Head of Reserve & Conservation

SUMMARY:
A prestigious 27,000-hectare private game reserve in the Great Karoo, near Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, is seeking a highly experienced and strategically driven HEAD OF RESERVE AND CONSERVATION to lead their long-term conservation vision.

POSITION INFO:
This is an exceptional senior leadership opportunity for a dynamic, motivated conservation professional with a proven track record in protected area management. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and delivering the reserve's long-term strategy for the monitoring, management, and restoration of its biodiversity resources and ecosystem processes - contributing to conservation impact at a local, national, and global scale. Core Criteria: Tertiary qualification in nature conservation, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field Minimum 10 years' senior management experience in protected area or conservation and wildlife management, preferably at a top private reserve or national\/provincial park Proficient in both English and Afrikaans Working knowledge of relevant environmental legislation, including NEMBA and NEMPAA Competent in GIS, Earth Ranger, and statistical analysis methods Experience in strategic adaptive management methodology Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong project management, planning, and report writing skills Excellent leadership and people management skills with a collaborative approach Valid driver's licence with 4x4 experience Firearm competency essential Commitment to remaining current with the latest conservation science, methodologies, and technologies Ability to solve problems effectively under pressure Knowledge of the Karoo or other semi-arid environments advantageous Experience in ecotourism operations advantageous Core Responsibilities: Develop and implement a strategic adaptive reserve management plan pertaining to biodiversity conservation and ecological processes Implement and manage all conservation activities and ecological monitoring, including aerial surveys, camera traps, game census, landscape use analysis, and veld condition assessments Coordinate and manage biological reporting to feed into the reserve's monitoring and security tool (Earth Ranger) Manage wildlife, including species of special interest, translocations, and introductions Oversee ecosystem management, including soil erosion control, alien vegetation control, land restoration, grazing monitoring, and water provisioning Coordinate responses to wildfire, flooding, and other natural events Cultivate existing research and conservation partnerships and develop new collaborations Manage anti-poaching unit strategy and personnel Oversee access control, perimeter management, and security control room operations Manage teams responsible for conservation infrastructure maintenance, including fencing, road networks, boreholes, and water reticulation Oversee maintenance of reserve assets, including radio systems, repeater towers, and other infrastructure Manage vehicle fleet and workshop maintenance Administer permits and property registrations Compile annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and regular reports Lead and foster a culture of excellence across all teams Conduct regular management meetings with Heads of Department Cultivate strong communication with all internal and external stakeholders This is a Live-in position with housing provided on the reserve near Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape