Conservation Manager: Biodiversity & Protected Areas Lead

CapeNature; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Official accommodation provided

24 days annual leave per year

Pension fund benefits (CapeNature)

Staff discounts on accommodation atRes

Job summary

CapeNature is seeking a dedicated conservationist to manage Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve Complex within the Ceder-Berg Landscape Unit. The role reports to the Landscape Unit Manager and focuses on biodiversity conservation, protected area expansion, compliance, eco-tourism support, environmental learning and stakeholder relations.

You will lead bold landscape conservation initiatives, build partnerships, and ensure safe, compliant operations across challenging terrain.

Qualifications

• National Diploma in Nature Conservation or equivalent (NQF 6).
• Five years’ management experience in the conservation sector.
• Incident Command Training (ICS 100, ICS 200).
• Thorough working knowledge of MS Office and GIS.
• A valid EB (08) driver’s license; willing to travel and drive 4x4 terrain.
• Bilingual in at least 2 of the official languages of the Western Cape.
• No criminal record.
• Physically fit for rugged terrain.

Responsibilities

• Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives.
• Lead landscape conservation and stewardship addressing biodiversity loss.
• Promote biodiversity economy, access and sustainable use.
• Advocate for behavioural change and voluntary compliance.
• Assume overall accountability for governance and risk management.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Team management

Strategic thinking

Education

National Diploma in Nature Conservation / equivalent qualification at NQF 6 in a Nature Conservation field

Tools

MS Office

GIS

Job description

CapeNature is seeking a dedicated conservationist to manage Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve Complex within the Ceder-Berg Landscape Unit. The role reports to the Landscape Unit Manager and focuses on biodiversity conservation, protected area expansion, compliance, eco-tourism support, environmental learning and stakeholder relations.

You will lead bold landscape conservation initiatives, build partnerships, and ensure safe, compliant operations across challenging terrain.