Reserve Manager Game Reserve

**Purpose of the Job**

The RESERVE requires a Reserve Manager to assume responsibility for delivering on the conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and environmental compliance components as well as all aspects pertaining to security and terrestrial integrity in the RESERVE in line with its Management Plan. Working closely with the safari businesses operating in the RESERVE Board, the position requires someone with conservation management as wells as law enforcement qualifications and proven experience in management of similar protected areas.

**Key Functions**:
The successful incumbent will be expected to fulfil the following functions:
Conservation:
Develop, maintain, and update the new RESERVE State of Biodiversity database which includes an Earth.

Ranger and GIS environment.

Oversee and manage biological reporting and returns from safari operation to feed into Earth Ranger

in line with the RESERVE management plan and species management plans.

Oversee and monitor the RESERVE habitat and fire management programmes.

Coordinate or undertake seasonal and annual monitoring projects including game census, veld

condition assessments, invasive alien plant monitoring, and monitoring of species of conservation

interest.

Implement habitat improvement projects including erosion and invasive alien plant management.

Coordinate response to wildfire, floods and damage causing animals.

Ensure or facilitate the compliance of the RESERVE and safari operations with relevant environmental.

laws and regulations, and internal rules and procedures.

Administrate any permitting, authorisations required by RESERVE on behalf of Reserve and landowners.

for wildlife and fire management.

Undertake mapping required on Reserve & manage the RESERVE GIS environment.

Procure specialist ecological advice when required.

Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures required by the RESERVE Management Plan.

Undertake necessary administration and logistics required by the position.

Report to the RESERVE Board.

Law enforcement:
Supervise all gate, access control and perimeter management and field personnel.

Manage daily operations and deployments of all field rangers.

Manage the control room and perimeter security measures.

Manage the RESERVE Antipoaching Unit (APU) to deliver on the anti-poaching strategy.

Maintain all firearm, ammunition registers and manage firearm compliance.

Implement Standard Operating Procedures within RESERVE.

Undertake necessary administration and logistics required by the position.

Monitor the compliance of the RESERVE and safari operations with relevant environmental laws and

regulations, and internal rules and procedures as instructed.

Report to the RESERVE Board.

**Experience**:
Applicants should have key fundamental qualifications in conservation and law enforcement. And have

worked in both industries for a minimum of 10 years. Show experience in reserve management and have.

excellent communication skills in English and Tsonga or isiZulu or Afrikaans.

**Requirements**:
Applicable tertiary qualification in Environmental Sciences, Ecology, or Nature Conservation

management.

Hold a minimum of 10 years successful working experience in a similar role in a Protected Area in

Africa.

Must be proficient in English and Afrikaans. Proficiency in Xitsonga and/or isiZulu would be.

advantageous.

Good understanding of labour and security law, regulations, and process (additional legal support

will be provided).

Proven experience in a Big 5 Game Reserve with excellent bush skills.

Possession of a DH1 - 5 qualification and/or experience in handling a working dog in order to track.

a person in a natural environment would be advantageous.

Understanding that the nature of the employment is of a physically strenuous nature, and that a

high standard of physical fitness is an inherent requirement of the job.

Good knowledge and proficiency in handling of handgun, bolt action rifle and self-loading carbine

rifle systems for business purposes.

Must be comfortable flying as a passenger/spotter in both fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft day

and night.

Ability to lead by example with good managerial skills.

In possession of valid police clearance.

Capable of interacting positively and effectively with other APU/Conservation agencies & leaders in

the field to constantly improve operations.

Capable of coordinating with strategic partners (e.g., Intelligence) and neighbours to deliver on

common security needs and requirements.

PSIRA registered minimum Grade A, B rating.

A current SAPS business purpose weapons competency certificate for handgun, bolt action rifle and

self-loading carbine rifle

A valid driver’s license.

Basic understanding of protected area, biodiversity and environmental legislation, and protected.

areas management plans.

Competent with GIS, Earth ranger, SMART and Cmore platforms

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Hazyview, Mpumalanga: Reliably commute or planni