Western Cape: Conservation Officer on Reserve (Level 8), Sandveld Coastal Cluster – Rocherpan Nature Reserve & MPA posted by Cape Nature

CapeNature seeks to appoint a dynamic individual to undertake protected area operations at the Rocherpan Nature Reserve and MPA Complex to support and assist the Landscape Unit 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 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 Assist Reserve Management to achieve effective Integrated Catchment Management aligned to relevant strategic and operational plans and mitigate 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 operationalization of various CapeNature initiatives. Assist Reserve Management with progressive Integrated Catchment Management, with regards to invasive species, fire, and fuel load Undertake project management and implement contract Manage infrastructure maintenance 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 Rocherpan staff component in line with applicable legislative frameworks, policy, and procedure to ensure a highly productive and motivated team. Implement performance Ensure that targets for the number of Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) appointed at Rocherpan 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 Support effective financial, supply chain management, asset, fleet, and administration management for the Rocherpan Nature Reserve. Implement asset and inventory stock management and 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 Rocherpan Nature Play an active role in the Rocherpan Protected Area Advisory Maintain a sound relationship with neighbours and 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 Rocherpan Complex. KPA 5 Compliance Monitoring and Law Enforcement Implement effective compliance monitoring and law enforcement in Rocherpan Nature Reserve and the Zone of Influence to protect biodiversity and promote voluntary compliance. Undertake regular patrols and implement rapid response / contingency 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 Appropriate ICS 200/300 training Project management experience A valid EB (08) drivers 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 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 area No criminal record COMPETENCIES Good project planning and organizing Strong analytical, strategic, and creative problem-solving 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. Fire suppression A skipper license will be an added advantage. Experience in relevant seabird and MPA monitoring. 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 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. GENERAL: 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 drivers 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: [Click here to apply] Closing date: 8 December 2025