Job Description

Closing Date: 2025-07-30
Job Type: Permanent
Job Level: Management
Experience: Between 7 - 10 Years
EE/AA: No
Summary
Conservation Manager - Big 5 Game Reserve - Western Cape, South Africa
Our client, a well-established and ecologically significant Big 5 game reserve in the Western Cape, South Africa, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Conservation Manager to lead and oversee all conservation initiatives on the property. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate conservationist to play a pivotal role in protecting and enhancing the biodiversity of a world-class reserve.
Description
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)