Landscape Unit Manager (Level 11), Boland Landscape Unit - Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

CapeNature seeks to appoint an energetic, dynamic, professional candidate to join a team of landscape unit managers in the Conservation Operations Directorate’s Central Landscape. The ideal candidate should have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills coupled with the ability to analyze complex issues, identify potential solutions, and implement effective strategies and ensure operations are successfully executed.

CapeNature practices a landscape approach to nature conservation in the Western Cape Province whereby protected areas are integrated into the landscape. Community outreach, education and awareness; and stakeholder engagement are multi-sectoral and contribute to positive conservation outcomes. Landscape Unit Managers ensure that protected areas are effectively managed and enable beneficial access to protected areas and their natural, cultural and historic assets. Landscape Unit Managers mitigate risk and practice good governance and ensure that wildlife regulation mitigates risk to biodiversity and promotes voluntary compliance.

The successful candidate will provide leadership, oversight and operations management of the Boland Landscape Unit inclusive of the Jonkershoek and Hottentots Holland Nature Reserves. The successful candidate will report to the Landscape Manager: Central.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Implement applicable biodiversity and conservation policy and/or systems for conservation action to enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation, restoration initiatives and effective protected area management

• Targeted conservation management and ecosystem restoration initiatives and interventions, informed by knowledge and management best practice, are implemented, ensuring connectivity among them, and focusing on priority ecosystems
• Protected and conserved areas are effectively managed
• Priority landscapes are protected, restored, and conserved
• Conservation operations are optimised through planned METT interventions. METT score reflective and true of ground operations
• Priority ecological infrastructure and strategic water source areas are restored and protected

Lead and manage landscape conservation and stewardship to address biodiversity loss in key biodiversity areas

• Protected area expansion planning priorities informed by the WPAES and BSP and associated conservation intelligence are implemented Priority landscapes are protected, restored and conserved.
• Actions to improve the conservation status of priority species and ecosystems are implemented
• Functional partnerships addressing biodiversity loss are developed and maintained
• Biodiversity legal mandate is implemented through compliance and enforcement actions

Lead and manage conservation action to promote the biodiversity economy and enhance access to biodiversity and facilitate sustainable use. 

• Job opportunities are created through implementation of the EPWP programme Contractor development and work opportunities are enhanced through environmental programmes implemented
• Contractor development and work opportunities are enhanced through environmental programmes implemented
• Sustainable harvesting of species for subsistence livelihoods is facilitated
• Contribute to regional and landscape level biodiversity economy and local economic development.
• Tourism income generated through excellence in service delivery.

Lead and manage conservation action to advocate for a nature positive future through behavioural change voluntary compliance.

• Local community involvement in Protected Area management is established.
• Behavioural change is promoted, and voluntary compliance enhanced through a targeted landscape environmental interpretation and awareness plan
• Behavioural change is promoted, and voluntary compliance enhanced through targeted capacity building initiatives
• Compliance with biodiversity legislation is promote
• Compliance plans for all Landscapes and On and Off Reserve components are approved and implemented

Assume overall accountability for ensuring performance, governance, risk management and equality

• An enabling environment is created for formal partnerships to mitigate risks to biodiversity
• Management structures are in place, and infrastructure is fit for purpose
• All relevant Occupational Health & Safety legislation, policies and standards are in place and maintained
• Landscape governance is enhanced by adherence to corporate policies and standards
• Landscape performance is enhanced through effective and efficient staff performance

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelors’ Degree or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification within the field of Nature/Environmental Conservation and/or Management; a post-graduate qualification would be advantageous.
• At least five (5) years middle management experience in the Conservation Sector.
• Good knowledge of the functioning of ecological processes, conservation and natural resource management, and a proven track record of managing protected and/or conserved areas at landscape level.
• Knowledge and experience of applicable conservation and other legislation, including human resource management, labour relations and occupational health and safety, and the implementation thereof.
• Demonstrable training, skills and/or relevant experience in project management.
• Ability to communicate effectively in at least two of the official Western Cape languages at all levels, both verbally and in writing and to maintain sound interpersonal relations.
• Good computer literacy, electronic communication competency and a good working knowledge of the MS Office suite of software.
• Demonstrable strong leadership skills, strategic vision and a demonstrated ability to lead a team at junior and middle Management level.
• Demonstrable experience with human capital management, capacity building, and financial, procurement and asset management.
• Excellent organisational skills, as well as analytical, conceptual and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work in stressful situations, regularly work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• In possession of a valid Code B (unendorsed) driver’s license with own vehicle and willingness to travel regularly and extensively.
• ICS 100 and 200

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Post graduate Degree in Natural Sciences and/or Environmental Management will be advantageous.
• Experience in world heritage site management and disaster/incident preparedness /response/management.

• Functional use of GIS Software Package/s (e.g., QGIS).
• Physical fitness to perform duties and inspections in field.
• Competency in conflict management.
• Understanding of environmental legislation.

AS AN PERMANENT 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:

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

Shortlisted candidates will be required to prepare a presentation as part of the interview process

APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Letter of Expression of Interest, to be uploaded in PDF format (maximum length: 1 page)

Please note: Applications that are not accompanied by this document will automatically be declined.

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

*Remuneration package may be negotiable within the salary range provided, depending on current remuneration package”.

Kindly note that it is compulsory to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. If you are an existing member to a Medical Aid you are required to provide a copy of such membership before the commencement of your employment with CapeNature.

The successful candidate will be based at the Jonkershoek Office in Stellenbosch.

To apply please visit the careers page on the CapeNature Website.

Apply online: http://capenature.simply.hr/

Closing date: 23 October 2026