Conservation Manager on Reserve (Level 10), Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

CapeNature; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days annual leave

Pension fund benefits

Staff discounts on CapeNature stays

Internal training & bursary programme

Wellness support services

Job summary

CapeNature invites applications for a senior conservation role focused on Jonkershoek Nature Reserves within the Boland Landscape Unit. You will lead protected area management, drive biodiversity restoration, and engage stakeholders to balance conservation with community needs.

The position reports to the Landscape Unit Manager. Candidates should have a National Diploma in Nature Conservation, 5+ years of mid-management experience, and strong GIS/MS Office skills.

Qualifications

• National Diploma in Nature Conservation or equivalent (NQF 6) is required.
• Five years' middle management experience in the conservation sector.
• Incident Command Training (ICS 100, ICS 200).
• Proficiency in MS Office and GIS.

Responsibilities

• Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives.
• Lead landscape conservation and stewardship to address biodiversity loss.
• Promote biodiversity economy and sustainable use through community programmes.
• Advocate for behavioural change, stakeholder engagement and voluntary compliance.
• Ensure governance, risk management and OH&S compliance.

Skills

Leadership

People management

MS Office

GIS

Bilingual communication

Education

Nature Conservation diploma

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 Boland Landscape Unit, specifically responsible for Jonkershoek Nature Reserves.

The successful candidate will report to the Landscape Unit Manager, Boland Landscape Unit (Central 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 Integrated Catchment Management programmes/projects.
• 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 behavioral 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 all 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’ middle 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
• No criminal record.

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
• Designated as an EMI
• Exceptional financial management skills
• Project Management experience in landscape conservation, 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 organizing 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 AN 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:

Please Note: No accommodation will be provided for this position.

Kindly note that it is compulsory to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. If 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.

Apply online: http://capenature.simply.hr/

Closing date: 1 October 2026