Reserve/ Farm Manager required for a small coastal Reserve in the EC
Port Alfred, South Africa · Permanent · Conservation
Geran Ellish Recruitment is Hiring !! RESERVE / FARM MANAGER Exclusive Coastal Reserve | Eastern Cape Geran Ellish Recruitment is seeking an experienced, hands-on Farm Manager for an exceptional private coastal reserve in the Eastern Cape. This is an exciting opportunity for a practical and highly capable individual to take responsibility for the day-to-day management and maintenance of a small, exclusive reserve, ensuring that the property, infrastructure, natural environment and operational requirements are maintained to an exceptionally high standard. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, solution-driven individual who is comfortable working independently, managing multiple priorities and taking ownership of the reserve's infrastructure and operational requirements. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Reserve & Property Management Overall day-to-day oversight of the reserve and its infrastructure. Regular inspection and maintenance of reserve roads, tracks and access routes. Management and maintenance of fencelines, gates and boundary infrastructure. Identify maintenance requirements and coordinate or undertake repairs where appropriate. Ensure the reserve remains safe, functional and well maintained. Roads & Infrastructure Oversee road maintenance, grading and general upkeep. Monitor erosion, drainage and areas requiring rehabilitation. Maintain tracks and access routes for management, guests and game-drive vehicles. Coordinate contractors and external service providers when required. Fleet & Equipment Management Overall responsibility for the reserve's vehicles, machinery and equipment. Ensure servicing, maintenance and licensing requirements are kept up to date. Maintain accurate vehicle and equipment records. Monitor fuel usage and operational costs. Ensure vehicles and equipment are maintained in a safe and operational condition. Environmental & Reserve Management Oversee alien invasive plant control and environmental maintenance programmes. Assist with habitat rehabilitation and general reserve upkeep. Monitor water infrastructure, including dams, tanks, pumps, pipelines and water points. Identify water-related issues and ensure preventative maintenance is undertaken. Work closely with reserve management regarding environmental and conservation priorities. General Management Manage maintenance teams, contractors and casual staff where required. Plan and prioritise daily, weekly and seasonal maintenance requirements. Maintain stock levels of tools, equipment, fuel and maintenance materials. Maintain accurate records and report on reserve maintenance and operational requirements. Assist management with budgeting and forecasting for maintenance and infrastructure. Be available to respond to operational issues and emergencies when required. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE We are looking for an individual who is: Highly practical and hands-on. Self-motivated and capable of working independently. A strong problem solver with excellent attention to detail. Experienced in property, farm, reserve or estate management. Comfortable operating machinery and undertaking general maintenance. Able to manage contractors and small teams effectively. Organised with good administrative and reporting abilities. Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all conditions. Passionate about conservation, the natural environment and maintaining a pristine reserve. HIGHLY ADVANTAGEOUS A qualified and experienced Field Guide would be highly advantageous. Candidates with qualifications and experience such as: FGASA qualification Professional guiding experience Strong knowledge of Eastern Cape fauna and flora Game reserve or conservation experience Experience with game-drive vehicles Firearm competency where applicable Previous experience working on a private reserve, farm or wildlife estate will be strongly considered. A guiding background will provide an excellent advantage, particularly for an individual who understands wildlife, conservation and the operational requirements of running a private reserve. EXPERIENCE Ideally, candidates will have 3–5+ years of relevant experience in one or more of the following: Farm management Game reserve management Wildlife estate management Conservation Lodge/reserve maintenance Agricultural property management Estate or facilities management A combination of practical farm/reserve management and professional guiding experience would be ideal. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES The successful candidate will need to demonstrate: Practicality | Reliability | Initiative | Accountability | Leadership | Problem Solving | Attention to Detail | Conservation Awareness PACKAGE Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications Accommodation Meals where applicable Additional benefits to be discussed Opportunity to become an integral part of an exceptional private coastal reserve Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience. To apply: email your CV, Qualifications and written references with a two minute video of yourself, detailing your experience, notable achievements and career ambitions to Geran Ellish Recruitment Exceptional Talent, Perfectly Placed