Conservation Manager on Reserve (Level 10) - Grootwinterhoek Nature Reserve

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

This position is suited to a dedicated conservationist who would like to contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area management, protected area expansion, compliance and law enforcement, support for eco-tourism and access, environmental learning and stakeholder relations within the Ceder-Berg Landscape Unit, specifically responsible for Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve Complex. The successful candidate will report to the Landscape Unit Manager, Ceder-Berg Landscape Unit (West Landscape).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives

• Targeted conservation and restoration initiatives and interventions informed by knowledge and management best practice are implemented.
• Protected Area is managed according to a management plan and prioritized action plans.
• Priority landscapes are protected, restored and conserved.
• Conservation operations are optimized through planned METT actions and interventions.
• Priority ecological infrastructure areas are restored and protected.

Lead landscape conservation and stewardship in ways that address biodiversity loss.

• Biodiversity legal mandate is implemented through compliance and enforcement actions.
• Protected area expansion planning priorities and associated conservation intelligence are implemented.
• Actions to improve the conservation status of priority species and ecosystems are implemented.
• Functional partnerships addressing biodiversity loss are developed and maintained.
• Landscape ecological and human well-being is promoted through a landscape environmental interpretation and awareness plan.

Promote the biodiversity economy, and enhance biodiversity access and sustainable use

• Job opportunities are created through implementation of Natural Resource Management programmes.
• Contractor development and work opportunities are enhanced through environmental programmes implemented (Integrated Catchment Management, Expanded Public Works).
• Sustainable harvesting of natural products is facilitated.
• Biodiversity economy activities are implemented in identified nodes.
• Livelihood support is established for local communities.

Advocate for behavioural change and promote voluntary compliance

• Local community involvement in Protected Area management is established.
• Stakeholder engagement is enhanced through targeted interventions.
• Public Private Partnerships are maintained.
• Compliance plans for On Reserve components are in place.

Assume overall accountability for ensuring performance, governance and risk management

• An enabling environment is created for formal partnerships to mitigate risks to biodiversity.
• Management structures are in place and infrastructure is fit for purpose.
• All relevant Occupational Health and Safety legislation, policies and standards are in place and adhered to.
• Governance is enhanced by adherence to corporate policies and standards.
• Performance is enhanced through effective and efficient staff performance.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• National Diploma in Nature Conservation / equivalent qualification at NQF 6 in a Nature Conservation field
• 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, willingness to travel regularly and ability to drive on 4x4 terrain
• Bilingualism in at least 2 of the official languages of the Western Cape
• No criminal record.
• Physical fitness to perform duties in rugged mountainous terrain

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Post-graduate Degree in Nature Conservation, Natural Sciences and/or Sustainable Development will be advantageous.
• IC Type 5 Single Resource / Fire Boss Level 1 or Position Specific ICS Training
• Experience in Fynbos Fire Management & Alien Vegetation Management
• Proven track record of managing a protected area and sound interpersonal, communication and people management skills
• Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills
• Exceptional ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member)
• Proven written and communication skills
• Exceptional financial management skills
• Project Management experience in landscape conservation, world heritage site management, disaster management and/or landscape partnerships will be advantageous.
• World heritage site management, disaster management and/or landscape partnerships will be advantageous.

Competencies

• Effective people management skills
• Strong analytical and strategic skills
• Financial management
• Strong leadership skills
• Exceptional ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member)
• Managerial and Project Management experience
• High levels of personal responsibility and accountability
• Sound interpersonal, communication and people management skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines
• Good project planning and organising skills
• Ability to function independently and within a team
• High competency in computer literacy and report writing skills
• Physical fitness to perform duties and inspections
• Ability to work under pressure
• Competency in conflict resolution
• Understanding of Environmental Legislation

AS A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:

• 24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle;
• Comprehensive benefits for death, critical illness or injury linked to the Pension Fund for CapeNature employees;
• Staff discounts of up to 50% on CapeNature accommodation at reserves across the Western Cape;
• Opportunities for career progression and development through internal and external training interventions, and academic growth through the internal CapeNature Bursary Programme subject to Bursary Policy guidelines; Free access to CapeNature’s Wellness Partner for you and your immediate household which includes professional counselling, financial, legal and health related advice; and
• The opportunity to positively impact the environment and promote a sustainable future.

GENERAL:

The successful candidate must reside in official accommodation at Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve and will pay subsidised rent.

Kindly note that it is compulsory to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. In the event that you are an existing member to a Medical Aid you are required to provide a copy of such membership before the commencement of your employment with CapeNature.

Note that a valid driver’s license is essential as this post offers an excellent opportunity to travel and view the biodiversity that we need to conserve for a sustainable future.

Closing date 23 September 2026