Conservation General Manager

SUMMARY:

1. Coordinate Field Operations
• Oversee daily activities of anti-poaching units, rangers, and field teams
• Ensure patrol schedules and fieldwork plans are followed
• Monitor GPS tracking, patrol logs, and wildlife reports
2. Wildlife & Habitat Monitoring
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection (camera traps, sightings, ecological surveys)
• Review daily wildlife sightings and incidents (e.g., injured animals, poaching signs)
• Report key conservation observations to management and stakeholders
3. Team Management
• Supervise field rangers, eco-guides, research assistants, and ground staff
• Hold daily briefings and assign tasks
• Support training on conservation practices and safety
4. Logistics & Resource Planning
• Manage deployment of vehicles, equipment, and supplies (fuel, uniforms, field gear)
• Ensure maintenance of operational equipment (drones, radios, 4x4 vehicles)
• Requisition and track usage of conservation-related materials
5. Community & Stakeholder Engagement
• Liaise with local communities, landowners, and conservation partners
• Ensure effective delivery of community projects (education, eco-tourism, human-wildlife conflict mitigation)
• Represent the organization at meetings and in local forums
6. Compliance & Reporting
• Ensure adherence to environmental, conservation, and safety regulations
• Compile daily or weekly field reports, wildlife stats, and operational summaries
• Maintain compliance with permits, data protocols, and wildlife legislation
7. Budget & Administration Oversight
• Monitor daily expenditure related to conservation activities
• Approve local purchases within budget
• Track staff attendance, vehicle usage logs, and incident reports
8. Conservation Project Support
• Assist with implementation of species reintroduction, habitat restoration, or research projects
• Coordinate with biologists, ecologists, and research volunteers
• Ensure operational support for fieldwork and data collection
9. Emergency Response
• Respond to poaching incidents, wildlife emergencies, or human-wildlife conflict events
• Coordinate with law enforcement or veterinary services
• Activate response protocols and document all incidents

POSITION INFO:

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following (or higher preferred):
  
  • Conservation Ecology
  • Environmental Science / Natural Resource Management
  • Wildlife Management / Zoology / Biology
  • Ecotourism Management
• Additional training or certification in:
  
  • Protected Area Management
  • Anti-poaching strategy
  • Conservation compliance & legislation (e.g. NEMBA, TOPS in South Africa)
  • Hospitality/Lodge Management (an added advantage)

🛠️ Experience

• 7+ years in wildlife or conservation management, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven track record managing conservation operations in a Big 5 reserve or similar protected area
• Strong background in team leadership, including rangers, anti-poaching units, ecological monitoring teams
• Experience working in or alongside 5-star luxury lodge operations
• Experience in stakeholder engagement: government departments, conservation NGOs, funders, and community structures

📋 Key Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of:
  
  • Wildlife conservation practices
  • Habitat and land management
  • Anti-poaching systems (e.g. SMART patrols, GIS, drones, camera traps)
• Strong administrative and budget management skills
• Excellent report writing, monitoring, and evaluation ability
• Ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams (hospitality, conservation, community)
• Effective communicator with fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is a plus
• Strong problem-solving and crisis management skills
• Valid driver’s license (4x4 and off-road driving experience preferred)
• Firearm competency certificate (for reserves requiring armed operations)
• Comfortable with remote, wilderness-based living