CapeNature seeks to appoint an energetic, dynamic, professional candidate to join a team of landscape managers in the Conservation Operations Directorate. The ideal candidate should have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills coupled with the ability to analyse complex issues, identify potential solutions, and implement effective strategies.

CapeNature practices a landscape approach to nature conservation in the Western Cape Province by implementing a landscape conservation model. Landscape Managers practice conservation operations at landscape scale, inclusive of its marine and coastal interface, to conserve, enhance, protect and restore natural habitats for biodiversity resilience, coordinate and promote the sustainable use of biodiversity, establish beneficial access to protected areas and their natural, cultural and historic assets, mitigate risk, promote compliance and practice good governance. The successful candidate will lead and manage the Central Landscape comprising the Witzenberg, Boland and Kogelberg Landscape Units and report to the Director: Conservation Operations.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Implement applicable biodiversity and conservation policy and/or systems for conservation action to enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation, restoration initiatives and effective protected area management

• Targeted conservation management and ecosystem restoration initiatives and interventions, informed by knowledge and management best practice are implemented.
• Protected and conserved areas are effectively managed and legally secured.
• Priority landscapes and seascapes are protected, restored and conserved.
• Priority ecological infrastructure and strategic water source areas are restored and protected.
• Disasters are prevented and/or mitigated through risk assessments, preparedness and response plans; incident management and response is rapid, structured and coordinated via incident command structures.

2. Lead and manage landscape conservation and stewardship to address biodiversity loss in key biodiversity areas

• Protected area expansion planning priorities informed by the Biodiversity Spatial Plan and the Western Cape Protected Areas Expansion Strategy and associated conservation intelligence are implemented.
• Actions to improve the conservation status of priority species and ecosystems are implemented.
• Protected Area Expansion in the Landscape is implemented, monitored and audited.
• Stewardship sites comply with the provisions of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and Management Agreements.
• Functional partnerships addressing biodiversity loss are developed and maintained.

3. Lead and manage conservation action to promote the biodiversity economy and enhance access to biodiversity and facilitate sustainable use.

• Job opportunities are created through implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme.
• Special projects aimed at ecosystem rehabilitation, restoration and risk reduction are implemented.
• Contractor development and work opportunities are enhanced through environmental programmes.
• Access to biodiversity compatible with legal frameworks and policy provisions for recreational, cultural, traditional, spiritual and sustainable harvesting purposes are enabled.
• Tourism income is generated through excellence in service delivery.

4. Lead and manage conservation action to advocate for a nature positive future through behavioural change voluntary compliance.

• Behavioural change is promoted and voluntary compliance enhanced through a targeted landscape environmental interpretation and awareness.
• Behavioural change is promoted, and voluntary compliance enhanced through targeted capacity building initiatives.
• Compliance with biodiversity legislation is promoted.
• Compliance with relevant biodiversity legislation is monitored and implemented through compliance and enforcement actions.
• Biodiversity authorisations are issued based on the merit of applications received.
• Advice is provided to landowners to improve biodiversity or the conservation of the natural environment on their land.

5. Assume overall accountability for ensuring performance, governance, risk management and equity.

• Strategic formal partnerships to enhance CapeNature’s mandate are sought and maintained.
• Effective integration of conservation intelligence into conservation best practice and enable strategic adaptive management.
• Infrastructure (operational and tourism) is maintained, fit for purpose and optimally utilized.
• All visitor facilities are maintained, and a professional service is delivered.
• Maintain oversight and practice due diligence over all administrative and financial procedures.
• Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures are implemented and complied with.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelors’ Degree or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification within the field of Nature/Environmental Conservation and/or Management, a post-graduate qualification would be advantageous.
• Senior management experience of at least 5-7 years within the Conservation Sector.
• Good knowledge of the functioning of ecological processes, conservation and natural resource management, and a proven track record of managing protected and/or conserved areas at landscape level.
• Knowledge and experience of applicable conservation and other legislation, including human resource management, labour relations and occupational health and safety, and the implementation thereof.
• Demonstrable training, skills and/or relevant experience in project management.
• Ability to communicate effectively in at least two of the official Western Cape languages at all levels, both verbally and in writing and to maintain sound interpersonal relations.
• Good computer literacy, electronic communication competency and a good working knowledge of the MS Office suite of software.
• Proficient in GIS Software Package/s (e.g., QGIS).
• Demonstrable strong leadership skills, strategic vision and a demonstrated ability to lead a team at Senior Management level.
• Demonstrable experience with human capital management, capacity building, and financial, procurement and asset management.
• Excellent organisational skills, as well as analytical, conceptual and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work in stressful situations, regularly work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• In possession of a valid Code B (unendorsed) driver’s license with own vehicle and willingness to travel regularly and extensively.

AS A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:

• 24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle;
• Comprehensive benefits for death, critical illness or injury linked to the Pension Fund for CapeNature employees;
• Staff discounts of up to 50% on CapeNature accommodation at reserves across the Western Cape;
• Opportunities for career progression and development through internal and external training interventions, and academic growth through the internal CapeNature Bursary Programme subject to Bursary Policy guidelines;
• Free access to CapeNature’s Wellness Partner for you and your immediate household which includes professional counselling, financial, legal and health related advice; and
• The opportunity to positively impact the environment and promote a sustainable future.

Kindly Note:

Only suitable candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to prepare a presentation as part of the interview process.

APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
• Letter of Expression of Interest, to be uploaded in PDF format (maximum length: 2 pages)
Please note: Applications that are not accompanied by this document will automatically be declined.


CapeNature reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise a post should it be deemed necessary within its sole discretion.

*Remuneration package may be negotiable within the salary range provided, depending on current remuneration package.


Kindly note that it is compulsory to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. If you are an existing member to a Medical Aid you are required to provide a copy of such membership before the commencement of your employment with CapeNature.

The successful candidate will be based at the Limietberg Nature Reserve Office in Paarl.

To apply please visit the careers page on the CapeNature Website.

Apply online at https://capenature.simplify.hr/

Closing date: 22 November 2024