Conservation Manager

Karongwe Safari; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Job summary

Karongwe Private Game Reserve seeks a Conservation Manager to lead ecological management and wildlife conservation across the reserve and neighbouring areas.

You will oversee planning, monitoring and stakeholder engagement, guiding habitat restoration, fire management and carbon initiatives while ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainable safari experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science or related field.
• At least 5 years in ecological or conservation management in protected areas.
• At least 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of SA ecosystems and applicable environmental legislation.
• Experience with ecological monitoring, carrying-capacity assessments and game censuses.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, coordination and implementation of conservation initiatives across the reserve and surrounding areas.
• Develop and implement ecological management plans (veld condition, habitat restoration, fire management).
• Oversee wildlife monitoring, censuses and population management recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and permits.
• Manage ecological data, research and GIS-based monitoring systems.

Skills

Ecological management

Wildlife conservation

Sustainable landscape management

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

GIS

EarthRanger

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Ecology/Conservation-related field

Tools

GIS

EarthRanger

Job description

Are you a passionate conservation professional with the expertise to lead ecological management, wildlife conservation and sustainable landscape management within a private game reserve?

Karongwe Private Game Reserve is looking for an experienced Conservation Manager to lead and implement its conservation programme, protecting the ecological integrity of the reserve while supporting sustainable wildlife management and exceptional safari experiences.

About the Role

Reporting to the Warden, the Conservation Manager will lead the planning, coordination and implementation of conservation initiatives across the reserve and surrounding areas. This role combines strategic conservation planning, scientific monitoring, operational leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement ecological management plans, including veld condition, carrying capacity, habitat rehabilitation and fire management.
• Oversee wildlife monitoring, annual game censuses, population management recommendations and species-specific conservation programmes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental legislation, conservation permits and wildlife management requirements.
• Manage ecological data, research initiatives and technology-driven monitoring systems, including GIS and wildlife tracking platforms.
• Oversee environmental aspects of roads, fences, water resources, landscaping and habitat management.
• Support conservation expansion initiatives and the ecological integration of additional properties, where applicable.
• Manage conservation and landscaping budgets, reporting and performance targets.
• Lead and develop conservation personnel while building strong relationships with conservation authorities, research institutions, neighbouring reserves and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to guest education and conservation experiences that showcase the reserve’s biodiversity and conservation initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to optimise carbon sequestration and generate carbon credit income.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Nature Conservation, Wildlife Management or a related field.
• At least five years’ experience in an ecological or conservation management role within a private game reserve, national park or similar environment.
• At least three years’ supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of South African ecosystems, wildlife ecology, biodiversity management and applicable environmental legislation.
• Proven experience in ecological monitoring, carrying-capacity assessments, game censuses, veld management and conservation planning.
• Experience in environmental management, fire management, habitat restoration and environmental infrastructure.
• Experience with carbon credit programmes.

Advantageous Experience

• Dangerous-game and wildlife immobilisation experience.
• GIS, drone/RPAS or wildlife monitoring systems such as EarthRanger.
• Protected-area expansion and integration projects.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a scientifically minded and practical conservation leader who combines sound ecological judgement with strong analytical, planning and leadership skills. You are comfortable making evidence-based recommendations, managing complex conservation programmes and working collaboratively to achieve long-term environmental sustainability.

What to Expect

• On-site accommodation provided.
• The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to wildlife conservation and sustainable reserve management.