Top Jobs at CapeNature

RESPONSIBILITIES:

KRA 1: Manage, develop and integrate knowledge, planning, and monitoring systems.

• Lead and contribute to the development of an annual Western Cape State of Conservation Report.
• Lead the development of the five-yearly Western Cape State of Biodiversity Report.

Ensure the current and accurate taxonomic information is provided in the revision of:

• Biodiversity and Protected Area Management Plans.
• the five-yearly Catchment to Coast Strategy.
• the five-yearly Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan.

KRA 2: Manage, develop and integrate legislation, policies, strategies and systems.

• Ensure timeous, lawful, compliant, and consistent authorisations for biodiversity use.
• Provide current and accurate scientific data to inform the development of Evidence-based Non-Detriment findings for priority Western Cape CITES and TOPS listed species.

Ensure current and accurate scientific information informs the development of:

• Western Cape Biodiversity Legislation
• CapeNature Legislative Policies.
• Biodiversity Governance Position Statements.
• Ensure current and accurate scientific information informs Biodiversity and Environmental Legislation distributed for comment.

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

• Contribute to and mainstream the implementation of an effective web-based integrated conservation and biodiversity data management system with strategic partners, biodiversity research entities and other biodiversity institutions for CapeNature.
• Mainstream leading edge, professional, formal scientific research (internally and externally), technical reports, memoranda, assessments and publications, peer reviewed scientific publications, presentations, and presentations at appropriate Provincial/National/International Biodiversity Conservation Conferences to advance the practice of biodiversity conservation.

KRA 4: Manage, engage and collaborate with strategic partners and fora.

• Represent CapeNature’s mandate and interests on appropriate National and Provincial Forums.
• Mainstream and support the prioritisation of strategic partnerships and finalisation of Memoranda of Agreement/Understanding.
• Facilitate the development of appropriate external funding proposals and implement externally funded projects when applicable.

 KRA 5: Manage, develop and deploy biodiversity capability and capacity.

• Lead and support the development, deployment, and integration of Biodiversity Capabilities products and expert decision support into Conservation Operations.
• Lead, develop, contribute to, and deliver stakeholder capacity building and awareness about healthy natural ecosystems, habitats and landscapes, and ecosystem services.
• Lead the mainstreaming and uptake of optimal procedures, practices and processes for effective biodiversity monitoring and surveillance.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Natural Science degree in the field of Conservation Science, Ecological Science, Biological Science or Zoological Science (NQF 7) with at least five (preferably eight) years’ professional post qualification experience.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable relevant national and provincial biodiversity legislation and knowledge of multilateral environmental agreements.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the ecology, fauna, and flora of the Western Cape and the primary threats to its biodiversity.
• Sound knowledge of biodiversity policies in the Western Cape.
• Demonstratable project management and organizational skills. Applicants are required to upload an example of a completed project or plan for which they were they were responsible.
• Excellent formal report and scientific writing skills. Applicants are required to upload a self-authored report/thesis/publication.
• Demonstratable experience in workshop facilitation. Applicants are required to upload an example of where they were a primary workshop facilitator, (i.e. agenda, programme, and proceedings).
• Proficiency in at least two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency in using a full-featured GIS Software Package/s (e.g., QGIS or ArcGIS).
• In possession of a valid unendorsed Code EB unendorsed driver’s license with own vehicle. Must be willing to regularly travel extensively throughout the Western Cape Province and elsewhere as required.
• No criminal record.

Closing Date 08 April 2026

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

KRA 1 – NATURE CONSERVATION AND INTEGRATED CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT

• Assist with field tasks related to nature conservation, monitoring and surveillance
• Assist with integrated annual operations and work plan tasks
• Assist with the implementation of ecological programmes and monitoring and surveillance, data collection and record keeping
• Assist with alien invasive plant density verifications and inspections and firebreak assessments and inspections
• Execute firefighting duties as per standards and protocols
• Assist with risks, threats and hazards identification and report to management
• Assist with fauna and flora management on the reserve; indigenous, invasive and exotic
• Assist with the ecological restoration of degraded areas
• Perform stand-by duties as per duty rosters and respond timeously to call outs and incident response

