CAPENATURE

 


 

CONSERVATION MANAGER ON RESERVE (LEVEL 10) - GROOTWINTERHOEK NATURE RESERVE

Porterville, Western Cape

Permanent

Closing Date 04 June 2026

 

Job Details

Division: Conservation Operations

Business Unit: Landscape West

Minimum experience: Mid-Senior

Company primary industry: Environmental Services

Job functional area: Operations

Salary: R780 683 - R902 682 per annum

 

Job Description

This position is suited to a dedicated conservationist who would like to contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area management, protected area expansion, compliance and law enforcement, support for eco-tourism and access, environmental learning and stakeholder relations within the Ceder-Berg Landscape Unit, specifically responsible for Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve Complex. The successful candidate will report to the Landscape Unit Manager, Ceder-Berg Landscape Unit (West Landscape).

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives

  • Targeted conservation and restoration initiatives and interventions informed by knowledge and management best practice are implemented.
  • Protected Area is managed according to a management plan and prioritized action plans.
  • Priority landscapes are protected, restored and conserved.
  • Conservation operations are optimized through planned METT actions and interventions.
  • Priority ecological infrastructure areas are restored and protected.

 

Lead landscape conservation and stewardship in ways that address biodiversity loss.

  • Biodiversity legal mandate is implemented through compliance and enforcement actions.
  • Protected area expansion planning priorities and associated conservation intelligence are implemented.
  • Actions to improve the conservation status of priority species and ecosystems are implemented.
  • Functional partnerships addressing biodiversity loss are developed and maintained.
  • Landscape ecological and human well-being is promoted through a landscape environmental interpretation and awareness plan.

 

Promote the biodiversity economy, and enhance biodiversity access and sustainable use

  • Job opportunities are created through implementation of Natural Resource Management programmes.
  • Contractor development and work opportunities are enhanced through environmental programmes implemented (Integrated Catchment Management, Expanded Public Works).
  • Sustainable harvesting of natural products is facilitated.
  • Biodiversity economy activities are implemented in identified nodes.
  • Livelihood support is established for local communities.

 

Advocate for behavioural change and promote voluntary compliance

  • Local community involvement in Protected Area management is established.
  • Stakeholder engagement is enhanced through targeted interventions.
  • Public Private Partnerships are maintained.
  • Compliance plans for On Reserve components are in place.

 

Assume overall accountability for ensuring performance, governance and risk management

  • An enabling environment is created for formal partnerships to mitigate risks to biodiversity.
  • Management structures are in place and infrastructure is fit for purpose.
  • All relevant Occupational Health and Safety legislation, policies and standards are in place and adhered to.
  • Governance is enhanced by adherence to corporate policies and standards.
  • Performance is enhanced through effective and efficient staff performance.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • National Diploma in Nature Conservation / equivalent qualification at NQF 6 in a Nature Conservation field
  • Five years’ management experience in the Conservation Sector
  • Incident Command Training (ICS 100, ICS 200)
  • Thorough working knowledge of MS Office and GIS.
  • A valid EB (08) driver’s license, willingness to travel regularly and ability to drive on 4x4 terrain
  • Bilingualism in at least 2 of the official languages of the Western Cape
  • No criminal record.
  • Physical fitness to perform duties in rugged mountainous terrain

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Post-graduate Degree in Nature Conservation, Natural Sciences and/or Sustainable Development will be advantageous.
  • IC Type 5 Single Resource / Fire Boss Level 1 or Position Specific ICS Training
  • Experience in Fynbos Fire Management & Alien Vegetation Management
  • Proven track record of managing a protected area and sound interpersonal, communication and people management skills
  • Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills
  • Exceptional ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member)
  • Proven written and communication skills
  • Exceptional financial management skills
  • Project Management experience in landscape conservation, world heritage site management, disaster management and/or landscape partnerships will be advantageous.
  • World heritage site management, disaster management and/or landscape partnerships will be advantageous.

 

Competencies

  • Effective people management skills
  • Strong analytical and strategic skills
  • Financial management
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Exceptional ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member)
  • Managerial and Project Management experience
  • High levels of personal responsibility and accountability
  • Sound interpersonal, communication and people management skills
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines
  • Good project planning and organizing skills
  • Ability to function independently and within a team
  • High competency in computer literacy and report writing skills
  • Physical fitness to perform duties and inspections
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Competency in conflict resolution
  • Understanding of Environmental Legislation

 

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.

 

 GENERAL:

The successful candidate must reside in official accommodation at Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve and will pay subsidised rent.

Kindly note that it is compulsory to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. In the event that you are an existing member to a Medical Aid you are required to provide a copy of such membership before the commencement of your employment with CapeNature.

Note that a valid driver’s license is essential as this post offers an excellent opportunity to travel and view the biodiversity that we need to conserve for a sustainable future.

