conservation and ecological issues in the Western Cape Province.
Experience in implementation of CapeNature’s Stewardship methodology.
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Good ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member).
Physical fitness to perform duties and inspections.
High levels of personal responsibility, integrity and accountability.
Ability to work under pressure.
Willingness to travel regularly and ability to drive on 4x4 terrain.

RECOMMENDATION:

A degree in Nature Conservation and / or Environmental Management (NQF 7 or higher).
Experience in junior management level in a related field will be an added advantage

AS A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:

24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle.
Comprehensive benefits for death, critical illness or injury linked to the Pension Fund for CapeNature employees.
Staff discounts of up to 50% on CapeNature accommodation at reserves across the Western Cape.
Opportunities for career progression and development through internal and external training interventions, and academic growth through the internal CapeNature Bursary Programme subject to Bursary Policy guidelines.
Free access to CapeNature’s Wellness Partner for you and your immediate household which includes professional counselling, financial, legal and health related advice; and
The opportunity to positively impact the environment and promote a sustainable future.

Kindly Note:

Only suitable candidates who demonstrated in their CV and cover letter that they meet the minimum requirements will be considered for shortlisting. Only shortlisted candidates will be considered for interviews.

Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to an interview and tests / assessments (which assesses the candidate's demonstrated professional and technical capability against the job requirements and duties). Following the interview and test(s) / assessment(s), potential candidates will be subjected to employment suitability checks (criminal record, reference checks and psychometric evaluations).

CapeNature reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise a post should it be deemed necessary within its sole discretion.

* Remuneration negotiable within the range provided, depending on current remuneration package.”

Apply online at https://capenature.simplify.hr/

Closing date: 4 August 2026

PLEASE APPLY HERE

FIELD RANGER (LEVEL 4) - LIMIETBERG NATURE RESERVE

CapeNature

Paarl, Western Cape

Permanent

Closing Date 04 August 2026

Job Details

Division: Conservation Operations

Business Unit Landscape Central

Minimum experience: Entry Level

Company primary industry: Environmental Services

Job functional area: Operations

Salary: R246 528 - R283 484 per annum

Job Description

CapeNature seeks to appoint a dedicated conservationist who will contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area management with a strong emphasis on the terrestrial environment in line with Cape Nature’s integrated catchment management approach. The successful candidate will also support marine conversation efforts. Key responsibilities include compliance monitoring and law enforcement, eco-tourism, environmental education, stakeholder engagement, and contributing to integrated catchment management to help achieve the vision and goals of the Protected Area Complex.

The position will report to the Conservation Manager, Limietberg Nature Reserve Complex

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation, restoration initiatives and effective protected area (and/or estuary) management.

Ecological tasks: Carry out ecological projects as per the Protected Area Ecological Matrix and any other biodiversity conservation related tasks as required for the effective management of the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).
Alien invasive species management: Carry out alien invasive species management in the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).
Heritage tasks: Carry out identified functions related to historical, cultural, archaeological and palaeontological asset management in the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).

Assist with protected area (and/or estuary) conservation in ways that address biodiversity loss in key biodiversity areas.

Planning: Take part in and contribute to the planning processes for the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).
Quality control: Undertake quality control of integrated annual operations plan projects and/or other projects in field.
Reporting: Prepare reports and carry out reporting on activities as required.
Maintenance: Carry out infrastructure, vehicle, vessel and equipment maintenance functions as required for the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).
Partnerships and collaborative activities: Perform functions as required for collaborative activities throughout the Landscape (MOA/U support and/or compliance).

Contribute to conservation in promoting the biodiversity economy and enhancing biodiversity access and sustainable use.

Job creation: Support the implementation of targeted biodiversity economic activities to promote job creation, work opportunities, and livelihood support.
Access: Manage access to the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared) for recreational, educational, training, research, traditional, cultural and spiritual purposes; manage volunteers and citizen scientists.
Eco-tourism and visitor liaison: Support eco-tourism and visitor liaison activities as and when required for the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).

Contribute to conservation action to advocate for a nature positive future through behavioural change and voluntary compliance.

Environmental awareness: Carry out environmental awareness activities.
Capacity building: Carry out capacity building activities.
Compliance monitoring and law enforcement: Carry out compliance monitoring and law enforcement activities as per integrated workplans, compliance plans, joint operations plans, as well as any other proactive and reactive actions necessary for the effective management of the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).

Take accountability for performance, governance, risk management and equality in the workplace.

Health and safety: Participate in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) assessments and OHS toolbox talks and provide input for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA); Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety standards and requirements.
Incident preparedness and response, e.g. fires, disasters (e.g. floods, oil spill, vessel grounding), disease outbreaks, marine wildlife strandings, and search and rescues: Carry out firefighting, disaster management, incident response and rescue operations as required for the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).
Administration: Carry out necessary administrative tasks.
Training: Undergo relevant training as and when required.
Supervision: Undertake supervision of Conservation Assistants, contract staff, students and volunteers.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications and Experience

Grade 12 (A diploma in Nature Conservation or related field will be an Added advantage)
At least 2 years in terrestrial conservation or related field.
A valid driver’s license with at least three years’ driving experience.
A working knowledge of enforcement operations, specifically the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act
Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, GIS).
Knowledge and experience in ecological monitoring and law enforcement.
Knowledge and experience in firefighting and incident response.
Bilingualism in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
No criminal record.

Competencies:

Willingness to work weekend shifts and irregular hours.
Physical ability to perform Field Ranger duties, including the ability to swim.
Strong analytical, strategic and creative problem-solving skills.
Knowledge and experience in working with the public, maintenance of infrastructure and law enforcement.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.
Good project planning and organizing skills.
Ability to function independently (unsupervised) and within a team.
Computer literacy plus advanced proficiency in MS-Office.
Ability to work in a marine / aquatic environment.

Recommendation:

National Diploma in Nature Conservation and/or Marine Science.
Possession of a valid Peace Officer’s certificate, EMI Grade 5 certification or a type of enforcement experience.
Appropriate firefighting certificate.
4x4 Driving skills and experience.
ICS 100 certification.
Use of GIS software.
Project Management
Ability to swim and be water safe.
Skippers license.