KRA 2 – ECO-TOURISM, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

• Provide visitors with information regarding the nature reserve, fauna, flora and conditions for access to the nature reserve
• Assist with gate guard duties when gate guards are on training or engaged with other duties as assigned by management
• Monitor and manage visitor behaviour and report incidents
• Ensure CapeNature’s customer care principles are maintained and implemented
• Assist with guest check-in and check-out procedures
• Assist with search and rescue operations in keeping with protocols and procedures
• Assist stakeholder engagement officers and field rangers with the implementation of environmental education and awareness programmes
• Perform Environment Control Officer (ECO) duties for film / photo shoots and events

KRA 3 – MAINTENANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT

• Ensure the terrain is clean, neat and tidy at all times
• Undertake and/or assist with structure protection of office and eco-tourism nodes
• Manage stores and associated assets

Identify maintenance needs and assist with the development of maintenance and repairs schedules:

• Office buildings and stores, accommodation units, camping and picnic areas, ablutions and pools
• Roads, trails, walkways and boardwalks
• Fences, gates, booms and access management structures, and other infrastructure, e.g. water reticulation systems
• Tools and equipment
• Vehicles
• Gardens and terrain
• Signage (for operational and visitor information purposes)
• Implement the maintenance schedule as prescribed

KRA 4 – OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS), ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

• Participate in OHS assessments and OHS toolbox talks and provide input for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)
• Ensure compliance with OHS procedures and standards
• Assist with identification and mitigation of risks and threats in the work environment.
• Assist with obtaining quotes for purchases related to duties.
• Assist with administrative duties as and when required and adhere to CapeNature protocols and procedures
• Assist with the preparation of fire logs and reports as and when required
• From time to time, assist with supervision of contract staff and students
• As and when required, assist with training of contract staff and students
• Participate in meetings as required by management
• Undertake transport duties

KRA 5 – LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE MONITORING

• Assist with patrols as per compliance plans and duty roster
• Report instances of unauthorised activities and/or non-compliance with access permit conditions
• Undertake permit checks and inspections at entrance points and within the Nature Reserve
• Participate in law enforcement operations and the manning of observation points
• Assist in the response to incidents of non-compliance / unauthorised activities

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12
• At least two years of related experience
• A valid code B driver’s license at least two years old from the date of issue
• Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, Internet and online platforms)
• No criminal record

Closing Date 08 April 2026

go to method of application »

RESPONSIBILITIES:

KRA 1: Manage, develop and integrate knowledge, planning, and monitoring systems.

• Contribute to fauna chapters within the both the annual Western Cape State of Conservation Report and the five-yearly Western Cape State of Biodiversity Report.
• Collate, quality-check and upload all current year fauna surveillance and monitoring datasets to relevant databases by internal cut-off dates.

Ensure that current and accurate taxonomic information is provided in the revision of:

• State of Biodiversity Reports
• Conservation Action Plans and Biodiversity Management Plans.
• Protected Area Management Plans.
• Catchment to Coast Strategies.

KRA 2: Manage, develop and integrate legislation, policies, strategies and systems.

Best available science embedded into policies, procedures, protocols, strategies and plans, including:

• Western Cape Biodiversity Legislation
• CapeNature Policies.
• Biodiversity Governance Position Statements.
• Ensure current and accurate scientific information informs Biodiversity and Environmental Legislation.

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

• Produce monitoring reports.
• Contribute to/lead peer-reviewed scientific publications.

KRA 4: Manage, engage and collaborate with strategic partners and fora.

• Represent CapeNature’s mandate and interests on Committees, Forums, Working Groups and Meetings deemed relevant. 

KRA 5: Manage, develop and deploy biodiversity capability and capacity.

