Conservation Manager.

HotelJobs; East London; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs is seeking a Conservation Manager for a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape. The role focuses on protecting habitats, wildlife, and resources, while aligning conservation goals with guest activities and lodge operations.

You will lead staff, manage budgets, and coordinate with authorities to implement conservation plans. The ideal candidate brings 5–8+ years of protected area experience, strong leadership, GIS capability, and a track record in biodiversity management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nature conservation, environmental science, ecology, or conservation biology.
• 5+ years of experience in protected area or natural resource management.
• Proficiency in GIS mapping software, data analysis and field monitoring technologies.

Responsibilities

• Overall conservation management of the reserve.
• Wildlife management including population monitoring and animal condition.
• Game counts and wildlife records
• Habitat management and fire management
• Water and infrastructure management within the reserve
• Assisting veterinarians and wildlife authorities when needed
• Anti-poaching and security coordination
• Managing staff including rangers and contractors
• Ensuring safe, responsible game drives and guest activities

Skills

Leadership

GIS mapping

Data analysis

Field monitoring

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in nature conservation or related field

Tools

GIS software

Earth Ranger

Camera traps

Job description

Conservation Manager. Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape

The Conservation manager is responsible for protecting and managing natural habitats, wildlife, and resources. The Manager develops and implements conservation plans, oversees restoration projects, and works with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to ensure sustainable use of natural areas. The role involves monitoring wildlife populations, managing budgets, and educating the public about conservation efforts.

Responsibilities

• Overall conservation management of the reserve


• Wildlife management – monitoring populations, animal condition, movements and problem animals


• Game counts and wildlife records


• Habitat management – veld condition, bush management, erosion and invasive/alien vegetation


• Water management – dams, waterholes, rivers and water availability for wildlife


• Fire management – firebreaks, controlled burns and fire prevention


• Biodiversity management – including plants, birds and other species


• Game capture, translocation and introductions – where applicable


• Assisting veterinarians and wildlife authorities when animals require treatment, capture or relocation


• Anti-poaching/security coordination


• Management and maintenance of game fences, gates and reserve infrastructure, roads and access routes through the reserve.


• Monitoring large-animal impact on the environment


• Compliance with provincial conservation legislation and permits


• Keeping wildlife/conservation records and preparing reports


• Managing and supervising rangers, conservation staff and contractors


• Working with the lodge/hospitality management so that conservation and guest activities operate together


• Control of game drives and walks are conducted safely and responsibly

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's or master's degree in nature conservation, environmental science, ecology, or conservation biology.


• Experience: 5 to 8+ years of experience in protected area or natural resource management.


• Technical Skills: Proficiency in GIS mapping software, data analysis, and field monitoring tech (such as camera traps or Earth Ranger).


• Inherent Skills: Strong leadership, financial planning, physical fitness for rugged terrain, and conflict resolution.