Overview: The Operations Manager – Kasonso Busanga GMA is responsible for the day-to-day operational leadership and oversight of resource protection activities within the Kasonso Busanga Game Management Area. The role focuses on the management of scouts, patrol operations, vehicles, drivers, and operational compliance, ensuring that all field activities are delivered efficiently, safely, and in line with Musekese Conservation’s standards and statutory requirements.
This position plays a critical role in translating operational plans into effective field execution. Based in Kasempa but operating within the Kasonso Busanga GMA at field sites, the Operations Manager ensures that resource protection teams are well managed, properly deployed, and adequately supported, with strong follow-up on reporting, discipline, logistics, and performance.
Community engagement and community programming sit outside this role and are led by the dedicated Community Conservation team. The Operations Manager works alongside these teams where coordination is required but does not lead community-facing activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Resource Protection & Scout Management
- Provide direct operational oversight of resource protection, scouts and patrol teams in the Kasonso Busanga GMA, in accordance with and under the supervision of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).
- Manage scout deployments, patrol planning, rotations, and field
- Ensure patrols are conducted in accordance with approved operational plans, SOPs, and legal
- Conduct follow-ups on patrol outputs, incident reports, and operational
- Support performance management of scouts, including mentoring, corrective action, and recommendations for
2. Patrol Operations & Field Execution
- Oversee day-to-day execution of patrol operations, checkpoints, and field deployments
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting (SMART, patrol logs, incident reports)
- Identify operational risks and escalate issues to the Field Operations Manager or Senior Field Operations Manager
- Support adaptive patrol planning based on intelligence, seasonal constraints, and operational priorities
3. Driver & Vehicle Management
- Manage drivers assigned to Kasonso Busanga operations, including duty rosters and tasking
- Ensure drivers operate in compliance with MC driving policies and safety standards
- Coordinate vehicle use for patrols, logistics, and operational movements
- Monitor vehicle condition and report maintenance needs, incidents, or misuse
- Work closely with fleet and logistics staff to reduce downtime and operational disruption
4. Compliance, Discipline & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with Musekese Conservation policies, DNPW regulations, and statutory requirements
- Enforce standards related to conduct, safety, and accountability within field teams
- Support investigations, incident follow-ups, and disciplinary processes as required
- Ensure firearms, equipment, and sensitive assets are handled in line with policy
5. Coordination with Statutory Authorities
- Act as the primary operational liaison with DNPW at field level for resource protection activities
- Support joint patrols and coordinated operations where applicable
- Ensure alignment between MC operational activities and statutory mandates
6. Reporting & Operational Follow-Up
- Provide regular operational updates to the Field Operations Manager and Senior Field Operations Manager
- Flag gaps in capacity, equipment, or staffing that affect operational effectiveness
- Support audits, spot checks, and operational reviews
Qualifications & experience:
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in environmental science, conservation biology, natural resource management, a related field or more than 5+ years of experience related to the requirements below
- Proven experience in conservation management, with a track record of successful project
- Experience working in communities and with traditional
- Experience and knowledge of fire management
- Experience and knowledge of protection activities (logistics and coordination of wildlife, fisheries or forestry patrols)
- The ability to work independently or as part of a broader team in often remote and challenging environments for long periods of time.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal
- Knowledge of Zambian environmental regulations and policies through the various natural resource management
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse
- Analytical and problem-solving
- Budget management
- Valid manual drivers license
- Zambian Citizen or Resident Remuneration: Negotiable on Start Date: ASAP
How to Apply: If you are interested in this challenging and rewarding opportunity as an Operations Manager please submit your CV with a cover letter to jobs@musekeseconservation.org by the 7th of September 2026 with the subject title: [Your full name] Application for Operations Manager.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process.
We appreciate your interest in joining the Musekese Conservation team and contributing to our conservation efforts in the Greater Kafue Ecosystem