Operations and Conservation Supervisor (OCS)

Division: Kafue National Park Business Unit: Lufupa Sector Operations Minimum experience: Associate Company primary industry: Non-profit Organisation Management Job functional area: Administrative Posted 13 June 2026 – Closing Date 01 July 2026 Job Description Position Title: Operations and Conservation Supervisor (OCS) – Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ), Lufupa Sector Reports to: Field Operations Manager – Lufupa Sector Location: Kafue National Park (Greater Kafue Landscape Limited – GKLL) Type of Contract: Fixed Term Contract Background African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on responsibility for the long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks manages 24 protected areas in 13 countries covering over 20 million hectares in Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kafue National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most important conservation landscapes and is managed by African Parks in partnership with the Government of Zambia under Greater Kafue Landscape Limited (GKLL).   Job Purpose The Operations and Conservation Supervisor (OCS) for the Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) in the Lufupa Sector is a critical frontline leadership role responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of law enforcement, conservation, and operational functions within a high-security, high-value conservation area. The role requires an individual capable of operating independently in remote environments, making sound decisions under pressure, and taking full responsibility for operational outcomes. The OCS must demonstrate a solutions-driven mindset, strong personal integrity, and a commitment to conservation law enforcement best practice, particularly in the protection of rhino and other high-value species. The OCS serves as a key link between field-based teams and sector leadership, ensuring that operational priorities are translated into effective, disciplined, and accountable execution on the ground.   Key Responsibilities Law Enforcement and IPZ Operations Support and coordinate daily law enforcement operations within the IPZ, ensuring compliance with park regulations, AP SOPs, and national legislation Assist in the deployment, supervision, and logistical support of field teams, including rhino monitoring units and specialised teams Maintain strict oversight of law enforcement protocols, access control, and operational discipline within the IPZ Support incident response, reporting, and follow-up on security, wildlife crime, and operational incidents Uphold and reinforce high ethical standards and accountability in all enforcement activities   Conservation Management Lead and oversee conservation operations within the IPZ, including: Rhino monitoring and management Fire management and controlled burning programmes Wildlife monitoring and reporting Support to wildlife introductions/removals where required Habitat management and ecological integrity initiatives Manage and direct general works and fire teams, ensuring productivity, safety, and adherence to conservation objectives   Operational and Logistical Management Assist in coordinating logistical support to other departments, including Law Enforcement, Technical, Community, and Commercial teams Ensure effective asset and infrastructure management, including: Vehicle fleet, equipment, and tools Field camps and operational infrastructure Monitor and report maintenance requirements proactively to ensure operational readiness at all times   Staff Management and Leadership Provide direct supervision and leadership to assigned teams Allocate and monitor daily tasks, ensuring high standards of performance and accountability Enforce discipline in line with organisational policies and code of conduct Mentor and develop staff to strengthen operational effectiveness, integrity, and resilience Manage staff welfare and ensure adherence to safety protocols   Acting Operational Oversight Assume full operational responsibility for the sector/IPZ in the absence of the Field Operations Manager Make informed, independent decisions to ensure continuity of operations under dynamic field conditions   General Undertake any other lawful and reasonable duties as directed by any Field Operations Manager or Park Manager   Candidate Profile and Competencies The ideal candidate must demonstrate: Ability to work independently in remote, high-pressure environments Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability High level of personal discipline, integrity, and accountability Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage teams effectively Strong commitment to conservation objectives and law enforcement standards Ability to translate strategy into practical field operations   Minimum Qualifications and Experience Degree or Diploma in: Nature Conservation Environmental Management Wildlife Management Forestry or related field Minimum 3 years’ relevant work experience (supervisory or project management experience advantageous) Demonstrated willingness and ability to work in the field, particularly in high-value wildlife protection environments (e.g. rhino) Valid professional driver’s licence with no restrictions    Added Advantages: Heavy-duty driving, motorbike, or coxswain certification Experience in law enforcement or protected area operations Experience working in remote or high-risk conservation areas   Skills and Attributes Excellent English communication skills Strong report writing and presentation ability Good computer literacy (Microsoft Office) Physically fit and capable of working in demanding terrain and conditions   Application Requirements Clean record and traceable references CV with cover letter detailing suitability for the role Minimum of two contactable references Certified copies of NRC and qualifications   Submission Details Applications must be submitted to the GKLL Human Resources Manager via: Simplify-Hr platform and attach all relevant supporting documents before the set closing date 01 July 2026   Disclaimer GKLL/African Parks Zambia is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fair and non-discriminatory recruitment practices. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, tribe, ethnic origin, place of origin, political opinion, colour, creed, sex, marital status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under Zambian law. All applications will be reviewed; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. GKLL reserves the right not to make an appointment following the recruitment process.