Conservation Officer off Reserve - Cederberg Landscape Unit - Porterville Office

This position is suited to a dedicated conservationist who seeks to contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area expansion and biodiversity stewardship and extension services, environmental compliance and enforcement, land use support and wildlife extension, and the promotion voluntary compliance, environmental awareness and project management and stakeholder relations in Landscape West.

• Ensure effective Integrated Management and expansion of the Protected Area Estate.
• Contribute to the drafting of, and ensure implementation of, the Landscape West Protected Area Expansion Implementation Plan and Annual Plan of Operations for biodiversity stewardship sites.
• Contribute towards peer learning in the field of protected area expansion and biodiversity stewardship.
• Ensure dissemination of legislative, policy and strategy products to relevant stakeholders (external and internal as may be required).
• Submit inputs/comments on draft legislation, policies strategies, protocols, and other prescripts.
• Contribute to planning and review of monitoring and surveillance projects with the Landscape Intelligence Unit and implement projects aimed at ecological monitoring and surveillance.
• Ensure data collection in appropriate databases, data management and submission to the relevant component including but not limited to state of biodiversity, game distribution, etc).
• Provide biodiversity stewardship site managers access to special project funding opportunities.
• Create and participate in opportunities for peer learning.

• Implement procedures applicable to the administration and issuance of biodiversity authorisations.
• Implement compliance monitoring and undertake biodiversity crime prevention activities and investigation into incidents of non-compliance.
• Lead and/or participate in investigations/joint operations with regards to non-compliance with legislation and/or prepare reports of non-compliance for submission to the relevant authority.
• Prepare and issue admission of guilt fines, contribute to the preparation of case dockets for submission SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority.
• Conduct mandatory inspections, prepare and submit inspection reports for biodiversity authorisations within legislated timeframes (including but not limited to habitat assessments, game management plans, CITES and damage causing wildlife/injured wildlife interventions).
• Conduct resource base assessments and prepare reports.
• Review biodiversity authorisation applications and provide recommendations related to applications for authorisation.
• Review and recommend management plans and risk assessments against policies, procedures, guidelines and protocols.
• Conduct compliance and enforcement patrols.
• Prepare and maintain monthly Annual Performance Plan and Biodiversity Monitoring System reports.

• Provide technical support and extension in promotion of biodiversity conservation and compliance to land managers and wildlife owners.
• Provide an extension service to managers of biodiversity stewardship sites and wildlife.
• Provide environmental education and awareness as and when required.
• Undertake biodiversity site assessments

• Ensure effective participation and cooperation with stakeholders in the Landscape.
• Collaborate with partners for the implementation of biodiversity stewardship.
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies in support of biodiversity crime prevention and response.

• Assist with annual Planning for Operations
• Participate in Monthly Partner meetings
• Preparation of Site Specifications
• Conduct site briefing sessions
• Ensure quality work in all projects
• Ensure project administration is completed as per set standard and timeframes.
• Manage spatial and non-spatial data related to projects
• Conduct final inspections for Projects and ensure completion of inspection forms as per standard and deadline.
• Coordinate and Complete contractor compliance checks, verification and reports related to OHS, Administration and other project requirements.

• National Diploma: Nature Conservation or equivalent.
• At least three years appropriate experience.
• A valid code B driver's license and a willingness to drive long distances.
• Project management experience.
• A valid EB (08) driver's license, willingness to travel regularly 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 GIS packages such as QGIS.
• Physical fitness to perform duties under physically demanding conditions and rugged mountainous and coastal terrain.
• Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills.
• 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 in remote protected areas.
• No criminal record.

• Peace Officer qualification.
• Environmental Management Inspectorate qualification (EMI).
• Good project planning and organizing skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.
• Ability to function independently and within a team.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders, landowners and communities.
• Experience in awareness raising and extension services.
• Experience with managing Damage Causing Animals.
• Knowledge of ecology found in the area.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Good understanding of environmental legislation.
• High levels of personal responsibility and accountability.

• 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. If you are an existing member of 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.

Apply online:

Closing date: 4 June 2026