Conservation Assistant Level 2, BirdIsland NR (X2)
CapeNature
Lamberts Bay, Western CapeFull-time
Posted 25 March 2026Closing 8 April 2026
CapeNature Job Application: Nature Conservation and Eco-Tourism Operations Officer, Bird Island Nature Reserve
CapeNature seeks a dynamic and committed individual to undertake and assist with daily nature conservation operations and eco-tourism operations at the Bird Island Nature Reserve. This role involves significant responsibilities across multiple key areas including administrative duties, infrastructure maintenance, and visitor management.
**Key Responsibilities:**
**1. Nature Conservation and Integrated Catchment Management**
* Assist with field tasks related to nature conservation, monitoring, and surveillance.
* Assist with implementing annual operations and work plan tasks.
* Assist with ecological programmes, monitoring, surveillance, data collection, and record keeping.
* Assist with alien invasive plant density verifications, inspections, and firebreak assessments.
* Execute firefighting duties according to standards and protocols.
* Assist with identifying and reporting risks, threats, and hazards.
* Assist with fauna and flora management (indigenous, invasive, exotic).
* Assist with ecological restoration of degraded areas.
* Perform standby duties as per rosters and respond promptly to call-outs and incidents.
* Participate in patrols as per compliance plans and duty rosters.
**2. Eco-Tourism, Environmental Education, and Awareness**
* Provide visitors with information about the nature reserve, fauna, flora, and access conditions.
* Assist with gate guard duties when assigned by management.
* Monitor and manage visitor behaviour, reporting incidents.
* Ensure CapeNature's customer care principles are maintained.
* Assist with guest check-in and check-out procedures.
* Assist with search and rescue operations according to protocols.
* Assist stakeholder engagement officers and field rangers with environmental education programmes.
* Perform Environment Control Officer (ECO) duties for film/photo shoots and events.
**3. Maintenance of Infrastructure and Equipment**
* Ensure terrain is clean, neat, and tidy at all times.
* Undertake or assist with structure protection of office and eco-tourism nodes.
* Manage stores and associated assets.
* Identify maintenance needs and assist with developing maintenance and repairs schedules for:
* Office buildings, stores, accommodation units, camping, picnic areas, ablutions, pools.
* Roads, trails, walkways, boardwalks.
* Fences, gates, booms, access management structures, water reticulation systems.
* Tools, equipment, vehicles.
* Gardens and terrain.
* Signage (operational and visitor information).
* Implement the maintenance schedule as prescribed.
**4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Administration, and Human Resources**
* Participate in OHS assessments, toolbox talks, and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
* Ensure compliance with OHS procedures and standards.
* Assist with identifying and mitigating risks and threats in the work environment.
* Assist with obtaining quotes for purchases related to duties.
* Assist with administrative duties as required, adhering to CapeNature protocols.
* Assist with fire log preparation and reporting as required.
* Assist with supervising contract staff and students as and when required.
* Assist with training contract staff and students as and when required.
* Participate in meetings as required by management.
* Undertake transport duties as required.
**5. Law Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring**
* Assist with patrols as per compliance plans and duty roster.
* Report instances of unauthorised activities or non-compliance with access permit conditions.
* Undertake permit checks and inspections at entrance points and within the reserve.
* Participate in law enforcement operations and manning observation points.
* Assist in responding to incidents of non-compliance or unauthorised activities.
**Minimum Requirements:**
* Grade 12.
* At least two years of related experience.
* A valid Code B driver's license, at least two years old from the date of issue.
* Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, Internet, online platforms).
* No criminal record.
**Competencies:**
* Knowledge of nature-based tourism and nature conservation.
* Willingness to work irregular hours (weekends, public holidays) and perform standby duties.
* Physical fitness to spend long hours outdoors under strenuous conditions, undertake foot and vehicular/vessel patrols, search and rescue, firefighting, and alien invasive species clearing.
* Ability to repair and maintain equipment and infrastructure.
* 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.
**Recommendation/Added Advantage:**
* Experience in tool and equipment operation and repair with accredited certificates.
* Power tool repair and maintenance experience.
* General infrastructure repair and maintenance experience.
* Stores management experience.
* First Aid Certificate.
**As a Permanent Employee of CapeNature, You Will Enjoy:**
* 24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle.
* Comprehensive benefits for death, critical illness, or injury linked to the Pension Fund.
* Staff discounts of up to 50% on CapeNature accommodation at reserves across the Western Cape.
* Opportunities for career progression and development through internal and external training, and academic growth via the internal CapeNature Bursary Programme (subject to Bursary Policy).
* Free access to CapeNature's Wellness Partner for you and your immediate household (professional counselling, financial, legal, and health advice).
* The opportunity to positively impact the environment and promote a sustainable future.
**Kindly Note:**
* Only suitable candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.
* CapeNature reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise a post if deemed necessary.
Apply online at [https://capenature.simplify.hr/](https://capenature.simplify.hr/)
Closing Date: 8 April 2026
Job Details
Job Type
Full-time
Location
Lamberts Bay, Western Cape
Posted
25 March 2026
Closing Date
8 April 2026
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