Company: CapeNature
Location: Laingsburg, Western Cape
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: R510 500 – R589 586 per annum
Closing Date: 09 March 2026
Division: Conservation Operations
Business Unit: Landscape East
Industry: Environmental Services
Functional Area: Operations
About CapeNature
CapeNature is the provincial conservation authority responsible for managing protected areas and promoting biodiversity conservation across the Western Cape. Through strategic ecosystem management, environmental education, and stakeholder engagement, CapeNature ensures sustainable environmental stewardship for present and future generations.
The organisation is currently seeking a Conservation Officer (Level 8) to join the team at Anysberg Nature Reserve near Laingsburg.
Position Overview
The Conservation Officer will support the Conservation Manager in delivering professional, coordinated, and integrated protected area management. This includes ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection, integrated catchment management, law enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and project implementation within the reserve and its zone of influence.
This role requires leadership capability, strong project management skills, and the ability to live and work in a remote protected area environment.
Key Performance Areas
KPA 1: Protected Area Management & Integrated Catchment Management
- Assist in implementing the Protected Area Management Plan and annual operational plans
- Support biodiversity conservation, heritage management, and sustainable utilisation initiatives
- Contribute to the expansion and effective management of the protected area estate
- Implement Integrated Catchment Management strategies including invasive species control, fire management, and fuel load reduction
- Manage infrastructure maintenance schedules
- Undertake project and contract management responsibilities
- Prepare operational reports and site-level data to inform annual planning
- Ensure compliance with biodiversity and conservation legislation, policies, and SOPs
KPA 2: Human Resource Management & Occupational Health and Safety
- Supervise and manage reserve staff in line with legislative and organisational frameworks
- Implement performance management systems
- Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Submit attendance registers, overtime claims, travel claims, and required reports
- Ensure incident reporting and investigations are conducted appropriately
KPA 3: Finance, Administration & Asset Management
- Implement financial and administrative controls in accordance with policy
- Support procurement and supply chain management processes
- Manage asset, inventory, and fleet control
- Maintain effective stock management systems
KPA 4: Environmental Education & Stakeholder Management
- Implement Environmental Education and Awareness programmes
- Facilitate citizen science initiatives and controlled access
- Participate in the Protected Area Advisory Committee
- Maintain positive relationships with neighbouring landowners, researchers, and communities
- Collaborate with stakeholders to mitigate land and water use impacts on the reserve
KPA 5: Compliance Monitoring & Law Enforcement
- Conduct patrols within the reserve and zone of influence
- Implement contingency and rapid response plans
- Maintain enforcement databases and prepare compliance reports
- Promote voluntary compliance while protecting biodiversity
Minimum Requirements
- National Diploma in Nature Conservation (NQF 6) or equivalent qualification
- At least three (3) years’ experience in the nature conservation sector
- ICS 200/300 training
- Project management experience
- Valid EB (Code 08) driver’s license and ability to operate 4×4 vehicles
- Knowledge of environmental legislation
- Experience working with local communities and stakeholders
- Proficiency in MS Office and GIS software (e.g., QGIS)
- Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills
- Fluent in English and Afrikaans (bilingual in two of three official Western Cape languages)
- Physical fitness to work in rugged terrain
- Willingness to live and work in a remote protected area
- No criminal record
Key Competencies
- Project planning and organisational skills
- Strategic and analytical thinking
- Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Stakeholder engagement and community collaboration skills
Employee Benefits
As a permanent employee of CapeNature, you will receive:
- 24 days annual leave per cycle
- Pension Fund benefits (membership compulsory)
- Up to 50% staff discount on CapeNature accommodation across Western Cape reserves
- Career progression and training opportunities
- Access to a comprehensive wellness programme for you and your immediate household
- The opportunity to contribute directly to environmental conservation and sustainability
Additional Information
- The successful candidate will reside in official accommodation at Anysberg Nature Reserve and pay subsidised rent
- A valid driver’s license is essential
- Remuneration is negotiable within the advertised range depending on current salary package
How to Apply
Apply online via the official CapeNature recruitment portal:
👉 http://capenature.simply.hr/
OR APPLY HERE
Closing Date: 09 March 2026
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