CapeNature is looking for a Compliance Officer to join our Biodiversity Conservation unit. This position is suited to a competent, analytical, dedicated, innovative and professional person to assist with the administration of environmental legislation, directives and policies of fauna, flora, hunting and CITES. The ideal candidate should have well developed interpersonal, communication and writing skills and have a high level of professionalism.

The successful candidate will report to the Team Leader: Compliance in the Biodiversity Capabilities Directorate of CapeNature.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Direct and enable the development and integration of knowledge, planning and monitoring systems to advance the practice of biodiversity conservation and integrated catchment management

• To contribute to the development of strategic plans focusing on areas of high conservation value, which requires compliance action to achieve the necessary conservation objectives.
• To contribute to the development of biodiversity plans and strategies as well monitoring and assessment reports.
• Contribute to the development of systems, decision-making processes, models, policies, strategies, and protocols to support the implementation of strategic adaptive management.
• To contribute to the implementation of compliance strategies by CapeNature to ensure and regulate the sustainable use of biodiversity, mitigate, and curb the impact of unsustainable and harmful activities on biodiversity.

2. Direct, develop and integrate effective conservation, biodiversity legislation, policies, procedures, and guidelines

• To control compliance with policies, conditions, procedures and directives with regards to environmental legislation.
• To contribute to the timeous, lawful, compliant and consistent authorisations for biodiversity use.
• To process permit applications within legislation timeframes
• To capture complete permit applications and permits finalised on manual tracker.
• To check entries on manual tracking of permit turnaround times to identify and facilitate areas for improvement.
• Responsible to capture and maintain data for legislative compliance reports (Quarterly BABS Research Permit Report, Annual CITES report, Annual Professional Hunting Report and Annual Bontebok Register)

3. Generate compliance impact through the enablement, development and integration of leading-edge technologies, practice, policy, science, and innovation

• Responsible for issuing of permits in the electronic permit system and maintain the integrity and reliability of data input in the permit system.
• Responsible for the compilation of reports and database management.
• To contribute to the improvement of web-based integrated conservation and biodiversity management systems.
• Coordinate, consolidate and compile technical reports.
• Contribute to, develop, expand, maintain, and improve inventories and databases.

4. Engage, collaborate and direct engagement with strategic partners for advancing, securing and enabling the development and deployment of biodiversity compliance capabilities

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, to ensure compliance and build capacity in operations.
• Responsible to supply guidance and advise to staff and clients with regards to environmental and legislative issues.
• Client liaison with regards to awareness and to promote and improve biodiversity regulatory compliance of mandated legislation to improve biodiversity conservation.

5. Development of biodiversity compliance capability, capacity and the integration of innovation and technology

• Provide advisory, regulatory and liaison support functions.
• Provide appropriate support to CapeNature personnel and role-players, related to compliance procedures, guidelines and policies.
• Provide training, mentoring and skills development of CapeNature staff and stakeholders in the landscape to ensure compliance.
• To raise awareness within the regulated community regarding applicable legislation and how it relates to environmental management and biodiversity conservation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS::

Mandatory: Qualifications and Experience

• NQF 5 (Higher certificate) or higher with relevant administrative experience.
• 2-3 years administrative experience
• Bilingualism in at least two of the official languages of the Western Cape.
• Environmental Management Inspectors (EMI) Course (Grade 2 or higher)
• Excellent communication in English both written and spoken.
• In possession of a valid driver’s license with the willingness to travel when required
• No criminal record

Competencies:

• Knowledge of the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974 and good knowledge of environmental legislation.
• General knowledge of South African law.
• Good communication, written and verbal skills.
• Good organizational and administrative skills.
• Good inter-personal skills
• Good analytical, problem-solving skills; accuracy and numeral skills.
• Ability to work independently under pressure within targeted timelines.
• Sound computer literacy including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and electronic permit system.

Recommendation/Added Advantage:

• Environmental Management Inspectors (EMI) designation

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 that it is compulsory to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. In the event that 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.

Note that a valid driver’s license is essential as this post offers an excellent opportunity to travel and view the biodiversity that we need to conserve for 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: https://capenature.simply.hr

Closing Date: 4 May 2026