A private game reserve in Bela-Bela is seeking an experienced and passionate Wildlife Manager to lead its conservation efforts across the reserve, breeding camps, and predator park. This is a hands-on, field-based role ideal for someone committed to ecological sustainability, ethical wildlife practices, and team leadership.📍 Location: Bela-Bela, Limpopo💼 Employment Type: Full-time, On-site🏡 Accommodation assistance offered🔍 Job Purpose:The Wildlife Manager is responsible for the overall care, health, and sustainable management of wildlife on the reserve. This includes overseeing game monitoring, breeding programs, predator welfare, and ecological integrity in line with conservation standards.

✅ Key Responsibilities:

Wildlife Monitoring & Conservation

• Conduct game counts and ecological assessments
• Monitor populations, movements, veld conditions, and invasive species
• Implement conservation strategies aligned with carrying capacity

Animal Health & Welfare

• Coordinate veterinary interventions
• Monitor nutrition, behaviour, and respond to wildlife emergencies

Breeding Camp Oversight

• Manage daily breeding camp operations
• Maintain lineage and medical records
• Support ethical animal relocation, sales, and genetic diversity programs

Predator Park Management

• Ensure health and enrichment for captive predators
• Maintain enclosures to legal and species-specific standards
• Train staff in predator safety, handling, and emergency response

Habitat & Infrastructure Management

• Manage fencing, water systems, firebreaks, and biodiversity projects
• Oversee infrastructure maintenance

Team Leadership

• Supervise, train, and motivate conservation staff
• Foster a safety-first and ethical culture

Guest & Stakeholder Engagement

• Host educational drives and tours
• Represent the reserve to conservation authorities and partners

Administration & Compliance

• Maintain wildlife records and reports
• Assist with budgeting, permits, and compliance audits

🎓 Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma/Degree in Nature Conservation, Wildlife Management, or related
• 5+ years of wildlife experience, including predator and breeding care
• Valid Code B driver’s license
• FGASA Level 1
• Experience with Roan, Sable, Buffalo, Zebra, Impala
• Proficiency in MS Office and wildlife data platforms
• Firearm competency is advantageous

🧠 Key Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of South African wildlife and ecosystems
• Skilled in animal tracking, handling, and monitoring
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• High ethical standards and conservation mindset

🌿 Working Conditions:

• Outdoor fieldwork with direct wildlife interaction
• Irregular hours, including weekends and emergencies
• Physically demanding and hands-on

💼 What’s Offered:

• Real-world wildlife and conservation experience
• Opportunities for leadership and ecological growth
• Supportive team culture
• Competitive salary + accommodation assistance + work-related benefits