Wildlife Manager

Kencorp; Bela-Bela; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent conservation organization in Limpopo, South Africa, is seeking a Wildlife Conservation Manager to oversee wildlife monitoring, animal health, and breeding programs. This role includes staff leadership, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring the ethical treatment of animals. The ideal candidate has a degree in Nature Conservation and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. A valid driver's license and firearm competency are advantages, along with FGASA level 1 certification.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in wildlife care and management.
• Valid SA Drivers License (Code B or higher).
• Firearm competency is advantageous.
• FGASA level 1 certification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine game counts and ecological assessments.
• Coordinate veterinary care and monitor wildlife health.
• Oversee operations within breeding camps and manage records.
• Ensure legal compliance and manage animal introductions.
• Manage predator health and safety through proper husbandry.
• Lead conservation staff and promote environmental stewardship.
• Engage with guests and represent the organization during tours.
• Maintain wildlife records and assist with compliance audits.

Skills

Wildlife monitoring

Animal care

Staff leadership

Conservation strategies

Record keeping

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Nature Conservation

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Responsibilities :

1. Wildlife Monitoring & Conservation

• Conduct routine game counts and ecological impact assessments.
• Monitor animal populations, movements, and general ecosystem health.
• Implement conservation strategies aligned with the reserves carrying capacity.
• Control and manage veld conditions and invasive plant species.

2. Animal Health & Welfare

Coordinate veterinary care and manage wildlife health across all areas.

Monitor nutritional needs, behavioural health, and overall welfare of animals.

Respond rapidly to medical emergencies or mortality incidents.

3. Breeding Camp Management

Oversee day-to-day operations within breeding camps.

Maintain detailed records of births, treatments, movements, and lineage.

Ensure ethical and legal compliance in breeding practices.

Manage animal introductions, relocations, and transactions in collaboration with relevant authorities.

Develop and implement a structured breeding program aimed at genetic improvement

and herd sustainability.

Manage the strategic purchase of new bulls to enhance genetic diversity and breeding

outcomes.

Oversee the sale of surplus or selected animals in accordance with the breeding program

and market demand.

4. Predator Park Management

Ensure predator health, safety, and well-being through proper husbandry.

Maintain enclosures to meet species-specific and legal standards.

Develop enrichment programs and oversee feeding and behavioural management.

Train staff in handling predators and emergency response.

Support tourism and education through curated predator interactions (when appropriate).

5. Habitat & Resource Management

Manage infrastructure such as fencing, water supply systems, and firebreaks.

Oversee biodiversity and ecological sustainability efforts.

Coordinate infrastructure maintenance and upgrades with relevant teams.

6. Team Leadership & Staff Supervision

Lead and train conservation staff and animal caretakers.

Promote professional conduct, safety, and proper equipment usage.

Schedule patrols and duties while fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

7. Stakeholder & Guest Engagement

Represent Zwartkloof Adventures during game drives, predator tours, and educational

sessions.

Engage guests with informative conservation insights and guided experiences.

Liaise with external bodies including conservation authorities and veterinarians.

8. Administration & Reporting

Maintain up-to-date wildlife records, including predator and breeding data.

Submit detailed weekly reports to management.

Assist with compliance audits, permit applications, and budget planning.

Requirements :

National Diploma or Degree in Nature Conservation, Wildlife Management, or related

discipline.

Minimum 5 years of experience, including hands-on predator and breeding animal care.

Valid SA Drivers License (Code B or higher).

Firearm competency (advantageous).

FGASA level 1.

Proven experience with species such as Roan, Sable, Buffalo, Zebra, and Impala.

Proficient in MS Office and wildlife data systems.