Field Operations Manager - Conservation Programme

About the role

The Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme (NTCP), a partnership between the Frankfurt Zoological Society and Zambia's Department of National Parks and Wildlife, is looking for an experienced, practical and solutions-focused Field Operations Manager. This is not primarily a desk-based management position: the role combines operational planning, cost and maintenance review, solving difficult infrastructure problems and developing supervisors. The manager leads field operations, infrastructure, workshop, fleet and maintenance across the programme, with particular responsibility for the growing vehicle and boat fleet, workshop operations, infrastructure development and maintenance, the Rhino Sanctuary and Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ), fire management, stores and logistics, and operational support to law enforcement.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Field Operations Department according to the NTCP organisational structure, strategy and programme objectives.
• Develop departmental strategies, annual work plans, budgets, KPIs, SOPs, policies and operational reports.
• Provide strategic oversight of vehicles, boats, motorcycles and associated transport assets.
• Oversee development and maintenance of the roughly 500 km² Rhino Sanctuary and IPZ.
• Develop and implement an infrastructure development and preventative maintenance plan.
• Provide strategic leadership for the fire-management programme.
• Oversee procurement of workshop spares, construction materials, consumables and other operational requirements.
• Oversee workforce deployment and productivity to achieve operational targets.
• Coordinate logistical, fleet and operational support to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.
• Mentor and develop Zambian staff, building supervisory and leadership capacity.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction, logistics, protected-area management, conservation, natural resource management or another relevant discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in field operations, infrastructure, fleet, logistics, protected-area management or a comparable environment, including at least 5 years in an operational management or supervisory role.
• Experience managing complex field operations, not just supporting them.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing staff and managing sizeable operational workforces.
• Experience working and living in a remote, culturally diverse environment.

Required skills

• Strong practical understanding of motor vehicle and heavy-equipment maintenance and repair.
• Road construction and maintenance, preferably on rural or protected-area roads.
• Planning and supervising infrastructure construction and maintenance, including contractors, materials, budgets, Bills of Quantities and works programmes.
• Project and operational management: work planning, budgeting, procurement, implementation, monitoring and reporting.

What we offer

• Meaningful work contributing to biodiversity conservation and the chance to work in impressive wilderness areas.
• A supportive and professional working environment.
• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

To apply, submit a CV (max 3 pages) and a two-page motivation letter with three traceable referees; the appointment is subject to certified qualifications. Applications close on 18 November 2026.