The Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), an international conservation organization, is seeking an experienced Field Operations Manager to lead and coordinate field operations, infrastructure, and maintenance functions across its Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme (NTCP) in Northern Zambia. The program aims to secure the integrity of the Nsumbu-Tanganyika landscape for present and future generations. The successful candidate will have a strong practical understanding of motor vehicle and heavy-equipment maintenance and repair.
The Field Operations Manager will be responsible for developing departmental strategies, annual work plans, budgets, KPIs, SOPs, policies, and operational reports. They will provide strategic oversight of NTCP's vehicles, boats, motorcycles, and associated transport assets, as well as oversee the development and maintenance of the approximately 500 km² Rhino Sanctuary and Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ). The role will also involve providing strategic leadership for NTCP's fire-management program and overseeing procurement of workshop spares, construction materials, and consumables.
The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction, logistics, protected-area management, conservation, natural resource management, or another relevant discipline. They will have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in field operations, infrastructure, fleet, logistics, protected-area management, or a comparable operational environment, including at least 5 years in an operational management or supervisory role.
The Field Operations Manager will be required to mentor and develop Zambian staff, strengthening supervisory and leadership capacity and creating opportunities for progressively greater responsibility. They will also coordinate logistical, fleet, and operational support provided to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) within the NTCP mandate. The role involves working and living successfully in a remote and culturally diverse environment.
The Frankfurt Zoological Society offers an engaging and meaningful work environment contributing to biodiversity conservation. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in impressive wilderness areas and contribute towards their protection. The organization provides a supportive and professional working environment and a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
To apply for the position, candidates should submit their Curriculum Vitae and a motivation letter, including specific examples from their own experience demonstrating how they have improved operations, solved significant field or technical problems, led and developed teams, and delivered results where budgets, people, equipment, or time were constrained. The application deadline is 18th November 2026.
The appointment is subject to the submission of ZAQA-certified qualifications. Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate practical experience through clear evidence of results. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and only they will be considered for the position. The Frankfurt Zoological Society thanks all applicants for their interest.
Key points
- The Field Operations Manager will oversee the development and maintenance of the 500 km² Rhino Sanctuary and Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) in Zambia's Nsumbu National Park.
- The successful candidate will have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in field operations, infrastructure, fleet, logistics, or a comparable operational environment.
- The application deadline for the Field Operations Manager position is 18th November 2026.
