Company: CapeNature
Location: Still Bay, Western Cape
Job Type: 5-Year Contract
Salary: R237 046 – R272 581 per annum
Closing Date: 12 March 2026
Division: Conservation Operations
Business Unit: Landscape East
Industry: Environmental Services
Functional Area: Operations
About CapeNature
CapeNature is the Western Cape’s leading environmental authority, responsible for biodiversity conservation, protected area management, marine resource protection, and environmental sustainability across the province.
The organisation is currently recruiting a Marine Field Ranger (Level 4) to join the team at Geelkrans Nature Reserve near Still Bay. This five-year contract role is ideal for conservation professionals passionate about marine biodiversity, coastal ecosystems, and law enforcement in protected areas.
Position Overview
The Marine Field Ranger will contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation through marine and coastal protected area management. The role focuses strongly on compliance monitoring, marine law enforcement, ecological monitoring, eco-tourism support, environmental education, and integrated catchment management.
Reporting to the Conservation Manager on Reserve, the successful candidate will help drive ecosystem resilience while promoting sustainable use of marine and coastal resources.
Key Responsibilities
Biodiversity Conservation & Ecosystem Management
- Implement ecological projects aligned with the Protected Area Ecological Matrix
- Conduct alien invasive species management in coastal and estuarine areas
- Perform biodiversity conservation and restoration initiatives
- Assist with historical, cultural, archaeological, and palaeontological asset management
- Contribute to conservation planning and protected area management processes
- Conduct field-based quality control of annual operational projects
Marine Compliance Monitoring & Law Enforcement
- Conduct marine and coastal compliance patrols
- Enforce relevant environmental legislation, including:
- National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act
- Marine Living Resources Act
- Execute proactive and reactive enforcement operations
- Support joint operations plans and integrated compliance plans
- Maintain compliance reporting and documentation
Eco-Tourism, Access & Community Engagement
- Manage controlled access for recreational, research, traditional, and educational purposes
- Supervise volunteers and citizen scientists
- Support eco-tourism operations and visitor liaison activities
- Conduct environmental awareness and educational programmes
- Support biodiversity economy initiatives that promote job creation and sustainable livelihoods
Incident Preparedness & Emergency Response
- Participate in firefighting and disaster management activities
- Respond to marine wildlife strandings, oil spills, vessel groundings, floods, and search and rescue operations
- Participate in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) assessments
- Contribute to Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations
Operational & Administrative Duties
- Maintain infrastructure, vehicles, vessels, and equipment
- Carry out reporting and administrative functions
- Supervise Conservation Assistants, contract staff, students, and volunteers
- Participate in ongoing professional training
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in protected areas, marine, coastal, or estuarine environments
- Valid driver’s license with at least 3 years’ driving experience
- Skippers Category C (or higher) with 2 years’ experience
- Working knowledge of marine and coastal enforcement legislation
- Experience in ecological monitoring and law enforcement
- Experience in firefighting and incident response
- Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS)
- Bilingual in two of the three official Western Cape languages
- No criminal record
Recommended Qualifications
- National Diploma in Nature Conservation and/or Marine Science
- Valid Peace Officer’s certificate or EMI Grade 5 certification
- Appropriate firefighting certification
- ICS 100 certification
- 4×4 driving skills and experience
- GIS software experience
- Ability to swim and operate safely in marine environments
Core Competencies
- Willingness to work weekends and irregular hours
- Physical fitness and ability to swim
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Strong public engagement and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
- Experience in marine operations and aquatic environments
Employee Benefits
As a contract employee of CapeNature, you will receive:
- 24 days annual leave per cycle
- Comprehensive pension-linked risk benefits
- Up to 50% staff discount on CapeNature reserve accommodation
- Career progression and training opportunities
- Access to a wellness programme for you and your immediate household
- The opportunity to contribute directly to marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable coastal management
Additional Information
- Remuneration is negotiable within the advertised salary range depending on current remuneration package.
- The role requires physical fitness and operational readiness for marine and emergency response duties.
How to Apply
Apply online through the official CapeNature recruitment portal:
👉 https://capenature.simplify.hr/
OR APPLY HERE
Closing Date: 12 March 2026
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