Senior Manager: Conservation and Animal Collections

Senior Manager: Conservation and Animal Collections

Salary Level 13

Conservation and Animal Collections

Pretoria National Zoological Garden

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide managerial leadership and strategic direction to the Conservation and Animal Collections Directorate’s day-to-day operations and position the National Zoological Gardens as a strategic partner within networks, partnerships, zoos and aquarium associations and collaborations for wildlife conservation locally, nationally, in Africa and globally. The role will be responsible for driving both ex situ and in situ conservation programmes, including species breeding and reintroduction initiatives, and integrated conservation planning aligned with national and global biodiversity priorities (e.g. IUCN frameworks).

Please Note:

1) An application form obtainable from our Offices or SANBI website must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered).

2) A skills test and competency assessment will be conducted as part of the selection process.

3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three referees.

4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number may result in your application not being considered.

Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorized verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI’s website.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from designated groups.

Contact Mr Maano Netshiombo for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via an e-mail to

Closing Date: 19 May 2026

Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates may consider their applications unsuccessful.