Conservation Officer on Reserve (Level 8), Kogelberg Nature Reserve

CapeNature seeks to appoint a dynamic individual to undertake protected area operations at the Kogelberg Nature Reserve to support and assist the Conservation Manager in the provision of professional, coordinated and integrated protected area management and project management to enhance ecosystem conservation and restoration, promote landscape conservation and stewardship, facilitate access, promote advocacy and practice responsibility to ensure performance and risk management.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

KPA 1 – Protected Area Management and Integrated Catchment Management

• Assist Reserve Management to achieve effective protected area management and expansion of the protected area estate aligned to relevant strategic plans.
• Demonstrate strategic capability and leadership and implement the protected area management plan and associated subsidiary and annual plans of operation, including monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Interpret and implement applicable biodiversity, conservation, financial and administrative policies, plans, systems, standard operating procedures and guidelines.
• Assist Reserve Management to achieve effective Integrated Catchment Management aligned to relevant strategic and operational plans and mitigate risk.
• Assist Reserve Management with effective biodiversity management to integrate conservation, access and heritage management, implement sustainable utilisation and identify and mitigate risks.
• Assist Reserve Management with conservation operations and monitoring at protected area and landscape level and ensure progressive operationalisation of various CapeNature initiatives.
• Assist Reserve Management with progressive Integrated Catchment Management, with regards to invasive species, fire, and fuel load management.
• Undertake project management and implement contract management.
• Manage infrastructure maintenance schedules.
• Prepare progress reports as per agreed timeframes and report on the implementation of work plans.
• Prepare site level data to inform annual operations plans and prepare relevant plans with Reserve Management.

KPA 2 – Human Resource Management and Occupational Health and Safety

• Manage the Kogelberg staff component in line with applicable legislative frameworks, policy, and procedure to ensure a highly productive and motivated team.
• Implement performance management.
• Ensure that targets for the number of Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) appointed at Kogelberg Nature Reserve are always met.
• Prepare and submit quality reports, attendance registers, standby pre-approvals and claims, subsistence and travel claims, overtime pre-approvals and claims in the prescribed formats timeously.
• Implement and adhere to Occupational Health and Safety Act policy and procedure and ensure sound incident reporting and investigation.

KPA 3 – Finance and Administration and Asset / Inventory Management

• Implement sound financial and administration management in accordance with applicable legislative frameworks, policy, and procedure.
• Implement and adhere to procurement policy and procedure.
• Support effective financial, supply chain management, asset, fleet, and administration management for the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.
• Implement asset and inventory stock management and control.

KPA 4 – Environmental Education and Awareness and Stakeholder Management

• Implement Environmental Education and Awareness as per strategic plans, subsidiary plans and annual plans of operation.
• Facilitate access and citizen science at the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.
• Play an active role in the Kogelberg Protected Area Advisory Committee.
• Maintain a sound relationship with neighbours and researchers.
• Support Reserve Management in the collaboration with neighbours and relevant stakeholders to collectively address land and / or water use activities that may have a detrimental impact on the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.

KPA 5 – Compliance Monitoring and Law Enforcement

• Implement effective compliance monitoring and law enforcement in Kogelberg Nature Reserve and the Zone of Influence to protect biodiversity and promote voluntary compliance.
• Undertake regular patrols and implement rapid response / contingency plans.
• Maintain the compliance and enforcement monitoring database and prepare monthly reports.

REQUIREMENTS:

• National Diploma in Nature Conservation / equivalent qualification at NQF 6 in a Nature Conservation field.
• At least three years’ experience in the nature conservation sector.
• Appropriate ICS 200/300 training.
• Project management experience.
• A valid EB (08) driver’s license, willingness to travel regularly and ability to drive on 4×4 terrain.
• Experience working with and fostering good relationships with local communities.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, after hours and perform stand-by duties.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation.
• Thorough working knowledge of MS Office and GIS packages such as QGIS.
• Physical fitness to perform duties under physically demanding conditions and rugged mountainous and coastal terrain.
• Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills.
• Good written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills in English and Afrikaans.
• Bilingualism in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
• Willingness to live and work in remote protected areas.
• No criminal record.

COMPETENCIES

• Project management qualification.
• Good project planning and organizing skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.
• Ability to function independently and within a team.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders, landowners and communities.

AS A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:

• 24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle;
• A hybrid working system permitting remote work within limitations, where applicable.
• 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.

GENERAL:
The successful candidate will be required to stay in official accommodation at the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and pay subsidized rent.

Kindly note that it is compulsory to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. If you are an existing member of Medical Aid you are required to provide a copy of such membership before the commencement of your employment with CapeNature.

Note that a valid driver’s license is essential as this post offers an excellent opportunity to travel and view the biodiversity that we need to conserve for a sustainable future.

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

Apply online: https://capenature.simply.hr/

Closing date: 14 March 2025