• Contribute to and deliver stakeholder capacity building and awareness about healthy natural ecosystems, habitats and landscapes, and ecosystem services.
• Mainstream optimal procedures, practices and processes for effective biodiversity monitoring and surveillance.
• Contribute to the updating of Standard Operating Protocols and Guidelines.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Natural Science degree in the field of Conservation Science, Ecological Science, Biological Science or Zoological Science (NQF 7
• Three (3) years wildlife research/monitoring experience, including data processing and analysis and report writing.
• Excellent formal report and scientific writing skills in English. Applicants are required to upload a self-authored report/thesis/publication.
• In possession of a valid unendorsed Code EB unendorsed driver’s license with own vehicle. Must be willing to regularly travel extensively throughout the Western Cape Province and elsewhere as required.
• Knowledge of Fynbos, Succulent Karoo and associated priority fauna of the Western Cape.
• No criminal record.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Natural Science degree in the field of Conservation Science, Ecological Science, Biological Science or Zoological Science (NQF 8).
• Five (5) years’ post qualification experience as practicing ecologist/ scientist in biodiversity surveillance, monitoring, and research.
• Proficiency in at least two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
• South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) accreditation.
• Expertise in camera-trap or acoustic-monitoring analytics.
• Remote sensing/GIS scripting (R/Python) or drone survey skills.
• Experience in off-road / 4 x 4 driving.
• Enjoy working with data and new analytical technologies.
• Proficiency in using a full-featured GIS Software Package/s (e.g., QGIS or ArcGIS).

Closing Date:  1 April 2026

go to method of application »

RESPONSIBILITIES:

KRA 1 – NATURE CONSERVATION AND INTEGRATED CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT

• Assist with field tasks related to nature conservation, monitoring and surveillance
• Assist with integrated annual operations and work plan tasks
• Assist with the implementation of ecological programmes and monitoring and surveillance, data collection and record keeping
• Assist with alien invasive plant density verifications and inspections and firebreak assessments and inspections
• Execute firefighting duties as per standards and protocols
• Assist with risks, threats and hazards identification and report to management
• Assist with fauna and flora management on the reserve; indigenous, invasive and exotic
• Assist with the ecological restoration of degraded areas
• Perform stand-by duties as per duty rosters and respond timeously to call outs and incident response

KRA 2 – ECO-TOURISM, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

• Provide visitors with information regarding the nature reserve, fauna, flora and conditions for access to the nature reserve
• Assist with gate guard duties when gate guards are on training or engaged with other duties as assigned by management
• Monitor and manage visitor behaviour and report incidents
• Ensure CapeNature’s customer care principles are maintained and implemented
• Assist with guest check-in and check-out procedures
• Assist with search and rescue operations in keeping with protocols and procedures
• Assist stakeholder engagement officers and field rangers with the implementation of environmental education and awareness programmes
• Perform Environment Control Officer (ECO) duties for film / photo shoots and events

KRA 3 – MAINTENANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT

• Ensure the terrain is clean, neat and tidy at all times
• Undertake and/or assist with structure protection of office and eco-tourism nodes
• Manage stores and associated assets

Identify maintenance needs and assist with the development of maintenance and repairs schedules:

• Office buildings and stores, accommodation units, camping and picnic areas, ablutions and pools
• Roads, trails, walkways and boardwalks
• Fences, gates, booms and access management structures, and other infrastructure, e.g. water reticulation systems
• Tools and equipment
• Vehicles
• Gardens and terrain
• Signage (for operational and visitor information purposes)
• Implement the maintenance schedule as prescribed

KRA 4 – OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS), ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

• Participate in OHS assessments and OHS toolbox talks and provide input for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)
• Ensure compliance with OHS procedures and standards
• Assist with identification and mitigation of risks and threats in the work environment.
• Assist with obtaining quotes for purchases related to duties.
• Assist with administrative duties as and when required and adhere to CapeNature protocols and procedures
• Assist with the preparation of fire logs and reports as and when required
• From time to time, assist with supervision of contract staff and students
• As and when required, assist with training of contract staff and students
• Participate in meetings as required by management
• Undertake transport duties

KRA 5 – LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE MONITORING

• Assist with patrols as per compliance plans and duty roster
• Report instances of unauthorised activities and/or non-compliance with access permit conditions
• Undertake permit checks and inspections at entrance points and within the Nature Reserve
• Participate in law enforcement operations and the manning of observation points
• Assist in the response to incidents of non-compliance / unauthorised activities

 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12
• At least two years of related experience
• A valid code B driver’s license at least two years old from the date of issue
• Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, Internet and online platforms)
• No criminal record

Recommendation/Added Advantage:

• Experience in tool and equipment operation and repair and maintenance with accredited certificates.
• Power tool repair and maintenance experience
• General infrastructure repair and maintenance
• Stores management experience
• First Aid Certificate

Closing Date: 27 March 2026

go to method of application »

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and management to enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives

• Contribute to ecological management and collection of biodiversity data in the area (Ecological Matrix projects implemented and reporting on it).
• Build relationships with partners and stakeholders in the field of biodiversity conservation to ensure ecological management.
• Leadership and management to enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives.

