Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Conservation
- Closing Date: 2026-08-31
Key Responsibilities
- Patrol and monitor wildlife areas to prevent poaching and illegal activities.
- Assist in wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and anti-poaching operations.
- Report on wildlife sightings, incidents, and environmental changes.
- Engage with local communities to promote conservation awareness.
- Support sustainable tourism and natural resource management initiatives.
- Any other duties as assigned by the Executive Officer Environment and Natural Resources.
Requirements
- Minimum of 5 O’ Levels, including English Language.
- National Certificate in Wildlife Conservation Management, Wildlife Conservation Security and Intelligence Management or an equivalent qualification.
- Physical fitness and ability to work in challenging outdoor environments.
- Knowledge of wildlife conservation and rural community engagement is an added advantage.
- Previous experience in security, conservation, or related fields is an added advantage. -A clean class 4 Drivers licence.
Salary
this position offer…
How to Apply
About the Company
Gokwe North Rural District Councils is a local government organ administering Gokwe North District. There are eight Rural District Councils in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe all established in terms of the Zimbabwe Rural District Councils Act; Chapter 29.13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Game Scout role with a Rural District Council in Zimbabwe?
Applicants usually need at least a Grade 12 certificate with passes in Science and English, and formal training in wildlife management, conservation, or policing from institutions like the Zimbabwe College of Wildlife Management or Chinhoyi University of Technology is highly preferred. A valid Zimbabwean driver’s licence and certification in first aid or firearm handling (from recognised ZRP or CAMPFIRE-affiliated courses) are commonly required. Prior experience in community-based natural resource management or scout work with NGOs like WWF Zimbabwe or local CAMPFIRE committees strengthens applications.
What does a typical day look like for a Game Scout working under Gokwe North RDC?
Daily duties include patrolling communal and protected areas on foot or bicycle to monitor wildlife, deter poaching, inspect snares, and report illegal activities to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA). Scouts also engage with local communities on conservation awareness, assist in human-wildlife conflict mitigation (e.g., elephant or baboon incidents), and maintain logbooks and incident reports for council and ZPWMA oversight. Fieldwork is often conducted in remote, low-resource settings with limited mobile network coverage and basic transport support.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for Game Scouts in Zimbabwean rural councils compared to other sectors?
Work culture emphasises respect for traditional leadership, community consultation, and adherence to both statutory law and customary practices — scouts are expected to collaborate closely with village heads and CAMPFIRE committees. Punctuality, physical endurance, integrity in reporting, and discretion when handling sensitive enforcement matters are non-negotiable expectations. Unlike private-sector roles, performance is often assessed through field presence, incident reduction metrics, and community feedback rather than formal KPIs or digital tracking.
What realistic career progression opportunities exist for Game Scouts employed by Rural District Councils in Zimbabwe?
With consistent performance and further training, scouts may advance to Senior Scout, Field Coordinator, or Conservation Officer roles within the council or ZPWMA. Some transition into technical or advisory positions with NGOs, donor-funded projects (e.g., USAID or EU-supported conservation programmes), or provincial environmental departments after obtaining diplomas or degrees in environmental science. Promotion is typically tied to internal vacancies, national recruitment exercises, and demonstrated leadership in community-based conservation initiatives.
What benefits — such as leave, medical aid, or pension — can a Game Scout expect from a Rural District Council employer in Zimbabwe?
Game Scouts employed on permanent or contract terms are generally covered under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) pension scheme and entitled to 30 days’ annual leave and statutory sick leave per the Labour Act. Medical aid is rarely provided directly by councils but may be facilitated through group schemes like NSSA’s health component or partnerships with local clinics; most rely on public health services. Maternity/paternity leave follows Zimbabwean statutory requirements, and some councils offer modest allowances for uniform or field equipment.
How do I apply for a Game Scout position with Gokwe North RDC, and what do employers specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are usually advertised in local newspapers (e.g., The Chronicle, Bulawayo Chronicle), on the council’s notice boards, and via the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s portal — applicants must submit certified certificates, police clearance, and two character references. Employers prioritise proven field reliability, familiarity with local ecology and languages (e.g., Karanga or Ndebele), clean disciplinary records, and evidence of community trust — interviews often include scenario-based questions on conflict resolution and wildlife law application.