Description:
Responsibilities:
1. Wildlife Monitoring & Conservation
- Conduct routine game counts and ecological impact assessments.
- Monitor animal populations, movements, and general ecosystem health.
- Implement conservation strategies aligned with the reserve’s carrying capacity.
- Control and manage veld conditions and invasive plant species.
2. Animal Health & Welfare
- Coordinate veterinary care and manage wildlife health across all areas.
- Monitor nutritional needs, behavioural health, and overall welfare of animals.
- Respond rapidly to medical emergencies or mortality incidents.
3. Breeding Camp Management
- Oversee day-to-day operations within breeding camps.
- Maintain detailed records of births, treatments, movements, and lineage.
- Ensure ethical and legal compliance in breeding practices.
- Manage animal introductions, relocations, and transactions in collaboration with relevant authorities.
- Develop and implement a structured breeding program aimed at genetic improvement and herd sustainability.
- Manage the strategic purchase of new bulls to enhance genetic diversity and breeding outcomes.
- Oversee the sale of surplus or selected animals in accordance with the breeding program and market demand.
4. Predator Park Management
- Ensure predator health, safety, and well-being through proper husbandry.
- Maintain enclosures to meet species-specific and legal standards.
- Develop enrichment programs and oversee feeding and behavioural management.
- Train staff in handling predators and emergency response.
- Support tourism and education through curated predator interactions (when appropriate).
5. Habitat & Resource Management
- Manage infrastructure such as fencing, water supply systems, and firebreaks.
- Oversee biodiversity and ecological sustainability efforts.
- Coordinate infrastructure maintenance and upgrades with relevant teams.
6. Team Leadership & Staff Supervision
- Lead and train conservation staff and animal caretakers.
- Promote professional conduct, safety, and proper equipment usage.
- Schedule patrols and duties while fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
7. Stakeholder & Guest Engagement
- Represent Zwartkloof Adventures during game drives, predator tours, and educational sessions.
- Engage guests with informative conservation insights and guided experiences.
- Liaise with external bodies including conservation authorities and veterinarians.
8. Administration & Reporting
- Maintain up-to-date wildlife records, including predator and breeding data.
- Submit detailed weekly reports to management.
- Assist with compliance audits, permit applications, and budget planning.
Requirements:
- Ranger: 4 to 5 years
- Wildlife: 5 to 6 years
Requirements:
- National Diploma or Degree in Nature Conservation, Wildlife Management, or related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of experience, including hands-on predator and breeding animal care.
- Valid SA Driver’s License (Code B or higher).
- Firearm competency (advantageous).
- Proven experience with species such as Roan, Sable, Buffalo, Zebra, and Impala.
- Proficient in MS Office and wildlife data systems.