Location: Hermanus, Western Cape
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: R181 505 – R200 637 per annum
Closing Date: 09 March 2026
Division: Conservation Operations
Business Unit: Landscape South
Industry: Environmental Services
Functional Area: Operations
About CapeNature
CapeNature is responsible for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources across the Western Cape. The organisation plays a critical role in environmental protection, eco-tourism, and conservation education, while creating employment and skills development opportunities within protected areas.
The Walker Bay Complex, located in Hermanus, is seeking a dedicated Conservation Assistant (Level 2) to support daily conservation, eco-tourism, maintenance, and compliance operations.
Position Overview
The Conservation Assistant will assist with field-based conservation activities, eco-tourism operations, infrastructure maintenance, environmental education, and compliance monitoring. This role requires physical fitness, technical maintenance skills, and a passion for environmental protection.
The successful candidate must be comfortable working outdoors, performing standby duties, and operating in a remote environment when necessary.
Key Responsibilities
KRA 1: Nature Conservation & Integrated Catchment Management
- Assist with conservation fieldwork, ecological monitoring, and surveillance
- Support implementation of annual operational work plans
- Conduct data collection and maintain accurate records
- Assist with alien invasive plant inspections and firebreak assessments
- Perform firefighting duties according to prescribed protocols
- Support fauna and flora management initiatives
- Assist with ecological restoration projects
- Participate in standby duties and respond to incidents
KRA 2: Eco-Tourism, Environmental Education & Awareness
- Provide visitor information regarding reserve rules, fauna, flora, and access conditions
- Assist with gate guard duties when required
- Monitor visitor behaviour and report incidents
- Support guest check-in and check-out processes
- Assist with search and rescue operations
- Support environmental education and awareness programmes
- Perform Environment Control Officer (ECO) duties for events and film/photo shoots
KRA 3: Maintenance of Infrastructure & Equipment
- Maintain cleanliness and upkeep of reserve terrain
- Assist with structural protection of offices and eco-tourism facilities
- Identify maintenance needs and support development of repair schedules
- Maintain roads, trails, walkways, fences, gates, water systems, and related infrastructure
- Manage tools, stores, vehicles, and equipment
- Implement approved maintenance schedules
KRA 4: Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), Administration & HR Support
- Participate in OHS assessments and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)
- Ensure compliance with OHS procedures
- Assist with procurement-related administrative tasks
- Prepare fire logs and incident reports
- Support supervision and training of contract staff and students
- Undertake transport duties as required
KRA 5: Law Enforcement & Compliance Monitoring
- Conduct patrols as per compliance plans
- Perform permit checks at entrance points and within the reserve
- Report unauthorised activities or permit violations
- Participate in law enforcement operations
- Assist in incident response related to non-compliance
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12
- At least two years’ practical experience in a technical or maintenance field
- Valid Code B driver’s license with at least five years of driving experience
- Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Internet)
- No criminal record
Competencies
- Knowledge of conservation and nature-based tourism
- Physical fitness and ability to work in demanding outdoor conditions
- Willingness to work irregular hours, weekends, public holidays, and standby shifts
- Basic building maintenance skills (plumbing, carpentry, equipment repairs)
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Supervisory and conflict management skills
- Ability to work independently in remote environments
Added Advantages
- Accredited certificates in Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Masonry, Refrigeration, or Air Conditioning
- Power tool repair and maintenance experience
- Infrastructure maintenance and stores management experience
- First Aid Certificate
- Tractor operator certification
Employee Benefits
As a permanent employee of CapeNature, you will enjoy:
- 24 days annual leave per cycle
- Pension Fund benefits covering death, critical illness, or injury
- Up to 50% staff discounts on accommodation at CapeNature reserves
- Opportunities for career growth and academic development through internal bursary programmes
- Free access to wellness services for you and your immediate household
- The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation and sustainability
Important Notes
- Remuneration is negotiable within the advertised range depending on current salary package
- Only suitable candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered
- CapeNature reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise the position if necessary
How to Apply
Apply online via the official CapeNature recruitment portal:
👉 https://capenature.simplify.hr/
OR APPLY HERE
Closing Date: 09 March 2026
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