SUMMARY:
An exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on wildlife conservation and biodiversity.

POSITION INFO:

Conservation Manager

Location: Greater Kruger Region, South Africa
Employment Type: Permanent
Remuneration: Market-related, based on qualifications and experience
Accommodation: Provided on-site
Closing Date: 18 December 2026

About the Opportunity

An established private nature reserve within the Greater Kruger open ecosystem is seeking an experienced Conservation Manager to lead its conservation and wildlife management function.

This senior position is responsible for protecting biodiversity, maintaining ecological integrity and implementing evidence-based conservation strategies across a diverse protected-area environment. The successful candidate will combine strong scientific expertise with practical management experience, team leadership and the ability to build consensus among landowners and conservation stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Conservation Strategy and Ecological Management

• Develop, implement and review conservation management plans aligned with the reserve''s management objectives.

• Oversee ecosystem and species monitoring, including wildlife counts, habitat condition, population trends, threatened species, disease surveillance and climate-related impacts.

• Interpret ecological data and research findings to inform management decisions and adaptive conservation strategies.

• Manage habitat restoration, alien invasive plant control, bush encroachment management, fire management and species reintroduction programmes.

• Provide recommendations regarding wildlife introductions, translocations and removals.

Team Leadership and Management

• Lead, manage and develop the Conservation Team.

• Establish priorities, delegate responsibilities and monitor performance.

• Build team capability through coaching, training and ongoing development.

• Manage conservation projects, resources, budgets and operational requirements.

Research, Monitoring and Reporting

• Establish research priorities in line with conservation management needs.

• Evaluate research proposals and oversee approved research activities.

• Maintain accurate biodiversity datasets and improve monitoring systems.

• Prepare scientific and management reports for technical and non-technical audiences.

• Work with researchers, universities, consultants and conservation organisations on collaborative projects.

Landowner and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain productive relationships with reserve landowners, understanding their respective objectives and obligations.

• Translate complex ecological information into practical recommendations that support informed decision-making.

• Negotiate workable solutions that balance landowner interests with the reserve''s long-term conservation objectives.

• Represent the reserve at conservation forums, scientific meetings and stakeholder engagements.

• Engage with surrounding communities where required to promote conservation awareness and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable South African environmental legislation, protected-area regulations and internal policies.

• Support biodiversity conservation policy development and implementation.

• Identify funding opportunities and manage grants for conservation and biodiversity initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following qualification and experience pathways:

• A completed or nearly completed Master''s degree in Conservation, Applied Ecology, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Botany, Zoology or a related field, with ideally eight or more years of conservation management experience in a similar position; OR

• A BTech, BSc Honours or equivalent qualification in a related field, with at least 15 years of relevant conservation management experience.

A PhD would be advantageous.

Additional requirements include:

• Extensive knowledge of ecology, wildlife management, conservation science and South African ecosystems.

• Demonstrated experience in veld management, ecological restoration and wildlife management within a Big Five conservation environment.

• Proven experience leading and managing teams.

• Experience engaging and negotiating with landowners, boards or other non-scientific stakeholders.

• Knowledge of South African environmental legislation and protected-area management requirements.

• Strong quantitative, analytical and research interpretation skills.

• Proficiency in MS Office, GIS software (ArcGIS or QGIS), statistical software such as R, and EarthRanger.

• Experience using drones and camera traps for monitoring and research.

• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

Essential: Valid driver''s licence, 4x4 driving competency and SAPS firearm competency for bolt-action firearms. A Code 10 licence is preferred.

Advantageous: Afrikaans and Shangaan language skills; professional registration with SACNASP in Ecological Science or Conservation Science; established relationships with SANParks, SANBI, research institutions and conservation NGOs; and experience supervising postgraduate students.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and evidence-based decision-making.

• Strong leadership, planning, delegation and performance management.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills.

• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to non-technical audiences.

• Strong presentation, report-writing and interpersonal skills.

• Sound financial, budgeting and administrative capabilities.

• Strong project management, problem-solving and organisational skills.

• Patience, political awareness and a long-term conservation perspective.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in remote and challenging environments.

Additional Information

The position is based at a private nature reserve in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa, with on-site accommodation provided.

South African citizens will receive preference. Permanent residents and candidates with valid South African work permits may also be considered.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete psychometric assessments, a polygraph test and a security background check.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Updated CV.

• Motivational letter.

• Copies of relevant qualifications.

• Copy of identification document.

• Reference letters, including relevant contact details.

Applications must be submitted by 18 December 2026.

Only candidates who meet the essential qualification and experience requirements will be considered.