Conservation Manager On Reserve

This position is suited to a dedicated conservationist who would like to contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area management, protected area expansion, compliance and law enforcement, support for eco-tourism and access, environmental learning and stakeholder relations within the Witzenberg Landscape Unit, specifically responsible for Limietberg Nature Reserve.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives**
- Targeted conservation and restoration initiatives and interventions informed by knowledge and management best practice are implemented.
- Protected Area is managed according to a management plan and prioritized action plans.
- Priority landscapes are protected, restored and conserved.
- Conservation operations are optimized through planned METT actions and interventions.
- Priority ecological infrastructure areas are restored and protected.

**Lead landscape conservation and stewardship in ways that address biodiversity loss.**
- Biodiversity legal mandate is implemented through compliance and enforcement actions.
- Protected area expansion planning priorities and associated conservation intelligence are implemented.
- Actions to improve the conservation status of priority species and ecosystems are implemented.
- Functional partnerships addressing biodiversity loss are developed and maintained.
- Landscape ecological and human well-being is promoted through a landscape environmental interpretation and awareness plan.

**Promote the biodiversity economy, and enhance biodiversity access and sustainable use**
- Job opportunities are created through implementation of Natural Resource Management programmes.
- Contractor development and work opportunities are enhanced through environmental programmes implemented (Integrated Catchment Management, Expanded Public Works).
- Sustainable harvesting of natural products is facilitated.
- Biodiversity economy activities are implemented in identified nodes.
- Livelihood support is established for local communities.

**Advocate for behavioral change and promote voluntary compliance**
- Local community involvement in Protected Area management is established.
- Stakeholder engagement is enhanced through targeted interventions.
- Compliance plans for all On and Off Reserve components are in place.
- Biodiversity permits are issued within legislated time frames.

**Assume overall accountability for ensuring performance, governance and risk management**
- An enabling environment is created for formal partnerships to mitigate risks to biodiversity.
- Management structures are in place and infrastructure is fit for purpose.
- All relevant Occupational Health and Safety legislation, policies and standards are in place and adhered to.
- Governance is enhanced by adherence to corporate policies and standards.
- Performance is enhanced through effective and efficient staff performance.

**MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS**:

- National Diploma in Nature Conservation / equivalent qualification at NQF 6 in a Nature Conservation field
- Five years’ management experience in the Conservation Sector
- Incident Command Training (ICS 100, ICS 200)
- Thorough working knowledge of MS Office and GIS.
- A valid EB (08) driver’s license, willingness to travel regularly and ability to drive on 4x4 terrain
- Bilingualism in at least 2 of the official languages of the Western Cape
- No criminal record.
- Physical fitness to perform duties in rugged mountainous terrain

**RECOMMENDATIONS**:

- Post-graduate Degree in Nature Conservation, Natural Sciences and/or Sustainable Development will be advantageous.
- IC Type 5 Single Resource / Fire Boss Level 1 or Position Specific ICS Training
- Experience in Fynbos Fire Management & Alien Vegetation Management
- Proven track record of managing a protected area and sound interpersonal, communication and people management skills
- Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills
- Exceptional ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member)
- Proven written and communication skills
- Exceptional financial management skills
- Project Management experience in landscape conservation, world heritage site management, disaster management and/or landscape partnerships will be advantageous.

**Competencies**
- Effective people management skills
- Strong analytical and strategic skills
- Financial management
- Strong leadership skills
- Exceptional ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member)
- Managerial and Project Management experience
- High levels of personal responsibility and accountability
- Sound interpersonal, communication and people management skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines
- Good project planning and organizing skills
- Ability to function independently and within a team
- High competency in computer literacy and r