Apply online: https://capenature.simply.hr/

Closing date 4 June 2026

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSERVATION OFFICER OFF RESERVE - CEDERBERG LANDSCAPE UNIT - PORTERVILLE OFFICE

Porterville, Western Cape

Permanent

Closing Date 04 June 2026

 

Job Details

Division: Conservation Operations

Business Unit: Landscape West

Minimum experience: Entry Level

Company primary industry: Environmental Services

Job functional area: Operations

Salary: R530 920 - R613 169 per annum

 

Job Description

This position is suited to a dedicated conservationist who seeks to contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area expansion and biodiversity stewardship and extension services, environmental compliance and enforcement, land use support and wildlife extension, and the promotion voluntary compliance, environmental awareness and project management and stakeholder relations in Landscape West.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

KPA 1 - Protected Area Expansion and Management of the Conservation Estate

  • Ensure effective Integrated Management and expansion of the Protected Area Estate.
  • Contribute to the drafting of, and ensure implementation of, the Landscape West Protected Area Expansion Implementation Plan and Annual Plan of Operations for biodiversity stewardship sites.
  • Contribute towards peer learning in the field of protected area expansion and biodiversity stewardship.
  • Ensure dissemination of legislative, policy and strategy products to relevant stakeholders (external and internal as may be required).
  • Submit inputs/comments on draft legislation, policies strategies, protocols, and other prescripts.
  • Contribute to planning and review of monitoring and surveillance projects with the Landscape Intelligence Unit and implement projects aimed at ecological monitoring and surveillance.
  • Ensure data collection in appropriate databases, data management and submission to the relevant component including but not limited to state of biodiversity, game distribution, etc).
  • Provide biodiversity stewardship site managers access to special project funding opportunities.
  • Create and participate in opportunities for peer learning.

 

KPA 2 - Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement on protected areas and in the Landscape

  • Implement procedures applicable to the administration and issuance of biodiversity authorisations.
  • Implement compliance monitoring and undertake biodiversity crime prevention activities and investigation into incidents of non-compliance.
  • Lead and/or participate in investigations/joint operations with regards to non-compliance with legislation and/or prepare reports of non-compliance for submission to the relevant authority.
  • Prepare and issue admission of guilt fines, contribute to the preparation of case dockets for submission SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority.
  • Conduct mandatory inspections, prepare and submit inspection reports for biodiversity authorisations within legislated timeframes (including but not limited to habitat assessments, game management plans, CITES and damage causing wildlife/injured wildlife interventions).
  • Conduct resource base assessments and prepare reports.
  • Review biodiversity authorisation applications and provide recommendations related to applications for authorisation.
  • Review and recommend management plans and risk assessments against policies, procedures, guidelines and protocols.
  • Conduct compliance and enforcement patrols.
  • Prepare and maintain monthly Annual Performance Plan and Biodiversity Monitoring System reports.

 

KPA 3 - Awareness and extension to promote conservation in the landscape

  • Provide technical support and extension in promotion of biodiversity conservation and compliance to land managers and wildlife owners.
  • Provide an extension service to managers of biodiversity stewardship sites and wildlife.
  • Provide environmental education and awareness as and when required.
  • Undertake biodiversity site assessments

 

KPA 4 - Partnerships and Stakeholder relations

  • Ensure effective participation and cooperation with stakeholders in the Landscape.
  • Collaborate with partners for the implementation of biodiversity stewardship.
  • Collaborate with law enforcement agencies in support of biodiversity crime prevention and response.

 

KPA 5 - Project Implementation related to ICM projects

  • Assist with annual Planning for Operations
  • Participate in Monthly Partner meetings
  • Preparation of Site Specifications
  • Conduct site briefing sessions
  • Ensure quality work in all projects
  • Ensure project administration is completed as per set standard and timeframes.
  • Manage spatial and non-spatial data related to projects
  • Conduct final inspections for Projects and ensure completion of inspection forms as per standard and deadline.
  • Coordinate and Complete contractor compliance checks, verification and reports related to OHS, Administration and other project requirements.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

  • National Diploma: Nature Conservation or equivalent.
  • At least three years appropriate experience.
  • A valid code B driver’s license and a willingness to drive long distances.
  • Project management experience.
  • A valid EB (08) driver’s license, willingness to travel regularly and ability to
  • drive on 4x4 terrain.
  • Experience working with and fostering good relationships with local communities.
  • Willingness to work irregular hours, after hours and perform stand-by duties.
  • Knowledge of environmental legislation.
  • Thorough working knowledge of MS Office and GIS packages such as QGIS.
  • Physical fitness to perform duties under physically demanding conditions and rugged mountainous and coastal terrain.
  • Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills.
  • Good written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills in English and Afrikaans.
  • Bilingualism in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
  • Willingness to live and work in remote protected areas.
  • No criminal record.

  

COMPETENCIES

  • Peace Officer qualification.
  • Environmental Management Inspectorate qualification (EMI).
  • Good project planning and organizing skills.
  • Strong analytical, strategic, and creative problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.
  • Ability to function independently and within a team.
  • Ability to work with diverse stakeholders, landowners and communities.
  • Experience in awareness raising and extension services.
  • Experience with managing Damage Causing Animals.
  • Knowledge of ecology found in the area.
  • Conflict resolution skills.
  • Good understanding of environmental legislation.
  • High levels of personal responsibility and accountability.

 

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.

 

GENERAL:

Kindly note that it is compulsory to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. If you are an existing member of Medical Aid you are required to provide a copy of such membership before the commencement of your employment with CapeNature.

Note that a valid driver’s license is essential as this post offers an excellent opportunity to travel and view the biodiversity that we need to conserve for a sustainable future.

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

 

Apply online: http://capenature.simply.hr                           

Closing date: 4 June 2026

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE