Conservation Officer – Off Reserve (Level 8), LHSK Stewardship - Oudtshoorn Office

This Conservation Officer: Off-Reserve position is suited to a dedicated conservationist who seeks to contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area expansion and biodiversity stewardship and extension services as part of the Lesley Hill Succulent Karoo Trust Stewardship Project by providing conservation services and stewardship extension support in the Karoo Landscape Unit in Landscape East.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Completion of Stewardship Processes

• To provide information to key communities, landowners and managers in respect of relevant conservation stewardship options and facilitate and provide support for the negotiations and development of subsequent stewardship agreements in order to secure priority Succulent Karoo
• Consolidate negotiations for stewardship agreements
• The compilation of Management Plans for stewardship sites
• Support Landscape Operation with developing solutions to common threats.

Maintain Stewardship sites

• Preparation and compilation of stewardship site assessments for potential stewardship sites.
• Attend and participate in the stewardship site review process.
• Identify and implement appropriate technical assistance projects for landowners in recognition of stewardship agreements.
• Carry out reviews for stewardship sites & compile annual APO’s.

Provide Extension Support & Resource Tools

• Attend and participate in relevant Conservation Management and Stewardship meetings, PAAC’s, Forums, Symposiums & Peer Learning Workshops and Knowledge Exchanges.
• Attend meetings with partners & stakeholders
• Implement awareness interventions through presentations at landowner & community groupings
• Capacity building and technical advice through extension support
• Assist with the planning and implementation of base line data collection & monitoring and resources tools to equip stewardship site owners and managers
• Facilitate a community needs assessment & partnerships with community-based projects, building local community capacity and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
• Assist with the development of a business case model and guidelines for the development of critical long term ecological corridors.
• Liaise with other extension officers from NGO’s and Departments in the landscape and combine efforts or adapt existing resource material or develop new material for sharing in the Landscape.

Monitoring, control and compliance

• Ensure compliance with relevant policies and legislation.
• Report writing, finance and asset management.
• Manage information systems and relevant databases.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A formal three-year qualification in the field of Natural Resource Management or Biodiversity
• At least two years’ appropriate experience.
• A valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel extensively in the Landscape
• Advanced computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Power Point and GIS).
• Good interpersonal and communication skills in at least two of the official languages spoken in the rural areas of the Western Cape.
• Sound report writing and presentation skills
• No criminal record

COMPETENCIES

• Highly motivated and service oriented with the ability to work efficiently while unsupervised as well as the ability to build and maintain partnerships.
• High levels of personal responsibility and accountability.
• Project management at a local scale.
• Proven ability to prioritise actions and manage time efficiently.
• Added advantage will be knowledge of Succulent Karoo ecology
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• High level of physical fitness to perform inspections in rugged terrain.

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 & livelihoods and promote a sustainable future.

Kindly Note

A practical assessment will be conducted with the interview to showcase your ability to meet some of the requirements.

Only suitable candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

CapeNature reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise a post should it be deemed necessary within its sole discretion.

“*Remuneration negotiable within the range provided, depending on current remuneration package.”

Apply online at https://capenature.simplify.hr/

Closing Date: 10 July 2026