Conservation Manager | Premier Private Reserve | Mpumalanga

HotelJobs; Mpumalanga; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs, in partnership with a private Big Five Reserve in Mpumalanga, seeks an experienced conservation leader to head the Conservation Team. The role focuses on applied ecology, adaptive management, and turning data into actionable recommendations while engaging with landowners and research partners.

Reporting to the Reserve Manager, the successful candidate will design ecological monitoring, oversee research access, and develop conservation plans, ensuring ecological integrity while

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in conservation or applied ecology, wildlife management, conservation biology or related field.
• 8+ years conservation management experience; PhD advantageous.
• Experience in veld management, ecological restoration and wildlife management in a Big Five environment.
• Strong background in ecology, applied research, monitoring and quantitative data analysis.
• Proven leadership and people management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the Conservation Team.
• Design and run ecological monitoring, including wildlife counts, habitat condition, rare species and disease surveillance.
• Analyse ecological data and provide scientifically founded recommendations for management decisions.
• Develop and review conservation management plans, including habitat restoration and control of invasive species.
• Implement the fire management regime and act as Fire Control Officer.
• Engage with landowners, peer reserves, researchers and stakeholders.
• Manage research requests and seek funding opportunities for conservation projects.

Skills

Leadership

Ecology

Data analysis

GIS

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master’s degree in conservation or applied ecology

PhD advantageous

BTech or BSc Honours in related field (15+ years experience)

Tools

ArcGIS / QGIS

R

EarthRanger

Drones

Camera traps

MS Office

Job description

is partnering with a private Big Five Reserve in Mpumalanga, forming part of the open Greater Kruger ecosystem, to recruit an experienced and scientifically grounded . Reporting to the Reserve Manager, the successful candidate will lead the Conservation Team in protected area and wildlife management, supporting the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the Reserve. The role applies adaptive management to protect and improve the ecosystems, flora and fauna of the Reserve, and oversees research access by visiting scientists. This is a role of scientific interpretation and engagement. The successful candidate will turn ecological data into clear, sound recommendations and represent the Reserve within the scientific network and among peer reserves. The Reserve is an association of private properties, with landowner objectives ranging from ecotourism and hospitality to conservation and preservation. The right person will explain scientific concepts in accessible, non-scientific language, listen to differing perspectives and negotiate workable solutions with landowners, accepting that meaningful progress often takes time.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the Conservation Team
• Design and run ecological monitoring, including wildlife counts, habitat condition, rare species and disease surveillance
• Analyse ecological data and provide scientifically founded recommendations for management decisions
• Develop and review conservation management plans, including habitat restoration and alien invasive and bush encroachment control
• Implement the fire management regime and act as Fire Control Officer
• Engage and negotiate with landowners, peer reserves, researchers and key stakeholders
• Manage research requests and seek funding opportunities for conservation projects

Requirements

• Master’s degree in conservation or applied ecology, wildlife management, conservation biology, environmental science, botany, zoology or a related field, ideally with 8 or more years of conservation management experience (a PhD is an advantage)
• Alternatively, a BTech, BSc Honours or equivalent in a related field with at least 15 years of relevant conservation management experience
• Strong background in ecology, applied research, monitoring and quantitative data analysis
• Experience in veld management, ecological restoration and wildlife management in a Big Five environment
• Proven leadership and people management experience, ideally of a conservation or field team
• Proven experience engaging and negotiating with landowners, boards or non-scientific stakeholders
• Sound knowledge of South African environmental legislation and protected area management requirements
• Proficiency in MS Office, GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS), R and EarthRanger, with experience using drones and camera traps
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English, with Afrikaans and Shangaan an advantage
• SAPS Firearm Competency (bolt action), a valid driver’s licence (Code 10 preferred) and 4x4 driving competency
• SACNASP registration and established links with SANParks, SANBI and research institutions are advantageous

Salary – Dependent on experience and qualifications

PLEASE NOTE – Although we appreciate all applications received, we will only reply to those candidates who have the background and experience required. South African citizens will be given preference. Thank you!