Facilities & Reserve Lead

The Facilities & Reserve Lead is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the reserve's facilities, infrastructure, maintenance operations, conservation initiatives and ranger team. This role ensures that all reserve assets, guest facilities, roads, utilities, buildings, wildlife infrastructure and equipment are maintained to the highest standards while supporting exceptional guest experiences and sustainable conservation practices.

The successful candidate will provide operational leadership across reserve maintenance, wildlife management, ranger operations, health and safety, security and environmental compliance, ensuring the reserve remains safe, well maintained, environmentally responsible and commercially successful.

Job Overview:

The Facilities & Reserve Lead is responsible for:

• Overall reserve operations
• Facilities and infrastructure management
• Maintenance planning and execution
• Leadership of the ranger team
• Wildlife conservation support
• Reserve security
• Health & Safety compliance
• Contractor management
• Budget management
• Guest experience
• Environmental sustainability

The role requires a hands-on leader who is equally comfortable managing maintenance projects, leading field teams, supporting wildlife conservation initiatives and maintaining high operational standards across the reserve.

Facilities & Maintenance Management

• Lead and manage all maintenance operations across the reserve.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules.
• Ensure all accommodation units, public areas, staff accommodation and operational buildings are maintained to company standards.
• Oversee electrical, plumbing, water supply, sewerage and backup power systems.
• Ensure generators, pumps, boreholes and water reticulation systems remain fully operational.
• Oversee maintenance of roads, bridges, drainage systems and game drive routes.
• Manage maintenance workshops, tools, machinery and spare parts inventory.
• Coordinate external contractors and specialist service providers.
• Ensure all maintenance work complies with health and safety legislation.
• Maintain maintenance records and asset registers.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Nature Conservation, Wildlife Management, Facilities Management, Environmental Management or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in reserve operations, facilities management or lodge operations.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary operational teams.
• Strong knowledge of reserve maintenance and infrastructure.
• Experience managing maintenance programmes and contractors.
• Financial management and budgeting experience.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety legislation.
• Sound understanding of wildlife conservation and reserve management.
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Office).
• Valid Code B driver's licence.
• Valid Professional Driving Permit (PDP) advantageous.