Ehlanzeni: Conservation Manager – Luxury Nature Reserve – Sabi Sands | Lb posted by Kendrick Recruitment

About the Role

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Conservation Manager for a luxury nature reserve located in the Sabi Sands. The successful candidate will lead the reserve’s conservation strategy, ensuring ecological integrity, biodiversity protection, and effective management within an open system adjoining the Greater Kruger region.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver conservation operations across a complex protected landscape.
• Develop and implement conservation management plans aligned with the Reserve Management Plan and Annual Performance Objectives.
• Create and oversee monitoring and evaluation methodologies for ecosystem and species health.
• Approve and manage conservation research projects.
• Lead habitat restoration and species reintroduction initiatives.
• Implement and manage the reserve’s fire management regime and act as Fire Control Officer.
• Develop and maintain biodiversity data systems, including Earth Ranger.
• Analyse ecological data to guide adaptive management.
• Prepare comprehensive biodiversity and conservation status reports.
• Present findings to custodians, stakeholders, government bodies, NGOs, and other relevant groups.
• Represent the reserve in conservation forums and collaborate with regional and national conservation bodies.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in applied ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, or a related field (PhD advantageous).
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in conservation management in a similar role.
• Experience in veld management, ecological restoration, research programmes, and wildlife management in a Big 5 environment.
• Strong understanding of South African ecosystems, biodiversity, and protected area statutory requirements.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in applied ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, or a related field (PhD advantageous).

Salary & Benefits

Salary: R45,000 – R50,000 (Negotiable DOE).