Conservation Manager

Kendrick Recruitment; Lydenburg; On-site; ZAR 502,000 - 558,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-In Accommodation

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a Conservation Manager for a luxury nature reserve in the Sabi Sands. The role oversees adaptive conservation strategies, biodiversity protection, and ecological integrity within a dynamic reserve. Live-in accommodation is provided.

The candidate will coordinate with staff, researchers, and local communities, ensuring best practices, reporting, and strong stakeholder engagement across the Greater Kruger region.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in applied ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, or a related field.
• PhD advantageous for advanced research and strategy.
• Minimum 8+ years’ experience in conservation management in a similar role.
• Experience in veld management, ecological restoration, and wildlife management in a Big 5 environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage conservation operations across a complex protected landscape.
• Develop and implement conservation plans aligned with management objectives.
• Lead monitoring and evaluation of ecosystems and species health.
• Oversee research projects and grant management.
• Direct habitat restoration and species reintroduction initiatives.
• Execute fire management regime as Fire Control Officer.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

English proficiency

Education

Master's in Ecology

PhD advantageous

Tools

GIS

Earth Ranger

Drone operations

Camera traps

MS Office

Job description

Conservation Manager – Luxury Nature Reserve | Sabi Sands Salary: R45,000 – R50,000 (Negotiable DOE)Accommodation: Live-In

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Conservation Manager for a luxury nature reserve located in the Sabi Sands. The successful candidate will lead the reserve’s conservation strategy, ensuring ecological integrity, biodiversity protection, and effective management within an open system adjoining the Greater Kruger region.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Conservation Manager will oversee the development and implementation of adaptive conservation management strategies, ensuring best practice in ecological management, restoration, research, and sustainable resource use. This role works closely with conservation staff, stakeholders, research partners, and local communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver conservation operations across a complex protected landscape.
• Develop and implement conservation management plans aligned with the Reserve Management Plan and Annual Performance Objectives.
• Create and oversee monitoring and evaluation methodologies for ecosystem and species health.
• Approve and manage conservation research projects.
• Lead habitat restoration and species reintroduction initiatives.
• Implement and manage the reserve’s fire management regime and act as Fire Control Officer.
• Develop and maintain biodiversity data systems, including Earth Ranger.
• Analyse ecological data to guide adaptive management.
• Prepare comprehensive biodiversity and conservation status reports.
• Present findings to custodians, stakeholders, government bodies, NGOs, and other relevant groups.
• Represent the reserve in conservation forums and collaborate with regional and national conservation bodies.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

Work with landowners and communities to promote conservation objectives and mitigate human–wildlife conflict.

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Partner with universities, researchers, and conservation organisations.
• Identify funding opportunities and manage conservation grants.

Policy & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with conservation legislation, regulations, and organisational protocols.
• Develop and implement biodiversity and wildlife management strategies.
• Advocate for conservation policy at appropriate levels.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in applied ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, or a related field (PhD advantageous).
• Minimum 8+ years’ experience in conservation management in a similar role.
• Experience in veld management, ecological restoration, research programmes, and wildlife management in a Big 5 environment.
• Strong understanding of South African ecosystems, biodiversity, and protected area statutory requirements.
• Experience in ecological research, data interpretation, and technical reporting.
• Proficiency in MS Office, GIS, Earth Ranger, and relevant technologies.
• Competence in drone and camera trap operations for monitoring and research.
• Excellent English communication skills; Afrikaans and Shangaan advantageous.
• Valid firearm competency (bolt action).
• Valid driver's licence (Code 10 preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and experience managing complex, multi-partner conservation projects.
• Broad understanding of climate change, sustainable development, veld management, wildlife conservation, and related fields.
• High political awareness and strong influencing skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work under pressure.Strong administrative, financial, and budgeting skills.
• Physically fit and comfortable working in remote environments.