Conservation Assistant (Level 2) – Rocherpan Nature Reserve

CapeNature seeks to appoint a dynamic and committed individual to undertake and assist with daily nature conservation operations and eco-tourism operations, including administrative duties and maintenance and repair of infrastructure, equipment and eco-tourism products at the Rocherpan Nature Reserve.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

KRA 1 – NATURE CONSERVATION AND INTEGRATED CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT

• Assist with field tasks related to nature conservation, monitoring and surveillance
• Assist with integrated annual operations and work plan tasks
• Assist with the implementation of ecological programmes and monitoring and surveillance, data collection and record keeping
• Assist with alien invasive plant density verifications and inspections and firebreak assessments and inspections
• Execute firefighting duties as per standards and protocols
• Assist with risks, threats and hazards identification and report to management
• Assist with fauna and flora management on the reserve; indigenous, invasive and exotic
• Assist with the ecological restoration of degraded areas
• Perform stand-by duties as per duty rosters and respond timeously to call outs and incident response

KRA 2 – ECO-TOURISM, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

• Provide visitors with information regarding the nature reserve, fauna, flora and conditions for access to the nature reserve
• Assist with gate guard duties when gate guards are on training or engaged with other duties as assigned by management
• Monitor and manage visitor behaviour and report incidents
• Ensure CapeNature’s customer care principles are maintained and implemented
• Assist with guest check-in and check-out procedures
• Assist with search and rescue operations in keeping with protocols and procedures
• Assist stakeholder engagement officers and field rangers with the implementation of environmental education and awareness programmes
• Perform Environment Control Officer (ECO) duties for film / photo shoots and events

KRA 3 – MAINTENANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT

• Ensure the terrain is clean, neat and tidy at all times
• Undertake and/or assist with structure protection of office and eco-tourism nodes
• Manage stores and associated assets
• Identify maintenance needs and assist with the development of maintenance and repairs schedules:
  • Office buildings and stores, accommodation units, camping and picnic areas, ablutions and pools
  • Roads, trails, walkways and boardwalks
  • Fences, gates, booms and access management structures, and other infrastructure, e.g. water reticulation systems
  • Tools and equipment
  • Vehicles
  • Gardens and terrain
  • Signage (for operational and visitor information purposes)
• Implement the maintenance schedule as prescribed

KRA 4 – OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS), ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

• Participate in OHS assessments and OHS toolbox talks and provide input for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)
• Ensure compliance with OHS procedures and standards
• Assist with identification and mitigation of risks and threats in the work environment.
• Assist with obtaining quotes for purchases related to duties.
• Assist with administrative duties as and when required and adhere to CapeNature protocols and procedures
• Assist with the preparation of fire logs and reports as and when required
• From time to time, assist with supervision of contract staff and students
• As and when required, assist with training of contract staff and students
• Participate in meetings as required by management
• Undertake transport duties

KRA 5 – LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE MONITORING

• Assist with patrols as per compliance plans and duty roster
• Report instances of unauthorised activities and/or non-compliance with access permit conditions
• Undertake permit checks and inspections at entrance points and within the Nature Reserve
• Participate in law enforcement operations and the manning of observation points
• Assist in the response to incidents of non-compliance / unauthorised activities

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12
• At least two years of related experience
• A valid code B driver’s license at least two years old from the date of issue
• Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, Internet and online platforms)
• No criminal record

COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of nature-based tourism and nature conservation
• Willingness to work irregular hours and after hours such as on weekends and public holidays and perform standby duties as per duty roster
• Physical fitness and ability to spend long hours outdoors often under strenuous conditions, undertake foot and vehicular/vessel patrols, search and rescue and firefighting and alien invasive species clearing operations
• Ability to repair and maintain equipment and infrastructure
• Good interpersonal skills
• Supervisory skills
• Conflict management skills
• Professional communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to live and work in a remote environment with limited connectivity at times

Recommendation/Added Advantage:

• Experience in tool and equipment operation and repair and maintenance with accredited certificates.
• Power tool repair and maintenance experience
• General infrastructure repair and maintenance
• Stores management experience
• First Aid Certificate

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.

Kindly Note:

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: 13 June 2025