Senior Conservation Manager, Luxury Nature Reserve (Live-In)

Kendrick Recruitment; Bushbuckridge; On-site; ZAR 502,000 - 558,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-In Accommodation

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Conservation Manager for a luxury nature reserve in the Sabi Sands. You will lead the reserve’s conservation strategy, ensuring ecological integrity and biodiversity protection.

The role requires 8+ years in conservation, a Master’s degree, and proficiency in GIS and Earth Ranger. You will work with researchers and communities across remote landscapes, with live-in accommodation provided.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in applied ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, or related field.
• Minimum 8+ years’ experience in conservation management in a similar role.
• Experience in veld management, ecological restoration, research programmes, and wildlife management in a Big 5 environment.
• Strong understanding of South African ecosystems, biodiversity, and protected area statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver conservation operations across a complex protected landscape.
• Develop and implement conservation management plans aligned with the Reserve Management Plan and Annual Objectives.
• Create and oversee monitoring and evaluation methodologies for ecosystem and species health.
• Approve and manage conservation research projects.
• Lead habitat restoration and species reintroduction initiatives.
• Implement and manage the reserve’s fire management regime and act as Fire Control Officer.
• Develop and maintain biodiversity data systems, including Earth Ranger.
• Analyse ecological data to guide adaptive management.
• Prepare comprehensive biodiversity and conservation status reports.
• Present findings to custodians, stakeholders, government bodies, NGOs, and other groups.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in ecology/environmental science/conservation biology

PhD advantageous

Tools

GIS

Earth Ranger

MS Office

Drone operations

Job description

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Conservation Manager for a luxury nature reserve in the Sabi Sands. You will lead the reserve’s conservation strategy, ensuring ecological integrity and biodiversity protection.

The role requires 8+ years in conservation, a Master’s degree, and proficiency in GIS and Earth Ranger. You will work with researchers and communities across remote landscapes, with live-in accommodation provided.