Catchment Coordinator

HR Management & Support Services (Pty) Ltd t/a The HR Department; Clanwilliam; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization in South Africa is seeking a dedicated Catchment Coordinator to assist with water resources management in the Olifants-Doring catchment. The role involves strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and ecological data management. The ideal candidate has a tertiary qualification in environmental science, 3-5 years of relevant experience, and strong communication and project management skills. The position is based in Citrusdal or Clanwilliam and offers the opportunity to work on impactful conservation initiatives.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in project and team management.
• Experience collaborating with farmers and understanding their challenges.
• Passion for the conservation of nature.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning for water resource management.
• Coordinate data flows and monitoring activities.
• Engage stakeholders for sustainable land and water use practices.

Skills

Project management

Team collaboration

Excellent communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Tertiary qualification in environmental science or relevant field

Tools

GIS software

Cape Farm Mapper

Google Earth Pro

Job description

TERM: 1 YEAR WITH POSSIBLE RENEWAL BASED ON FUNDING & PROJECT SUCCESS

LOCATION: CLANWILLIAM OR CITRUSDAL

The Freshwater Research Centre, in partnership with WWF South Africa, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Catchment Coordinator to assist with water resources management in the Olifants-Doring catchment as part of the Source-2-Sea initiative. This pioneering project addresses ecological flow and climate resilience in the Olifants and Doring River system.

The Catchment Coordinator will play a central role in the strategic planning and implementation of integrated water resource management within the region. This position requires a skilled environmental professional who can liaise effectively with landowners and stakeholders, assimilate and manage ecological and hydrological data, and contribute to the development and refinement of the water resources monitoring tools and infrastructure. In addition to coordinating data flows and monitoring activities, the Coordinator will provide support and lead stakeholder engagement and awareness-raising efforts to promote sustainable land and water use practices across the region.

The position offers the opportunity to work within a dynamic conservation team and contribute meaningfully to freshwater biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. The position will be based in either Citrusdal or Clanwilliam, depending on project needs and candidate suitability.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic planning.
• Implementation of integrated water resource management.
• Water resource monitoring.
• Assimilate and manage ecological and hydrological data.
• Field operations and Invasive Alien Plant Clearing.
• Conservation planning and implementation.
• Project management and fund raising.
• Liaise with stakeholders and landowners.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of the water research monitoring tools and infrastructure.
• Provide support and lead stakeholder engagement and awareness-raising efforts to promote sustainable land and water use practices across the region.

Requirements:

• A tertiary qualification in environmental science, freshwater ecology, natural resource management, agricultural science or relevant field.
• 3-5 years’ experience in project and team management.
• Excellent planning, analytical, administrative and project management skills.
• Experience collaborating with farmers and landowners, and understanding of challenges facing them, is essential.
• Collaborative spirit and ability to work in team settings.
• Must be innovative, flexible and self‑motivated.
• Be able to take initiative and have the ability to problem solve and work under pressure.
• Excellent communication and report‑writing skills. (English and Afrikaans)
• Must have excellent people skills and be comfortable with public speaking.
• Passion for the conservation of nature.
• Computer literacy in (MS Office suite).
• Experience in using Cape Farm Mapper, Google Earth Pro and or GIS software is an advantage.

CLOSING DATE: 30 JANUARY 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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