Conservation Assistant
| Published | May 14, 2026 |
| Expires | June 30, 2026 |
| Location | Hermanus, South Africa |
| Category | Administration |
| Job Type | Full-Time |
Description
Job Description
CapeNature seeks to appoint a dynamic and committed individual to undertake and assist with daily nature conservation operations and eco-tourism operations, including administrative duties and maintenance and repair of infrastructure, equipment and eco-tourism products at the Walker Bay Complex.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
KRA 1 – NATURE CONSERVATION AND INTEGRATED CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT
Assist with field tasks related to nature conservation, monitoring and surveillance
Assist with integrated annual operations and work plan tasks
Assist with the implementation of ecological programmes and monitoring and surveillance, data collection and record keeping
Assist with alien invasive plant density verifications and inspections and firebreak assessments and inspections
Execute firefighting duties as per standards and protocols
Assist with risks, threats and hazards identification and report to management
Assist with fauna and flora management on the reserve; indigenous, invasive and exotic
Assist with the ecological restoration of degraded areas
Perform stand-by duties as per duty rosters and respond timeously to call outs and incident response
KRA 2 – ECO-TOURISM, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Provide visitors with information regarding the nature reserve, fauna, flora and conditions for access to the nature reserve
Assist with gate guard duties when gate guards are on training or engaged with other duties as assigned by management
Monitor and manage visitor behaviour and report incidents
Ensure CapeNature’s customer care principles are maintained and implemented
Assist with guest check-in and check-out procedures
Assist with search and rescue operations in keeping with protocols and procedures
Assist stakeholder engagement officers and field rangers with the implementation of environmental education and awareness programmes
Perform Environment Control Officer (ECO) duties for film / photo shoots and events
KRA 3 – MAINTENANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT
Ensure the terrain is clean, neat and tidy at all times
Undertake and/or assist with structure protection of office and eco-tourism nodes
Manage stores and associated assets
Identify maintenance needs and assist with the development of maintenance and repairs schedules:
Office buildings and stores, accommodation units, camping and picnic areas, ablutions and pools
Roads, trails, walkways and boardwalks
Fences, gates, booms and access management structures, and other infrastructure, e.g. water reticulation systems, boreholes pumps, sewer systems
Tools and equipment
Vehicles
Gardens and terrain
Signage (for operational and visitor information purposes)
Implement the maintenance schedule as prescribed
KRA 4 – OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS), ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Participate in OHS assessments and OHS toolbox talks and provide input for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)
Ensure compliance with OHS procedures and standards
Assist with identification and mitigation of risks and threats in the work environment.
Assist with obtaining quotes for purchases related to duties.
Assist with administrative duties as and when required and adhere to CapeNature protocols and procedures
Assist with the preparation of fire logs and reports as and when required
From time to time, assist with supervision of contract staff and students
As and when required, assist with training of contract staff and students
Participate in meetings as required by management
Undertake transport duties
KRA 5 – LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE MONITORING
Assist with patrols as per compliance plans and duty roster
Report instances of unauthorised activities and/or non-compliance with access permit conditions
Undertake permit checks and inspections at entrance points and within the Nature Reserve
Participate in law enforcement operations and the manning of observation points
Assist in the response to incidents of non-compliance / unauthorised activities
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Qualifications and Experience
Grade 12
At least two years of practical experience in a technical / maintenance field.
A valid code B driver’s license and at least five years of driving experience.
Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel and Internet)
No criminal record
COMPETENCIES:
Knowledge of nature-based tourism and nature conservation
Willingness to work irregular hours and after hours such as on weekends and public holidays and perform standby duties as per duty roster.
Physical fitness and ability to spend long hours outdoors often under strenuous conditions, undertake foot and vehicular/vessel patrols, search and rescue, firefighting and alien invasive species clearing operations.
Ability to repair and maintain equipment and infrastructure (e.g building maintenance, plumbing, carpentry maintenance and equipment repairs)
Good interpersonal skills
Supervisory skills
Conflict management skills
Professional communication skills
Problem solving skills
Ability to live and work in a remote environment with limited connectivity at times
Recommendation/Added Advantage:
Experience in tool and equipment operation and repair and maintenance with accredited certificates.(e.g Electrical, Aircon, Refrigerator, Plumbing, Carpentry and Masonry.)
Power tool repair and maintenance experience
General infrastructure repair and maintenance
Stores management experience
First Aid Certificate
Tractor operator
Please send your resume/CV
