CapeNature vacancies continually provide job listings for those seeking a green career in environment and wildlife management. The aim of this page is to provide information on vacancies available at and advertised by CapeNature.
If you want to work in conservation, but you’re not sure where to start, then you’ve come to the right place. Scroll down to learn more about CapeNature and the job opportunities the company often offers. Without further ado, let’s get started.
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About CapeNature
CapeNature is a governmental organisation responsible for maintaining wilderness areas and public nature reserves in Western Cape Province, South Africa. Officially established as the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, it was formed on 15 January 1999 with its headquarter in Bridgetown, Cape Town.
CapeNature is a government entity responsible for managing and maintaining 31 complexes, made up of 113 nature reserves and wilderness areas, in the Western Cape province of South Africa, including six Marine Protected Areas.
As custodian of the province’s natural environment, CapeNature is tasked with nature conservation and awareness, preserving biodiversity, and providing facilities for education, research and training. Through a variety of targeted programmes and projects, CapeNature staff strive to conserve the province’s natural heritage to ensure a sustainable future.
Besides nurturing nature, championing the unique ecosystems (such as the Cape Floristic Region), and educating visitors and local communities about how to protect our natural environment, CapeNature also offers memorable, authentic eco-tourism experiences to locals and international visitors.
Reasons to Work for CapeNature
By pursuing a career at CapeNature you will have the opportunity to sincerely dedicate yourself to helping the wildlife. In fact, CapeNature offers plenty of rewarding careers that allow you to help the entity make the world a better place.
Additionally, there are other top reasons you should work for CapeNature:
- Staff discount on CapeNature eco-tourism facilities
- Paid 3 months of maternity leave
- Bursary programmes
Job Opportunities Available in CapeNature Vacancies
CapeNature, as a company, is driven by a vision of conserving nature for resilience and sustainability. As previously mentioned, the entity’s mission is to protect and restore the natural environment by inspiring and influencing positive change.
And, to make this dream a reality, CapeNature is always looking for innovative and inspired people who also want to make a positive change with CapeNature.
Within the environmental sector, you will find several avenues that you can pursue. Below are some examples of job opportunities that CapeNature generally promotes, as typically advertised in most CapeNature vacancies.
1. Field Ranger
A field ranger works outdoor to patrol surrounding areas to ensure the safety and happiness of the visitors and the natural environment. You will conduct tours and answer questions, enforce rules and fire and safety codes, and participate in search and rescue missions.
To be a successful field ranger, you should be passionate about the conservation of the natural environment, as well as dedicated to preserving the environment and ensuring the safety of visitors. You should have excellent communication skills, strong leadership skills, and a love of the outdoors.
Requirements:
- Grade 12 with an associated Natural Resource Guardianship or Youth Service Programme qualification or a national diploma in Nature Conservation
- At least one year of job-related experience
- A valid code B driver’s licence (C1 licence and PDP an added advantage)
- Computer literacy
- Knowledge and experience in ecological monitoring
- Firefighting experience
2. Finance Manager
CapeNature’s finance manager distributes the financial resources of the company, is responsible for the budget planning, and supports the executive management team by offering insights and financial advice that will allow them to make the best business decisions for the company.
As a crucial member of the finance team, you will be tasked with collecting, interpreting, and reviewing financial information. In addition, it will also be part of your responsibilities to develop long-term business plans based on your reports.
Requirements:
- Post-graduate qualification in Financial Accounting
- Pursuing CA(SA) with ITC pass
- Minimum of 3 years post articles experience in a similar financial accounting position
- Experience with drafting financial statements in CaseWare
- Knowledge and understanding of the MTEF process (government budgeting process)
- Knowledge and understanding of GRAP Reporting Framework
- Knowledge and understanding of PFMA and Treasury Regulations
- Strong analytical, strategic and creative problem-solving skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines
- Good project planning and organising skills
- Ability to function independently and within a team
- Computer literacy
- A valid Code 08 driver’s licence
- Fully bilingual in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape
3. Conservation Officer
As a CapeNature conservation officer, you’ll work to protect, manage and enhance the protected environment. Also, you have the dual responsibility of enforcing laws and protecting wildlife.
In addition to enforcement, a conservation officer educates the public about wildlife and wildlife management, conducts wildlife surveys, captures “problem animals,” investigates wildlife damage to crops and property, assists in wildlife relocations and helps to develop new regulations.
Requirements:
- A National Diploma in Nature Conservation, with at least three years of appropriate experience
- Project management experience
- A valid driver’s licence and ability to drive on 4×4 terrain
- Willingness to work irregular hours, after hours and perform standby duties
- Knowledge of environmental legislation
- Computer literacy
- Physical fitness to perform duties under physically demanding conditions
- Good written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills in English and Afrikaans
- Bilingualism in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape
- Willingness to live and work in remote protected areas
4. Project Officer
CapeNature’s project officer assists conservation managers and is responsible for the operational and technical aspects with regards to managing Natural Resource Management and Integrated Catchment Management projects within certain landscapes.
Working as a project officer for CapeNature means you will be tasked with conducting site briefing sessions, participating in monthly meetings, and ensuring quality work across projects. From time to time, you will also be required to provide management and leadership roles with project contractors.
Requirements:
- A National Diploma in Conservation
- Minimum of five years’ work experience in Conservation, of which at least 2 years should be in a supervisory or management level
- Work experience dealing with Projects and Contractor teams
- Knowledge and working experience of the Working for Water Programme
- Conversant with Occupational Health and Safety legislation
- Skills in basic mapping and orientation
- Excellent report writing and computer skills
- A valid Code B driver’s licence
- Ability to work under pressure
- Physical fitness to perform field duties and inspections
- Willingness to work irregular hours, after hours and perform standby duties
- Bilingualism in at least two of the three official languages of the Western Cape
- No criminal record
5. Conservation Assistant
A conservation assistant helps conservation officers manage, protect and improve areas of environmental importance through conservation work, publicity and scientific monitoring.
If you’re new to this field of professions, you may begin your career as a conservation assistant before moving up to a higher level once you have gained a significant amount of experience.
Requirements:
- Grade 12 or Matric
- At least one year of job-related experience
- A valid Code B driver’s licence
- Computer literacy
- No criminal record
How to Apply for CapeNature Vacancies
CapeNature advertises all its vacancies on its Simplify portal that can be accessed via this link. You can check out CapeNature vacancies and apply for the jobs directly on this portal.
Final Note
Now, over to you.
Which of the CapeNature vacancies above attracted you? Is that a position as a project officer? Or, do you have what it takes to become a qualified field ranger?
Let us know what you think by leaving your comments below.
Either way, if you’re looking for other exciting careers related to protecting the wildlife in addition to the CapeNature vacancies above, then you might want to check out these AFGRI vacancies.