South Africa: Anti-Poaching Unit Manager posted by Wild Dreams Hospitality

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced leader to head anti-poaching efforts in a high-risk conservation zone. As a senior role, this position requires expertise in security, wildlife protection, crisis response, and field operations. The ideal candidate will be skilled in firearms, surveillance, data analysis, and GIS, with the physical resilience to work in remote, high-pressure environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for anti-poaching teams
• Develop and implement counter-poaching strategies aligned with conservation goals
• Train, mentor, and manage multi-disciplinary field personnel
• Oversee data collection, GPS mapping, and analysis for operational planning
• Manage logistics, resources, and equipment for field operations
• Coordinate closely with local law enforcement and relevant agencies
• Lead operational deployments in remote and high-risk environments
• Ensure compliance with security legislation and wildlife crime procedures
• Supervise use of K9 units, aerial surveillance (e.g. drones), and intelligence gathering
• Maintain accurate records and reporting systems using relevant software
• Uphold physical readiness standards and safety protocols in rugged terrain
• Administer trauma care and first aid in field settings
• Support broader conservation and wildlife management initiatives where required
• Ensure all personnel meet legal and operational requirements, including background checks and certifications

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ senior experience in counter-poaching, military, or high-risk security operations
• Tertiary qualification in wildlife conservation, natural resource management, security operations, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of law enforcement procedures and wildlife crime legislation
• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary teams in remote, high-pressure environments
• Certified in firearm handling with demonstrable field experience
• Experience with K9 units, aerial surveillance (e.g. drones), and intelligence operations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant operational software
• Skilled in GPS data collection, mapping, and GIS applications
• High level of physical fitness and ability to operate in rugged, hazardous terrain
• Fluent in English; additional language skills are advantageous
• Willingness to work long, flexible hours with minimal supervision
• Certified in First Aid, including trauma care in remote or high-risk settings
• Additional experience in wildlife management or conservation is beneficial
• Valid driver’s license and Professional Driving Permit (PDP)
• Police clearance and successful completion of a full background check required

Qualifications

None mentioned.

Salary & Benefits

Namibian $50k CTC, semi-furnished accommodation with utilities included, housekeeping services provided on a rotational basis, uniform and DSTV package aligned with role, Wi-Fi access and flights to/from Windhoek subject to availability, emergency medical evacuation and accident insurance coverage, optional pension and medical aid, discounted stays at select lodges per management policy.