Conservation Manager Off Reserve (Level 10) - Peninsula Landcape Unit, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve at CapeNature

Job Description

The Conservation Manager: Off-Reserve, Peninsula will drive and manage the compliance with relevant biodiversity legislation, extension, conservation management, monitoring and contribute to the progressive operationalization of CapeNature programs and projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Protected Area Expansion and the Management of the Conservation Estate

• Protected area expansion planning priorities informed by the WPAES and BSP and associated conservation intelligence are implemented.

• Ensure effective Integrated Management and expansion of the Protected Area Estate.
• Ensure implementation of the Landscape West Stewardship strategy as well as Annual Plan of Operations related to the Protected Area.

• Contribute towards peer learning in the field of protected area expansion.
• Projects identified in the Ecological matrix implemented.
• Submission of data to relevant databases (SOB, Game database).
• Attend meetings with the ecological coordinator to review the projects as required.

Ensure effective compliance monitoring on and off reserves in order to protect biodiversity

• Ensure effective compliance monitoring and general environmental crime prevention and investigations on and off reserves in order to protect biodiversity.

• Participate in investigations/joint operations with regards to non-compliance with legislation or report non-compliance to relevant authorities.
• Issue admission of guilt fines and compile and assist with case dockets.
• Conduct mandatory inspections & submit reports for applications received (including habitat assessments, TOPS permits, CITES endorsements & damage causing animals/injured wildlife interventions).
• Provide recommendations on permit applications to Compliance Biodiversity Conservation
• Review, comment on and recommend management plans and risk assessments received.
• Complete quarterly register and submit databases.

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

• Increase awareness, extension, and established community involvement in protected area management to promote conservation off reserves.

Initiate, drive, manage, monitor, and maintain partnerships and stakeholder relations that benefit Conservation Management

• Leadership and management to enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives.
• Improved formal communication structures are implemented.
• Ensure that legislative, policy, and strategy changes are disseminated to relevant stakeholders (external and internal as may be required).
• Submit inputs/comments on draft legislation, policies strategies, protocols & other prescripts

Overall accountability for ensuring performance, governance, financial management and risk management.

• Effective, induction, orientation, training / mentoring and development of staff.
• Implement Performance Management System
• Provide opportunities for intra and inter landscape experiential training.
• Management specific reporting.
• Ensure effective health and safety management.
• Ensure effective financial and administrative management of the component.
• Ensure an enabling environment is created for formal and informal partnerships to mitigate risks to biodiversity.

 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 (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.
• Peace Officer

Competencies

• Strong leadership ability to lead and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven track record of managing an area in the conservation sector and sound interpersonal, communication and people management skills.
• Exceptional ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member).
• High Competency in Computer literacy and Report writing skills.
• Managerial and Project Management experience.
• Physical fitness to perform duties and inspections.
• High levels of personal responsibility and accountability.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Willingness to travel regularly and ability to drive on 4x4 terrain.
• No criminal record.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• B-Tech Degree in Nature Conservation / appropriate Master’s Degree will be advantageous.
• Valid Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) Certificate.