Maintenance Manager

Wild Dreams Hospitality; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Wild Dreams Hospitality is seeking a maintenance and infrastructure leader for a remote conservation reserve near Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape. The role oversees fencing, roads, boreholes, water systems, and the reserve's vehicle fleet, with strong emphasis on team leadership, budgeting, and reporting in an off-grid setting.

You will drive maintenance programs, coordinate procurement, and ensure resilience against wildfires and floods, while living on site in provided accommodation.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in a maintenance or infrastructure management role, ideally in a game reserve, farm, or remote-property setting
• Proven experience managing fleet, workshop, and asset maintenance
• Working knowledge of water reticulation, borehole systems, and rural infrastructure
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Valid driver's licence with 4x4 experience
• Ability to problem-solve independently in a remote, off-grid environment
• Excellent planning, budgeting, and reporting skills
• Knowledge of the Karoo or other semi-arid environment advantageous

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance and construction of conservation infrastructure, including fencing, internal road networks, boreholes, and water reticulation systems
• Manage the upkeep of reserve assets such as radio systems, repeater towers, and related equipment
• Oversee vehicle fleet management and workshop operations
• Lead and manage maintenance teams, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence
• Compile maintenance budgets, quarterly forecasts, and regular progress reports
• Attend regular management meetings with other department heads
• Ensure infrastructure remains resilient in response to natural events such as wildfire and flooding
• Coordinate procurement and supplier relationships for maintenance materials and services

Skills

Fleet management

Workshop management

Asset maintenance

Leadership

Budgeting

Reporting

Water reticulation

Borehole systems

4x4 driving

Job description

This is a practical, infrastructure-focused role suited to someone who thrives in a remote reserve environment and can lead a team responsible for keeping a large conservation property running smoothly. From fencing and roads to boreholes, water systems, and vehicle fleets.

Core Criteria:

• Minimum 5–8 years' experience in a maintenance management or infrastructure management role, ideally within a game reserve, farm, or remote-property setting
• Proven experience managing fleet, workshop, and asset maintenance
• Working knowledge of water reticulation, borehole systems, and rural infrastructure
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Valid driver's licence with 4x4 experience
• Ability to problem-solve independently in a remote, off-grid environment
• Excellent planning, budgeting, and reporting skills
• Knowledge of the Karoo or other semi-arid environment advantageous

Candidate Responsibilities:

• Oversee maintenance and construction of conservation infrastructure, including fencing, internal road networks, boreholes, and water reticulation systems
• Manage the upkeep of reserve assets such as radio systems, repeater towers, and related equipment
• Oversee vehicle fleet management and workshop operations
• Lead and manage maintenance teams, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence
• Compile maintenance budgets, quarterly forecasts, and regular progress reports
• Attend regular management meetings with other department heads
• Ensure infrastructure remains resilient in response to natural events such as wildfire and flooding
• Coordinate procurement and supplier relationships for maintenance materials and services

On Offer:

• Live-in position, with accommodation provided on the reserve
• Remuneration IS market-related and based on experience and qualifications
• Based near Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape