Job Description

CapeNature seeks to appoint dedicated conservationists who will contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area management with a strong emphasis on the marine environment. The successful candidates will also support conservation efforts in line with CapeNatures integrated catchment management approach. Key responsibilities include compliance monitoring and law enforcement, eco-tourism, environmental education, stakeholder engagement, and contributing to integrated catchment management to help achieve the vision and goals of the Protected Area Complex.
The positions will report to the Conservation Manager on Reserve, Geelkrans Nature Reserve Complex
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation, restoration initiatives and effective protected area management.

• Ecological tasks: Carry out ecological projects as per the Protected Area Ecological Matrix and any other biodiversity conservation related tasks as required for the effective management of the Protected Area.
• Alien invasive species management: Carry out alien invasive species management in the Protected Area.
• Heritage tasks: Carry out identified functions related to historical, cultural, archaeological and palaeontological asset management in the Protected Area.

Assist with protected area conservation in ways that address biodiversity loss in key biodiversity areas.

• Planning: Take part in and contribute to the planning processes for the Protected Area.
• Quality control: Undertake quality control of integrated annual operations plan projects and/or other projects in field.
• Reporting: Prepare reports and carry out reporting on activities as required.
• Maintenance: Carry out infrastructure, vehicle, vessel and equipment maintenance functions as required for the Protected Area.
• Partnerships and collaborative activities: Perform functions as required for collaborative activities throughout the Landscape (MOA/U support and/or compliance).

Contribute to conservation in promoting the biodiversity economy and enhancing biodiversity access and sustainable use.

• Job creation: Support the implementation of targeted biodiversity economic activities to promote job creation, work opportunities, and livelihood support.
• Access: Manage access to the Protected Area for recreational, educational, training, research, traditional, cultural and spiritual purposes; manage volunteers and citizen scientists.
• Eco-tourism and visitor liaison: Support eco-tourism and visitor liaison activities as and when required for the Protected Area.

Contribute to conservation action to advocate for a nature positive future through behavioural change and voluntary compliance.

• Environmental awareness: Carry out environmental awareness activities.
• Capacity building: Carry out capacity building activities.
• Compliance monitoring and law enforcement: Carry out compliance monitoring and law enforcement activities as per integrated workplans, compliance plans, joint operations plans, as well as any other proactive and reactive actions necessary for the effective management of the Protected Area.

Take accountability for performance, governance, risk management and equality in the workplace.

• Health and safety: Participate in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) assessments and OHS toolbox talks and provide input for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA); Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety standards and requirements.
• Incident preparedness and response, e.g. fires, disasters (e.g. floods, oil spill, vessel grounding), disease outbreaks, marine wildlife strandings, and search and rescues: Carry out firefighting, disaster management, incident response and rescue operations as required for the Protected Area.
• Administration: Carry out necessary administrative tasks.
• Training: Undergo relevant training as and when required.
• Supervision: Undertake supervision of Conservation Assistants, contract staff, students and volunteers.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12
• At least 2 years experience with an emphasis on protected areas and or estuary, coastal and the marine environment.
• A valid drivers license with at least three years driving experience.
• Skippers Category C or higher with 2 years experience (Marine Field Ranger post)
• A working knowledge of enforcement operations, specifically the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act and the Marine Living Resources Act.
• Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, GIS).
• Knowledge and experience in ecological monitoring and law enforcement.
• Knowledge and experience in firefighting and incident response.
• Bilingualism in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
• No criminal record.

Competencies

• Willingness to work weekend shifts and irregular hours.
• Physical ability to perform Field Ranger duties, including the ability to swim.
• Strong analytical, strategic and creative problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge and experience in working with the public, maintenance of infrastructure and law enforcement.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.
• Good project planning and organising skills.
• Ability to function independently (unsupervised) and within a team.
• Computer literacy plus advanced proficiency in MS-Office.
• Ability to work in a marine / aquatic environment.

Recommendation:

• National Diploma in Nature Conservation and/or Marine Science.
• Possession of a valid Peace Officers certificate, EMI Grade 5 certification or a type of enforcement experience.
• Appropriate firefighting certificate.
• 4x4 Driving skills and experience.
• ICS 100 certification.
• Use of GIS software.
• Ability to swim and be water safe.

AS A CONTRACT 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 CapeNatures 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.

• Remuneration negotiable within the range provided, depending on current remuneration package.

Apply online at
Closing date: 3 December 2025

Skills Required