Conservation Manager - Skukuza

Skillnet Recruitment; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Job summary

Skillnet Recruitment is assisting a private Big 5 nature reserve in Mpumalanga to hire a Conservation Manager. The role leads the conservation team, turns ecological data into practical recommendations and collaborates with landowners and stakeholders in a challenging open-system reserve.

You should have substantial experience in veld and wildlife management, strong leadership, and expertise with GIS, data analysis, and EarthRanger. A driver’s license and 4x4 competency are preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in conservation, ecology, wildlife management or related field with 8+ years' conservation management experience
• BTech/BSc Honours with 15+ years' relevant experience

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the conservation team
• Run ecological and wildlife monitoring, analyse data and report to diverse audiences
• Manage research access and projects by visiting scientists
• Implement conservation, habitat restoration, and invasive species programs
• Manage the fire regime and act as Fire Control Officer
• Engage with landowners, reserves, scientists and stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and source funding

Skills

Leadership

Veld management

Wildlife management

GIS

R

Data analysis

Education

Master’s degree in conservation

BTech/BSc Honours

Tools

ArcGIS/QGIS

EarthRanger

Drone

Camera traps

Job description

CONSERVATION MANAGER
Location: Private Big 5 nature reserve, Greater Kruger area, Mpumalanga

VACANCY: CONSERVATION MANAGER
Location: Private Big 5 nature reserve, Greater Kruger area, Mpumalanga
Job type: Permanent
Reporting to: Reserve Manager
Remuneration: Market related, based on qualifications and experience, plus on-site accommodation
About the role A private Big 5 reserve within the Greater Kruger open system is looking for an experienced Conservation Manager to lead its conservation team and wildlife management. You will turn ecological data into practical recommendations and work closely with landowners, using plain language to build agreement on the way forward.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the conservation team
• Run ecological and wildlife monitoring, analyse data and report to scientific and non-scientific audiences
• Manage research access and projects by visiting scientists
• Implement conservation, habitat restoration, alien plant and bush encroachment control programmes
• Manage the fire regime and act as Fire Control Officer
• Engage and negotiate with landowners, peer reserves, the scientific network and stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and source conservation funding

Requirements

• Master's degree (completed or nearly complete) in conservation, ecology, wildlife management or a related field with 8+ years' conservation management experience, OR a BTech/BSc Honours with 15+ years' relevant experience
• Experience in veld management, ecological restoration and wildlife management in a Big 5 environment
• Proven leadership and experience negotiating with landowners, boards or non-scientific stakeholders
• Sound knowledge of South African environmental legislation and protected area management
• Proficient in MS Office, GIS (ArcGIS/QGIS), R and EarthRanger; drone and camera trap experience
• Excellent English communication; Afrikaans and Shangaan an advantage
• SAPS Firearm Competency (bolt action), valid driver's licence (Code 10 preferred) and 4x4 competency
• Advantageous: PhD, SACNASP registration, links with SANParks, SANBI and conservation NGOs

Please note

• Shortlisted candidates will undergo psychometric, polygraph and background checks
• Preference will be given to South African citizens and candidates from designated groups in line with Employment Equity

Closing date

Friday, 18 December 2026. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.