Senior Manager: Conservation Management (Cape Region) at South African National Parks (SANParks)

• The Organisation requires the services of a suitably qualified, experienced, and dynamic individual for the position of Senior Manager: Conservation Management within the Cape Region.
• This position will report directly to the Regional General Manager: Cape Region and will be based at the Cape Regional Offices, Mount Pleasant, Cape Town.

Requirements

• NQF Level 7 qualification in Nature Conservation, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, or related field.
• A postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 8 will be advantageous.
• 6–8 years’ experience in Conservation Management and/or Protected Areas Management.
• Minimum of 8 years’ senior management experience within a conservation or environmental management field.
• Valid Code B Driver’s Licence.
• Computer literacy.
• Experience in Fire Management.
• Appointment as Environmental Management Inspector (EMI) and Peace Officer will be advantageous.
• Firearm competency certification will be advantageous.
• Must be physically fit.

Knowledge & Skills Required

• Good communication & Conflict resolution.
• Leadership Skills.
• People development and empowerment.
• Programme and project management.
• Financial management for projects.
• Change management.
• Problem solving and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of conservation management, biodiversity protection, environmental compliance, and protected area governance within the Cape Region.
• Lead and coordinate integrated conservation operations, including ecosystem management, wildlife management, invasive species control, wilderness protection, and environmental monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, biodiversity, labour, safety, and governance legislation, policies, and standards.
• Oversee conservation planning, Environmental Management Programmes (EMPs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and ecological sustainability initiatives.
• Manage law enforcement support, territorial integrity, conservation risk management, incident coordination, and environmental compliance reporting.
• Lead, develop, and manage multidisciplinary conservation teams, including workforce planning, performance management, succession planning, and organisational capability development.
• Provide strategic financial oversight, including budgeting, expenditure control, resource allocation, and compliance with PFMA and Supply Chain Management requirements.
• Build and maintain strategic stakeholder relationships with government institutions, conservation agencies, NGOs, tourism stakeholders, community structures, and strategic partners.
• Negotiate and oversee co-management and contractual conservation agreements and represent the organisation in relevant conservation and governance forums.

Closing Date

• 08 June 2026