Game Farm Manager

Company Description
Join us as a Game Farm Manager and take on the responsibility to oversee compliance with the Land Management Strategy for leased properties by managing game operations and maintaining farm infrastructure, including buildings, pumps, and bomas.

You will also be responsible for safeguarding secure land use, nurturing stakeholder relationships, identifying illegal settlement risks, and promoting ecological sustainability through the Biodiversity Action Plan. Thungela Resources (Thungela means "to ignite" in isiZulu) is a leading South African thermal coal business, focused exclusively on thermal coal production.

It is one of the largest pure-play producers and exporters of thermal coal in South Africa based on aggregate coal reserves and marketable coal production. Thungela focuses on exporting its thermal coal portfolio mainly to the Indian, Asian, Southeast Asian, Middle East and North African markets.

Job Description

As the Game Farm Manager, you will be responsible for maintaining the welfare of game species in accordance with hunting regulations while optimising financial efficiency within the game farm. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

1. Ensure compliance with Land Management Strategy for leased properties.
2. Oversee relevant lease compliance and renewals and ensure that they are completed on time.
3. Manage and resolve rates, taxes, and Eskom account inquiries.
4. Conduct regular inspections of properties under responsibility.
5. Provide assistance with managing servitudes with farmers where required.
6. Secure unimpeded access to land by preventing illegal settlements and managing land claims.
7. Proactively identify illegal settlements and liaise with Mineral, Property Rights & Permitting manager to address potential land claim risks to ensure secure and uninterrupted land use.
8. Support the servitude rights related to grazing, hunting, and railway lines.
9. Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders regarding estate matters and prospecting issues.
10. Regularly engage with operational management and lessees for estate-related services.
11. Handle prospecting issues, including managing disputes with farmers and determining compensation.
12. Oversee the management of game species, breeding programs, and hunting activities.
13. Oversee farm inspections, maintenance, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
14. Manage effective financial management of the game farm.
15. Drive compliance with all relevant laws and regulations governing wildlife conservation and land management.
16. Foster positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Diploma / Degree in Nature Conservation, Environmental Sciences, or similar relevant tertiary education (NQF Level 7). Membership of Wildlife Ranching and Rare Breeders Association would be advantageous. Postgraduate qualification in Wildlife Management, Agriculture (NQF Level 8) would be advantageous.

Experience

Minimum of 6 years' experience in game farm management. Demonstrable experience in hunting and weapon proficiency and knowledge. Experience in veld, flora and fauna, and conservation would be advantageous. Experience in biodiversity and wildlife interventions would be advantageous.

Additional Information

Advanced knowledge of game farm management approaches, proficient knowledge on land management strategies and implementation. Registered as Professional Hunter (Ordinary Member 26 to 64). Driver's license essential with PDP (Code EC1 advantageous). Knowledge of the mining industry and relevant legislation. Advanced knowledge of stakeholder management. Emerging understanding of assurance methodologies.

What we offer

When you join Thungela, you can expect to enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. But more than this, you'll find yourself in an environment where the opportunities for learning and growth are second to none. From technical training to leadership programmes, we bring out the best in our people. There are plenty of opportunities to move onwards and upwards too. We're a large, successful multinational company – and we're still growing all the time.

Who we are?

Thungela is a pure play coal mining business. Our portfolio of world-class mining operations provides the metals and minerals that make modern life possible. We use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and mine, process, move, and market our products to our customers around the world.

Inclusion and Diversity

Thungela is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential.

How we are committed to your safety

Nothing is more important to us than ensuring you return home safely after a day's work. To make that happen, we have the most rigorous safety standards in the industry. Not only that, we're also continually investing in new technologies – from drones to data analytics – that are helping to make mining safer.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. You will have the opportunity to upload your CV and other relevant documentation as part of this process.