The Conservation Manager: Off-Reserve, Overberg will drive and manage compliance with relevant biodiversity legislation, extension, conservation management, monitoring and contribute to the progressive operationalization of CapeNature programs and projects.

Key Responsibilities:
• Protected Area Expansion & Management: Implement protected area expansion planning priorities informed by WPAES and BSP, ensure effective integrated management of Protected Area Estate, implement Landscape South Stewardship Expansion Strategy
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensure effective compliance monitoring and environmental crime prevention on and off reserves, participate in investigations and joint operations, issue admission of guilt fines, conduct mandatory inspections for TOPS permits and CITES endorsements
• Leadership & Stakeholder Relations: Increase awareness and community involvement in protected area management, drive partnerships that benefit conservation management, ensure legislative and policy changes are disseminated to stakeholders
• Management & Administration: Overall accountability for performance, governance, financial management and risk management, staff induction and training, implement Performance Management System, ensure health and safety management

Salary: R750,656 - R867,963 per annum

Employee Benefits:
• 24 days annual leave per cycle
• Comprehensive death, critical illness, injury benefits
• Up to 50% staff discounts on CapeNature accommodation
• Career progression and development opportunities
• Internal bursary programme for academic growth
• Free wellness partner access for counselling and advice
• Compulsory CapeNature Pension Fund membership

Essential Requirements:
• National Diploma in Nature Conservation or equivalent qualification at NQF 6 in Nature Conservation field
• Minimum 5 years management experience in Conservation Sector
• Valid EB (Code 8) driver's license
• Bilingualism in at least 2 official languages of Western Cape
• Working knowledge and understanding of Environmental Legislation
• Experience in implementation of Stewardship methodology
• Peace Officer Certificate
• Valid Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) Certificate
• Clean criminal record

Key Competencies:
• Strong leadership ability and conflict resolution skills
• Proven track record of managing conservation areas
• Sound interpersonal, communication and people management skills
• Exceptional teamwork abilities (as leader and team member)
• High computer literacy and report writing skills
• Managerial and Project Management experience
• Physical fitness for duties and inspections
• High personal responsibility and accountability
• Ability to work under pressure
• Willingness to travel regularly and drive on 4x4 terrain

Advantageous:
• B-Tech Degree in Nature Conservation or appropriate Master's Degree
• Knowledge and experience in law enforcement
• Working knowledge of MS Office with QGIS