Job Description

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.

Please Send your resume/CV