Head of Conservation

Kontak Recruitment; Kuruman; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Kontak Recruitment in Kuruman, Northern Cape, seeks a visionary Head of Conservation to lead conservation operations across a major privately protected ecosystem. The role blends ecological science with strategic leadership and fieldwork at the highest level.

The successful candidate will shape long-term ecological strategy, mentor specialist teams, and engage with global partners while reporting to the General Manager. Senior governance, funding, and stakeholder relations are essential.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 10+ years in senior conservation or environmental management roles.
• Proven ability to translate science into actionable decisions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term conservation strategies aligned with objectives.
• Oversee biodiversity management and ecosystem health monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and reporting.
• Lead teams, manage budgets, and engage with partners and donors.
• Represent the organisation at forums and with government agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Governance

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Policy & compliance

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Conservation/Environmental science

Job description

Head of Conservation required in Kuruman, Northern Cape.

Few leadership roles come with a mandate this meaningful. This is a rare opportunity to take the helm of conservation operations across one of the most significant privately protected ecosystems in southern Africa, where ecological science, strategic vision, and hands‑on fieldwork converge at the highest level.

The successful candidate will join a conservation-focused organisation with over 25 years of commitment to biodiversity preservation and environmental research in the southern Kalahari. The work here is purposeful, the environment is extraordinary, and the impact is generational.

This is not a desk‑bound executive role. As Head of Conservation, the appointed leader will be expected to think strategically, operate scientifically, and lead with conviction across conservation management, guiding excellence, and sustainability integration. From shaping long‑term ecological strategy to mentoring specialist teams and engaging with global conservation partners, this role demands a credible authority who is equally at home in the boardroom and the bush. The position reports directly to the General Manager and carries genuine influence across the entire operation.

Salary: R1,300,000 per annum.

Minimum Requirements:

• Postgraduate qualification in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Minimum of 10 to 15 years’ experience in senior conservation or environmental management roles
• Proven track record in strategic planning, governance, and team leadership
• Strong working knowledge of conservation legislation and international best‑practice standards
• Demonstrated ability to translate scientific data into actionable management decisions
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills across government, community, and donor relationships
• High ethical standards with a deep personal commitment to conservation outcomes

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement long‑term conservation strategies aligned with organisational objectives and ecological priorities
• Oversee biodiversity management plans, habitat restoration programmes, and ecosystem health monitoring
• Ensure full compliance with national and international environmental legislation, permits, and reporting standards
• Guide and approve ecological research, monitoring programmes, and scientific data analysisFoster and maintain partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, and conservation bodies
• Lead, mentor, and build capacity within Conservation Management and specialist teams
• Develop and manage conservation budgets, capital projects, and funding initiatives including grants and donor partnerships
• Represent the organisation at conservation forums, conferences, and industry platforms
• Engage with communities, landowners, government agencies, and donors to support community‑based conservation and education initiatives
• Provide expert strategic guidance on conservation matters to executive management
• Identify and manage conservation‑related risks including biodiversity loss and environmental degradation