CapeNature seeks to appoint a dedicated conservationist who will contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area management. The successful candidate will also support conservation efforts in line with CapeNature’s integrated catchment management approach. Key responsibilities include compliance monitoring and law enforcement, eco-tourism, environmental education, stakeholder engagement, and contributing to integrated catchment management to help achieve the vision and goals of the Protected Area Complex.

The position will report to the Conservation Officer on Reserve, Bird Island Nature Reserve.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

KRA 1 - Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation, restoration initiatives and effective protected area and estuary management.

• Ecological tasks: Carry out ecological projects as per the Protected Area Ecological Matrix and any other biodiversity conservation related tasks as required for the effective management of the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).
• Alien invasive species management: Carry out alien invasive species management in the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).

Heritage tasks: Carry out identified functions related to historical, cultural, archaeological and palaeontological asset management in the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).

KRA 2 - Assist with protected area and estuary conservation in ways that address biodiversity loss in key biodiversity areas.

• Planning: Take part in and contribute to the planning processes for the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).
• Quality control: Undertake quality control of integrated annual operations plan projects and/or other projects in field.
• Reporting: Prepare reports and carry out reporting on activities as required.
• Maintenance: Carry out infrastructure, vehicle, vessel and equipment maintenance functions as required for the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).

Partnerships and collaborative activities: Perform functions as required for collaborative activities throughout the Landscape (MOA/U support and/or compliance).

KRA 3 - Contribute to conservation in promoting the biodiversity economy and enhancing biodiversity access and sustainable use.

• Job creation: Support the implementation of targeted biodiversity economic activities to promote job creation, work opportunities, and livelihood support.
• Access: Manage access to the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared) for recreational, educational, training, research, traditional, cultural and spiritual purposes; manage volunteers and citizen scientists.
• Eco-tourism and visitor liaison: Support eco-tourism and visitor liaison activities as and when required for the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared)

KRA 4 - Contribute to conservation action to advocate for a nature positive future through behavioural change and voluntary compliance.

• Environmental awareness: Carry out environmental awareness activities.
• Capacity building: Carry out capacity building activities.

• Compliance monitoring and law enforcement: Carry out compliance monitoring and law enforcement activities as per integrated workplans, compliance plans, joint operations plans, as well as any other proactive and reactive actions necessary for the effective management of the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).

KRA 5 - Take accountability for performance, governance, risk management and equality in the workplace.

• Health and safety: Participate in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) assessments and OHS toolbox talks and provide input for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA); Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety standards and requirements.
• Incident preparedness and response, e.g. fires, disasters (e.g. floods, oil spill, vessel grounding), disease outbreaks, marine wildlife strandings and search and rescues: Carry out firefighting, disaster management, incident response and rescue operations as required for the Protected Area (or estuary where not declared).
• Administration: Carry out necessary administrative tasks.
• Training: Undergo relevant training as and when required.
• Supervision: Undertake supervision of Conservation Assistants, contract staff, students and volunteers.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Grade 12
• At least 2 years’ experience with an emphasis on protected areas and or estuary, coastal and the marine environment.
• Working knowledge of Conservation Compliance (Law Enforcement)
• Strong computer literacy (Microsoft 365 package)
• Bilingualism in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• A valid driver’s licence and experience in 4x4 driving
• Training and experience in Firefighting

ADDED ADVANTAGE AND COMPETENCIES

• National Diploma in Nature Conservation or Environmental Management.
• Peace Officer or EMI certification
• Fire arm competency
• QGIS (or equivalent mapping skills)

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Willingness and availability to work irregular hours, weekends and perform stand by duties
• Working in natural coastal terrain with adverse weather conditions
• Physical fitness to undertake patrols, inspections, firefighting tasks
• No criminal record

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.

“*Remuneration negotiable within the range provided, depending on current remuneration package”.

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

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

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

Closing Date: 28 January 2026