Conservation Assistant (Level 2), Goukamma Nature Reserve

CapeNature seeks to appoint a dynamic and committed individual to undertake and assist with daily nature conservation operations and eco-tourism operations, including administrative duties and maintenance and repair of infrastructure, equipment and eco-tourism products at the Goukamma Nature Reserve.

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

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

COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of nature-based tourism and nature conservation
• Willingness to work irregular hours and after hours such as on weekends and public holidays and perform standby duties as per duty roster
• Physical fitness and ability to spend long hours outdoors often under strenuous conditions, undertake foot and vehicular/vessel patrols, search and rescue and firefighting and alien invasive species clearing operations
• Ability to repair and maintain equipment and infrastructure
• Good interpersonal skills
• Supervisory skills
• Conflict management skills
• Professional communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to live and work in a remote environment with limited connectivity at times

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

AS AN EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:

• 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:

“*Remuneration negotiable within the range provided, depending on current remuneration package”.

Only suitable candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

CapeNature reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise a post should it be deemed necessary within its sole discretion.

Apply online at https://capenature.simplify.hr/

Closing Date: 19 November 2026