Head of Maintenance (JB6107)
Location: Kuruman, Northern Cape
Salary: Market Related
Employment Type: Permanent | Live on-site position

Imagine waking up every morning to one of Africa's most untouched wilderness landscapes, knowing that the work you do that day helps protect it. This is not a conventional maintenance role. This is a rare opportunity to lead critical engineering and infrastructure operations at the heart of a world-renowned wildlife conservation reserve in the southern Kalahari.

The organisation is a privately protected conservation area operating at the intersection of luxury hospitality and ecological restoration. With a legacy spanning more than two decades, the reserve is recognised for its commitment to biodiversity preservation, environmental research, and sustainable land stewardship. The maintenance function is not just about keeping the lights on. It is about enabling a broader mission that future generations will benefit from.

The Head of Maintenance will take full ownership of the reserve's technical heartbeat. From solar power systems and borehole management to guest lodges, staff facilities, and a diverse fleet of vehicles, this role keeps everything running seamlessly across a vast and remote landscape. The successful candidate will lead a skilled technical team, champion sustainable operations, and serve as the go-to authority for all engineering and infrastructure matters on the reserve.

What's in it for you
A leadership role with genuine purpose at the intersection of engineering excellence and wildlife conservation.
Live-in position on one of Africa's most breathtaking and biodiverse private reserves.
Competitive remuneration package, negotiable within the senior market range.
An opportunity to work with cutting-edge off-grid technologies including solar PV, water purification, and green building systems.
A culture that values innovation, hands-on problem-solving, and long-term environmental thinking.

Minimum Requirements
Relevant qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.
Minimum of 7 years' experience in a senior engineering or maintenance role, within hospitality or other relevant industries.
Demonstrable knowledge of sustainable and off-grid technologies including solar energy, water filtration, and waste management systems.
Experience with facilities management systems and project planning tools.
Valid driver's licence.
Willingness and ability to live on-site in a remote, conservation-driven environment on a permanent basis.
Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to develop and motivate a technical team.
Proven track record in budget management, procurement, and asset oversight.
Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to respond to emergencies and adapt to evolving operational demands.
Understanding of occupational health and safety regulations and compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities
Lead proactive, preventative, and reactive maintenance across all buildings, guest accommodations, staff quarters, and communal facilities.
Oversee civil works and infrastructure upgrades aligned with eco-sensitive construction principles.
Manage all power systems including solar PV, generators, and battery banks.
Supervise water supply infrastructure including boreholes, purification systems, and storage.
Oversee waste management systems including greywater recycling and sewage infrastructure.
Maintain HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, and IT infrastructure across the reserve.
Lead, develop, and schedule the technical maintenance team including plumbers, electricians, and handymen.
Ensure fleet and equipment including 4x4 vehicles, tractors, game viewers, and machinery are regularly serviced and operationally sound.
Prepare and manage the annual maintenance budget in coordination with senior property operations leadership.
Oversee procurement of tools, materials, and services in line with sustainability and conservation goals.
Collaborate with conservation staff to reduce the ecological footprint of all operational activities.
Enforce health and safety compliance across all maintenance activities, protecting guests, staff, and wildlife.
Monitor system performance and maintain green building practices throughout the reserve.

Keywords
Head of Maintenance, Maintenance Manager, Engineering Manager, Facilities Manager, Off-Grid Systems, Solar PV, Borehole Management, Water Purification, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Fleet Management, Conservation, Wildlife Reserve, Luxury Hospitality, Sustainability, Northern Cape, Live-In, Remote Operations, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Please do not apply using scanned CVs; no supporting documentation is required at this point. This will be requested later.

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