Lead landscape conservation and stewardship in ways that address biodiversity loss through the implementation of conservation management programmes and monitoring.

• Protected area expansion priorities, informed by the Western Cape Protected Area Expansion Strategy (WCPAES) and Biodiversity Spatial Plan (BSP) and associated conservation intelligence, are planned for, implemented, monitored and audited.
• Contribute towards peer learning in the field of protected area expansion.
• Assist and enable landowners of Private Nature Reserve (PNR) through the process to become compliant with National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEMPA) within the Landscape Unit.
• Participation in the specially funded projects and providing feedback on the implementation of the projects. (e.g. TMF Management Effectiveness Special Project)
• Assessing, presenting, and liaising with CapeNature Stewardship Review Committee and other relevant departments to secure private land for biodiversity (Reactive and Proactive), including approving management plans and drafting legal documents.
• Attendance to Conservancies meetings and enquiries to supply Biodiversity Conservation advice and input as required.
• Build relationships with partners and stakeholders in the field of protected area expansion through extension services.
• Functional partnerships addressing biodiversity loss are developed and maintained.
• Actions to improve the conservation status of priority species and ecosystems are implemented.
• Review and supply comments on game management plans submitted in terms of the Game Translocation and Utilisation Policy (GTUP).
• Review and supply comments on management plans for rehabilitation and exhibition facilities in terms of the Fencing and enclosure of Game and predators in the Western Cape Province policy.
• Extension provided to landowners regarding wildlife damage mitigation measures that are humane, ethical and ecologically acceptable.
• Assist landowners with game habitat evaluations and provide outcomes to landowner.

Leadership and management to advocate for behavioral change and promote voluntary compliance

• Establishing Local community involvement in Protected Area management.
• Enhancement of stakeholder capacity building engagement through targeted interventions applicable to standards, procedures and policy for conservation matters off reserve.
• Contribute towards environmental education amongst the youth.
• Ensure the implementation of the biodiversity legal mandate through compliance and enforcement actions.
• Establish good working relations between South African Police Services and National Prosecuting Authority to assist with enforcement actions.
• Promotion of compliance with biodiversity legislation by conducting compliance inspections and processing voluntary compliance notices.
• Conduct inspections for biodiversity permit applications received.
• Issue biodiversity permits within organisational time frames.
• Implementation of compliance plans for Off Reserve component.
• Report environmental legislation non-compliance to the relevant authorities.
• Contribute and/or lead the identification, development and/review of standards and procedures and/or policy as it relates environmental legislation.
• Ensure that legislative, policy, and strategy changes are disseminated to relevant stakeholders (external and internal as may be required).
• Provide an effective and professional extension service related to compliance and enforcement.

Ensuring through, leadership and management the implementation of job creation programmes to promote the biodiversity economy and enhance biodiversity access and sustainable use.

• Investigate and develop, where applicable in the Landscape, a biodiversity economy site or project.

Assume overall accountability for ensuring performance, governance and risk management

• Create an enabling environment for formal and informal partnerships to mitigate risks to biodiversity.
• Ensure all relevant Occupational Health & Safety legislation, policies and standards are in place and adhered to
• Ensure organisational governance is enhanced by adherence to corporate policies and standards.
• Ensure Landscape performance is enhanced through effective and efficient staff performance.
• Ensure that the Off Reserve component supports and practices gender equality towards equity, embracing gender, diversity and inclusion concepts and the ability to filter this through to the extended work environment.
• Ensure effective finance and administration management within the unit.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications and Experience

• National Diploma in Nature Conservation / equivalent qualification at NQF 6 in a Nature Conservation field.
• At least 3 years’ management experience in the Conservation Sector.
• A valid EB or B (08) driver’s license.
• Working knowledge of MS Office with QGIS (or equivalent) advantageous.
• Bilingualism in at least 2 of the official languages of the Western Cape.
• Understanding of Environmental Legislation.
• Experience in implementation of Stewardship methodology.
• Valid Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) Certificate (Grade 2).
• No criminal record.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• B-Tech Degree in Nature Conservation / appropriate Master’s Degree will be advantageous.

Closing Date: 27 March 2026