Saturday, June 6, 2026

Senior Manager: Conservation Management – SANParks

The Organisation requires the services of a suitably qualified, experienced, and dynamic individual for the position of Senior Manager: Conservation Management within the Cape Region. This position will report directly to the Regional General Manager: Cape Region and will be based at the Cape Regional Offices, Mount Pleasant, Cape Town.

Requirements

  • NQF Level 7 qualification in Nature Conservation, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, or related field.
  • A postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 8 will be advantageous.
  • 6–8 years’ experience in Conservation Management and/or Protected Areas Management.
  • Minimum of 8 years’ senior management experience within a conservation or environmental management field.
  • Valid Code B Driver’s Licence.
  • Computer literacy.
  • Experience in Fire Management.
  • Appointment as Environmental Management Inspector (EMI) and Peace Officer will be advantageous.
  • Firearm competency certification will be advantageous.
  • Must be physically fit.

Knowledge & Skills Required

  • Good communication & Conflict resolution.
  • Leadership Skills.
  • People development and empowerment.
  • Programme and project management.
  • Financial management for projects.
  • Change management.
  • Problem solving and analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight of conservation management, biodiversity protection, environmental compliance, and protected area governance within the Cape Region.
  • Lead and coordinate integrated conservation operations, including ecosystem management, wildlife management, invasive species control, wilderness protection, and environmental monitoring.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, biodiversity, labour, safety, and governance legislation, policies, and standards.
  • Oversee conservation planning, Environmental Management Programmes (EMPs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and ecological sustainability initiatives.
  • Manage law enforcement support, territorial integrity, conservation risk management, incident coordination, and environmental compliance reporting.
  • Lead, develop, and manage multidisciplinary conservation teams, including workforce planning, performance management, succession planning, and organisational capability development.
  • Provide strategic financial oversight, including budgeting, expenditure control, resource allocation, and compliance with PFMA and Supply Chain Management requirements.
  • Build and maintain strategic stakeholder relationships with government institutions, conservation agencies, NGOs, tourism stakeholders, community structures, and strategic partners.
  • Negotiate and oversee co-management and contractual conservation agreements and represent the organisation in relevant conservation and governance forums.

 

Job Details
Title: Senior Manager: Conservation Management – SANParks
Closing date: Jun 08, 2026
Address: 643 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0001, ZA
Type: Permanent
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Category: Environment, Government