Conservation Manager - Skukuza

SUMMARY:

CONSERVATION MANAGER
Location: Private Big 5 nature reserve, Greater Kruger area, Mpumalanga

POSITION INFO:
VACANCY: CONSERVATION MANAGER Location: Private Big 5 nature reserve, Greater Kruger area, Mpumalanga Job type: Permanent Reporting to: Reserve Manager Remuneration: Market related, based on qualifications and experience, plus on-site accommodation About the role A private Big 5 reserve within the Greater Kruger open system is looking for an experienced Conservation Manager to lead its conservation team and wildlife management. You will turn ecological data into practical recommendations and work closely with landowners, using plain language to build agreement on the way forward. Key responsibilities Lead, coach and develop the conservation team Run ecological and wildlife monitoring, analyse data and report to scientific and non-scientific audiences Manage research access and projects by visiting scientists Implement conservation, habitat restoration, alien plant and bush encroachment control programmes Manage the fire regime and act as Fire Control Officer Engage and negotiate with landowners, peer reserves, the scientific network and stakeholders Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and source conservation funding Requirements Master's degree (completed or nearly complete) in conservation, ecology, wildlife management or a related field with 8+ years' conservation management experience, OR a BTech/BSc Honours with 15+ years' relevant experience Experience in veld management, ecological restoration and wildlife management in a Big 5 environment Proven leadership and experience negotiating with landowners, boards or non-scientific stakeholders Sound knowledge of South African environmental legislation and protected area management Proficient in MS Office, GIS (ArcGIS/QGIS), R and EarthRanger; drone and camera trap experience Excellent English communication; Afrikaans and Shangaan an advantage SAPS Firearm Competency (bolt action), valid driver's licence (Code 10 preferred) and 4x4 competency Advantageous: PhD, SACNASP registration, links with SANParks, SANBI and conservation NGOs Please note Shortlisted candidates will undergo psychometric, polygraph and background checks Preference will be given to South African citizens and candidates from designated groups in line with Employment Equity How to apply Apply online at Due to POPIA, we cannot accept CVs via WhatsApp or email. Closing date: Friday, 18 December 2026 If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.