CapeNature seeks to appoint an energetic and professional candidate to join the Conservation Operations Directorate and support eco-tourism in the Witzenberg Landscape Unit. The ideal candidate should be confident to resolve infrastructural and/or equipment related maintenance and repair issues have exceptional interpersonal, communication and technical skills coupled with the ability to project manage.

CapeNature practices protected area management in the Western Cape Province, inclusive of eco-tourism. The Wolwekloof Resort, nested adjacent to the Wittebrug Nature Reserve located between Wolseley and Ceres, offers a selection of eco-tourism facilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for the management of the Wolwekloof Resort and associated management tasks. The successful candidate will report to the Conservation Manager on Reserve (CMOR): Waterval Nature Reserve Complex.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Implement, drive and coordinate a consistently high level of service excellence.

• Ensure facilities and associated reticulation systems at the Wolwekloof Resort are managed according to approved organization plans and strategies.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of all infrastructure and facilities at Wolwekloof resort.
• Support ecological infrastructure restoration within Wolwekloof Resort and adjacent Wittebrug Nature Reserve.
• Prepare reports on the findings of infrastructure assessments and implement recommendations.
• Develop and implement infrastructure databases and equipment maintenance schedules and assist in managing activities, facilities and infrastructure.
• Assist with landscaping and Alien Vegetation Management at Wolwekloof Resort.

Capacity Building: Lead and Manage Teams on site

• Manage a dynamic Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) team in keeping with legislation, policies, and procedures and promote a highly productive and motivated team.
• Implement sound Human Resource Management.
• Facilitate skills and knowledge transfer to EPWP and board staff.
• Identify skills shortages and coordinate with the conservation manager to address them.

Lead, manage and implement infrastructure and equipment maintenance at the Wolwekloof Resort

• Prepare and implement infrastructure and equipment maintenance and repair schedules.
• Provide feedback and requirements into annual user asset management plan (UAMP) process.
• Action all repairs and maintenance issues that are on the schedules and associated infrastructure database.
• Coordinate and prioritise infrastructure and equipment repairs in consultation with the relevant departments.
• Coordinate the infrastructure maintenance and repair team, inclusive of contractors.
• Maintenance of water supply systems, including reservoirs, pipelines and treatment plants.
• Maintain electrical systems, buildings and facilities.
• Regular record keeping and monthly report submission.
• Rapid response to infrastructure failure and/or damage caused by natural disasters and/or unexpected failures.
• Coordination of resources and personnel to address urgent repair needs.
• Oversee general upkeep of the Wolwekloof Resort including landscaping and alien vegetation management.
• Compilation of infrastructure risk assessments for submission to the Conservation Manager.

Costing, Procurement and Stores Management

• Conduct regular infrastructure audits of the Wolwekloof Resort and/ or Waterval offices and provide report on deficiencies found.
• Project management of works outsourced to contractors.
• Compile specifications for work to be outsourced in consultation with CMOR.
• Attend site meetings with bidders.
• Attend to, evaluate and processing of quotations submitted by bidders in coordination with the supply chain management (SCM), Landscape Administrative Assistants and Landscape Administrator.
• Costing of repair work to be undertaken for Landscape infrastructure.
• Procure necessary supplies for repair and maintenance as per SCM Policies and Processes.
• Conduct briefings and debriefs when required.
• Undertake performance management and assessment at regular intervals throughout the life of a contract and complete the required close-out reports.

Ensure consistency with Policy, Process, Procedure, collaboration with Senior Management

• Ensure the timeous submission of quality reports, administration, attendance registers, standby, subsistence and travel allowance and overtime claims in the prescribed formats and in keeping with policy and procedure.
• Implement Administration Management in keeping with applicable policies and procedures
• Assist with Implementation of the SCM Policies and procedures.
• Support effective financial, supply chain management, asset, fleet and administration management for the component.
• Assist with Implementation of Asset and Inventory management.
• All relevant Occupational Health and Safety legislation, policies and standards are in place and adhered to.
• Assist with governance through enhanced adherence to corporate policies and standards.
• Incorporating sustainable practices in maintenance and repair activities.
• Ensure the repair works comply with environmental regulations and standards.
• Align repairs and maintenance with CMOR and annual operational planning.
• Ensure CapeNature compliance to applicable Regulatory Standards.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• National Diploma in Building Management /Property Management /Facilities Management equivalent qualification at NQF 6.
• Minimum of at least 5 (five) years’ experience in facilities, operations and / or building project management, preferably within the tourism industry.
• A valid EB (08) driver’s license (Code 10 recommended) for a manual vehicle, and willingness to travel regionally.
• Bilingualism in at least 2 of the official languages of the Western Cape.
• No criminal record.

Recommendations

• Relevant certifications (e.g. Project Management Professional) would be advantageous.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills.
• Exceptional ability to problem solve and work effectively within cross-functional teams (as a leader and as team member).
• An energetic and self-motivated individual with a positive attitude.
• Experience in an eco-tourism environment is preferred, but not a necessity.
• Background knowledge of nature-based tourism and conservation.

Competencies

• Thorough working knowledge of MS Office.
• Effective people management skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member).
• High levels of personal responsibility and accountability.
• Sound interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good project planning and organizing skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Competency in conflict resolution.
• Demonstrate experience managing accommodation/tourism facilities.

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.

GENERAL:
The successful candidate will be required to stay in official accommodation at the Wolwekloof Resort and pay subsidized rent.

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.

Apply online: https://capenature.simply.hr/
Closing date: 31 December 2024