This position is suited to a dedicated conservationist who would like to contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area management, protected area expansion, compliance and law enforcement, support for eco-tourism and access, environmental learning and stakeholder relations within the Ceder-Berg Landscape Unit, specifically responsible for Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve Complex. The successful candidate will report to the Landscape Unit Manager, Ceder-Berg Landscape Unit (West Landscape).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives
- Targeted conservation and restoration initiatives and interventions informed by knowledge and management best practice are implemented.
- Protected Area is managed according to a management plan and prioritized action plans.
- Priority landscapes are protected, restored and conserved.
- Conservation operations are optimized through planned METT actions and interventions.
- Priority ecological infrastructure areas are restored and protected.
Lead landscape conservation and stewardship in ways that address biodiversity loss.
- Biodiversity legal mandate is implemented through compliance and enforcement actions.
- Protected area expansion planning priorities and associated conservation intelligence are implemented.
- Actions to improve the conservation status of priority species and ecosystems are implemented.
- Functional partnerships addressing biodiversity loss are developed and maintained.
- Landscape ecological and human well-being is promoted through a landscape environmental interpretation and awareness plan.
Promote the biodiversity economy, and enhance biodiversity access and sustainable use
- Job opportunities are created through implementation of Natural Resource Management programmes.
- Contractor development and work opportunities are enhanced through environmental programmes implemented (Integrated Catchment Management, Expanded Public Works).
- Sustainable harvesting of natural products is facilitated.
- Biodiversity economy activities are implemented in identified nodes.
- Livelihood support is established for local communities.
Advocate for behavioural change and promote voluntary compliance
- Local community involvement in Protected Area management is established.
- Stakeholder engagement is enhanced through targeted interventions.
- Public Private Partnerships are maintained.
- Compliance plans for On Reserve components are in place.
Assume overall accountability for ensuring performance, governance and risk management
- An enabling environment is created for formal partnerships to mitigate risks to biodiversity.
- Management structures are in place and infrastructure is fit for purpose.
- All relevant Occupational Health and Safety legislation, policies and standards are in place and adhered to.
- Governance is enhanced by adherence to corporate policies and standards.
- Performance is enhanced through effective and efficient staff performance.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- National Diploma in Nature Conservation / equivalent qualification at NQF 6 in a Nature Conservation field
- Five years’ management experience in the Conservation Sector
- Incident Command Training (ICS 100, ICS 200)
- Thorough working knowledge of MS Office and GIS.
- A valid EB (08) driver’s license, willingness to travel regularly and ability to drive on 4x4 terrain
- Bilingualism in at least 2 of the official languages of the Western Cape
- No criminal record.
- Physical fitness to perform duties in rugged mountainous terrain
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Post-graduate Degree in Nature Conservation, Natural Sciences and/or Sustainable Development will be advantageous.
- IC Type 5 Single Resource / Fire Boss Level 1 or Position Specific ICS Training
- Experience in Fynbos Fire Management & Alien Vegetation Management
- Proven track record of managing a protected area and sound interpersonal, communication and people management skills
- Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills
- Exceptional ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member)
- Proven written and communication skills
- Exceptional financial management skills
- Project Management experience in landscape conservation, world heritage site management, disaster management and/or landscape partnerships will be advantageous.
- World heritage site management, disaster management and/or landscape partnerships will be advantageous.
Competencies
- Effective people management skills
- Strong analytical and strategic skills
- Financial management
- Strong leadership skills
- Exceptional ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member)
- Managerial and Project Management experience
- High levels of personal responsibility and accountability
- Sound interpersonal, communication and people management skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines
- Good project planning and organizing skills
- Ability to function independently and within a team
- High competency in computer literacy and report writing skills
- Physical fitness to perform duties and inspections
- Ability to work under pressure
- Competency in conflict resolution
- Understanding of Environmental Legislation
AS A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:
- 24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle;
- Comprehensive benefits for death, critical illness or injury linked to the Pension Fund for CapeNature employees;
- Staff discounts of up to 50% on CapeNature accommodation at reserves across the Western Cape;
- Opportunities for career progression and development through internal and external training interventions, and academic growth through the internal CapeNature Bursary Programme subject to Bursary Policy guidelines; Free access to CapeNature’s Wellness Partner for you and your immediate household which includes professional counselling, financial, legal and health related advice; and
- The opportunity to positively impact the environment and promote a sustainable future.
GENERAL:
The successful candidate must reside in official accommodation at Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve and will pay subsidised rent.
Kindly note that it is compulsory to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. In the event that you are an existing member to a Medical Aid you are required to provide a copy of such membership before the commencement of your employment with CapeNature.
Note that a valid driver’s license is essential as this post offers an excellent opportunity to travel and view the biodiversity that we need to conserve for a sustainable future.
Apply online: https://capenature.simply.hr/
Closing date 23 September 2026