Conservation Leader: Biodiversity & Research Programs

HotelJobs; Hazyview; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided on-site

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment seeks an experienced Conservation Manager to lead ecological management, biodiversity monitoring, and stakeholder engagement in a premier conservation environment at Hazyview, Mpumalanga. You will guide research coordination and habitat restoration while ensuring regulatory compliance and strategic funding opportunities.

The role demands strong leadership, extensive field knowledge, and the ability to translate complex data into practical conservation actions within a Big 5

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Conservation or related field, 8+ years experience OR equivalent with 15+ years in conservation management.
• Extensive knowledge of ecology, wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, monitoring and data analysis.
• Experience in veld management, ecological restoration, and wildlife management within a Big 5 environment.
• Proven leadership and people management experience.
• Experience engaging with landowners, boards and non-scientific stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of South African environmental legislation and protected area management requirements.
• Proficiency in MS Office, GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS), statistical software and conservation monitoring systems.
• Experience with drones and camera trap technologies advantageous.
• Valid driver’s license, 4x4 competency, and SAPS Firearm Competency (bolt action) essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the Conservation Team through training, mentorship, and performance management.
• Oversee biodiversity monitoring programmes, wildlife counts, habitat assessments, disease surveillance, and ecological research initiatives.
• Analyse ecological data and provide science-based recommendations to support conservation management decisions.
• Manage research applications and coordinate approved scientific projects within the reserve.
• Develop and implement conservation management plans aligned with reserve objectives.
• Oversee habitat restoration projects, invasive species control, wildlife management, and species reintroduction programmes.
• Implement and manage the reserve's fire management strategy, acting as Fire Control Officer.
• Build strong relationships with landowners, researchers, conservation organisations, and key stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation at scientific forums, conferences, and conservation meetings.
• Identify and manage conservation funding and grant opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, protected area regulations, and conservation policies.

Skills

Ecology

Wildlife management

Data analysis

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

GIS

Education

Master's degree in Conservation or related field

Equivalent qualification with 15+ years experience

Tools

MS Office

ArcGIS or QGIS

Statistical software

Job description

Kendrick Recruitment seeks an experienced Conservation Manager to lead ecological management, biodiversity monitoring, and stakeholder engagement in a premier conservation environment at Hazyview, Mpumalanga. You will guide research coordination and habitat restoration while ensuring regulatory compliance and strategic funding opportunities.

The role demands strong leadership, extensive field knowledge, and the ability to translate complex data into practical conservation actions within a Big 5