Conservation Manager – Big 5 Game Reserve – Western Cape, South Africa
Hospitality Jobs Africa
Date: 12 hours ago
City: Cape Town, Western Cape
Contract type: Full time
We are recruiting on behalf of our client for a highly capable Conservation Manager to join the leadership team at a premier Big 5 game reserve based in the Western Cape. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of ecological management, wildlife conservation, and biodiversity preservation on the reserve.
Key duties include developing and implementing long-term conservation strategies, conducting ecological monitoring and research, leading field teams, managing anti-poaching operations, and ensuring environmental compliance. The Conservation Manager will also liaise with government agencies, researchers, and community stakeholders while contributing to guest engagement through conservation education when required.
This is a live-in role, ideally suited to a hands-on leader who is equally comfortable in the bush and the boardroom.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead ecological monitoring programs and biodiversity assessments
Develop and implement conservation management plans
Manage wildlife populations, interventions, and habitat restoration
Oversee alien vegetation control, erosion mitigation, and fire management strategies
Collaborate with research institutions and facilitate on-site conservation research
Direct anti-poaching operations and maintain security protocols
Train, lead, and mentor the conservation and field team
Maintain records, produce scientific and operational reports, and ensure compliance with conservation legislation
Liaise with environmental authorities and community partners
Participate in guest education and occasional conservation-related guest experiences
A degree in Conservation Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, or related field (BSc or higher)
At least 5–8 years’ experience in conservation management, preferably on a Big 5 reserve
Strong knowledge of ecological systems, conservation techniques, and wildlife management practices
Proven experience leading teams and managing field operations
Familiarity with environmental legislation and conservation reporting requirements
Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills
Physically fit and comfortable working in rugged terrain
Valid driver's license (firearm competency advantageous)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ecological monitoring tools (e.g. SMART, CyberTracker)
Between 7 - 10 Years
Key duties include developing and implementing long-term conservation strategies, conducting ecological monitoring and research, leading field teams, managing anti-poaching operations, and ensuring environmental compliance. The Conservation Manager will also liaise with government agencies, researchers, and community stakeholders while contributing to guest engagement through conservation education when required.
This is a live-in role, ideally suited to a hands-on leader who is equally comfortable in the bush and the boardroom.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead ecological monitoring programs and biodiversity assessments
Develop and implement conservation management plans
Manage wildlife populations, interventions, and habitat restoration
Oversee alien vegetation control, erosion mitigation, and fire management strategies
Collaborate with research institutions and facilitate on-site conservation research
Direct anti-poaching operations and maintain security protocols
Train, lead, and mentor the conservation and field team
Maintain records, produce scientific and operational reports, and ensure compliance with conservation legislation
Liaise with environmental authorities and community partners
Participate in guest education and occasional conservation-related guest experiences
A degree in Conservation Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, or related field (BSc or higher)
At least 5–8 years’ experience in conservation management, preferably on a Big 5 reserve
Strong knowledge of ecological systems, conservation techniques, and wildlife management practices
Proven experience leading teams and managing field operations
Familiarity with environmental legislation and conservation reporting requirements
Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills
Physically fit and comfortable working in rugged terrain
Valid driver's license (firearm competency advantageous)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ecological monitoring tools (e.g. SMART, CyberTracker)
Between 7 - 10 Years
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