CapeNature seeks to appoint a dynamic individual to undertake protected area operations at the Riverlands Nature Reserve to support and assist the Landscape Unit Manager in the provision of professional, coordinated and integrated protected area management and project management to enhance ecosystem conservation and restoration, promote landscape conservation and stewardship, facilitate access, promote advocacy and practice responsibility to ensure performance and risk management.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

KPA 1 - Support and assist management to enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives.

• Targeted conservation and restoration initiatives and interventions informed by knowledge and management best practice (NRM, ICM; IWP and IAPO) are implemented
• Protected Areas are managed by an approved PAMP and prioritised action plans
• Priority landscapes and seascapes are protected, restored and conserved 
• Conservation operations are optimised through planned METT-SA interventions
• Priority ecological infrastructure and strategic water source areas are restored and protected.

KPA 2 - Support and assist management to lead landscape conservation and stewardship in ways that address biodiversity loss.

• Protected area expansion planning priorities informed by the Western Cape Protected Area Expansion Strategy (WCPAES) and Biodiversity Spatial Plan and associated conservation intelligence are implemented
• Actions to improve the conservation status of priority species and ecosystems are implemented
• Functional partnerships addressing biodiversity loss are developed and maintained
• Biodiversity legal mandate is implemented through compliance and enforcement actions
• Landscape ecological and human well-being is promoted through a landscape environmental interpretation and awareness plan

KPA 3 - Support and assist management to promote the biodiversity economy, and enhance biodiversity access and sustainable use.

• Job opportunities are created through implementation of the natural resource programme
• Contractor development and work opportunities are enhanced through environmental programmes implemented (ICM)
• Biodiversity economy activities are implemented in identified nodes
• Livelihood support is established for local communities
• Sustainable harvesting of natural products for traditional purposes is facilitated

KPA 4 - Support and assist management to advocate for behavioural change and promote voluntary compliance.

• Local community involvement in Protected Area management is established
• Stakeholder engagement is enhanced through targeted interventions
• Compliance with biodiversity legislation is promoted
• Biodiversity permits are issued within legislated time frames
• Compliance plans for all On and Off Reserve components are in place

 KPA 5 - Assume accountability for ensuring performance, governance and risk management.

• An enabling environment is created for formal partnerships to mitigate risks to biodiversity
• Management structures are in place and infrastructure is fit for purpose
• All relevant Occupational Health & Safety legislation, policies and standards are in place and adhered to.
• Landscape governance is enhanced by adherence to corporate policies and standards
• Landscape performance is enhanced through effective and efficient staff performance.

 REQUIREMENTS:

• National Diploma in Nature Conservation.
• At least three years appropriate experience.
• Appropriate ICS 200/300 training.
• Project Management qualification and experience.
• A valid driver’s license and ability to drive on 4x4 terrain.
• Experience working with and fostering good relationships with local communities.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, after hours and perform stand by duties.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation.
• Thorough working knowledge of MS Office and QGIS.
• Physical fitness to perform duties under physically demanding conditions.
• Good written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills in English and Afrikaans.
• Bilingualism in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
• Willingness to live and work on remote protected area.

COMPETENCIES

• Willingness to work weekend shifts and irregular hours.
• Physical ability to perform outdoor duties in possibly adverse weather conditions.
• No criminal record.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.
• Good project planning and organizing skills.
• Ability to function independently and within a team.
• Computer literacy plus advanced proficiency in MS-Office.
• Use of QGIS software.
• Ability to work with stakeholders, private landowners and communities.

• 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 Riverlands Nature Reserve and pay subsidized rent.

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

Closing date: 31 January 2025