Conservation Manager – Skukuza

JVR Software; Mpumalanga; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

JVR Software seeks a Conservation Manager to lead conservation programmes across a protected landscape. You will develop and execute management plans, implement monitoring, oversee ecological research, and manage habitat restoration and reintroductions.

You will also drive fire management, maintain biodiversity data, prepare reports, and liaise with landowners and communities to advance conservation objectives. Remote environment experience is ideal.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field; PhD advantageous.
• 8+ years in conservation management in a Big 5 environment.
• Knowledge of South African ecosystems, wildlife and legislation.
• Proficiency in MS Office and GIS; conservation software experience.
• Experience in ecological research, monitoring and data analysis.
• Excellent English communication; Afrikaans/Shangaan advantageous.
• Firearm competency and Code 10 driver's license preferred.
• Ability to work in remote environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement conservation programmes across a protected landscape.
• Develop and execute conservation management plans and objectives.
• Implement monitoring systems for ecosystem and species health.
• Approve and oversee ecological research projects.
• Manage habitat restoration and species reintroduction programmes.
• Develop and implement fire management plans and act as Fire Control Officer.
• Maintain biodiversity data systems and analyze ecological data.
• Prepare detailed conservation reports and present findings to stakeholders.
• Liaise with landowners and communities to promote conservation objectives.
• Identify funding opportunities, manage grants, and represent the reserve.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Analytical & data interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Financial management

Resilience & adaptability

Communication

Education

Masters: Ecology

Masters: Environment Science

Masters: Conservation Biology

Tools

MS Office

GIS

Conservation software

Job description

Job Title: Conservation Manager

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and implement conservation programmes across a complex protected landscape.
• Develop and execute conservation management plans and objectives.
• Implement monitoring systems for ecosystem and species health.
• Approve and oversee ecological research projects.
• Manage habitat restoration and species reintroduction programmes.
• Develop and implement fire management plans and act as Fire Control Officer.
• Maintain biodiversity data systems and analyze ecological data.
• Prepare detailed conservation reports and present findings to stakeholders.
• Liaise with landowners and communities to promote conservation objectives.
• Identify funding opportunities, manage grants, and represent the reserve in conservation forums.
• Ensure compliance with conservation legislation, develop policies, and advocate for conservation-aligned policies.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree in relevant field (PhD advantageous)
• 8+ years' experience in conservation management in a Big 5 environment
• Knowledge of South African ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental legislation
• Proficiency in MS Office, GIS, and conservation software
• Experience in ecological research, monitoring, and data analysis
• Excellent communication skills in English; Afrikaans and Shangaan advantageous
• Valid firearm competency and driver's license (Code 10 preferred)
• Physically fit and able to work in remote environments

Sectors: Conservation / Reserve Environment
Functions: Management
Qualification Types: Post Graduate Degrees
Qualifications: Masters: Ecology, Masters: Environment Science, Masters: Conservation Biology

Skills: Leadership & Team Management, Ecological & Conservation Expertise, Analytical & Data Interpretation, Stakeholder & Community Engagement, Project & Financial Management, Resilience & Adaptability