Assist the Reserve Manager with the conservation and reserve management functions on the reserve, including:

Planning and executing of the Reserve habitat and fire management programs.

Carrying out seasonal and annual monitoring projects including game census, veld condition assessments, invasive alien plant eradication, and monitoring of species of conservation interest.

Carry out habitat improvement projects including erosion and invasive alien plant management.

Monitor and collect data regarding wildlife (camera traps), climatic conditions, such as wildfire, drought, and floods.

Wildlife management which may include injured or problem causing animals.

Gather data to facilitate compliance of the Reserve with relevant environmental laws and regulations, and internal rules and procedures.

Track currency of all necessary permits required for wildlife and fire management and advise Reserve Manager timeously of renewal dates.

Mapping & managing the Reserve GIS environment.

Manage the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure effective and consistent conduct and behavior.

Manage the usage and maintenance of reserve vehicles, tractors and equipment.

Repairing of vehicles, machinery, and electric fences when necessary.

Track and monitor all traffic and traversing on the reserve.

Manage with hands on approach: working with labour and conservation teams.

Management of contractors.

Encourage harmonious working relationships with neighboring properties and communities.

Engage with Reserve Manager to be able to fulfil Acting Reserve Manager capacity when Reserve Manager is not available.

Security

Assist with the following:
Management of security and APU personnel.

Build and maintain relationships with neighbouring Reserve APU and Security Operations.

Represent SaGR on APU initiatives in the region.

Application of the polygraph testing policy.

Monitor security cameras

Human Resources

Monitor and control timekeeping, rosters and leave schedules.

Maintain appropriate records in good order for all mandatory reporting.

Assist with the monitoring and management of the Protected Areas Management Plan

Management of appropriate policies and procedures for conservation, labour, and security personnel

Monitor the application and compliance with labour legislation.

Assist with succession planning and the development of breadth of required skills within the conservation, labour, and security teams.

Monitor the use and maintenance of reserve assets, tools, and equipment

Competencies and Skills

Habitat management including roads and dams.

Monitoring of wildlife and humans (camera traps and security cameras).

Technical and mechanical skills which includes vehicles, equipment, and electric fences.

Data collection.

Labour legislation application.

Environmental legislation

Time Management.

Proven Management skills.

Effective Communication skills.

Good interpersonal skills.

Conformity and compliance.

Good understanding of wildlife and the bush.

Firearm competencies: handgun, rifle, shotgun.

Computer literacy (including XL, Word, GIS/mapping, and reporting).

Language proficiency in English and Afrikaans, Tsonga, Sepedi, would be an advantage.

Qualifications, skills and Education

Relevant conservation degree or diploma will be an advantage.

5 plus years - Safari/Reserve conservation, habitat management experience.

Clean criminal record.

Knowledge of game reserve legislation, EIA, security, anti-poaching, etc.

Advanced Rifle Handling.

Experience operating/walking in a Big 5 Reserve.

Relevant firearms licences.

PDP drivers licence.