*SMP OPPORUNITY IN NEOM**
Role Purpose
The Specialist: Land Rangers Operations Management will support leadership in achieving the overall management objectives related to Ranger operations, Safety & Security management within the NEOM Nature Region. This role focuses on planning, implementing, and maintaining a stable and efficient Ranger force to support the business strategies of the Land Division, with an emphasis on compliance, enforcement, and conservation.
Key Responsibilities & Activities
Ranger Operations & Compliance
- Lead field compliance and surveillance operations, monitor and enforce regulations within the NEOM Nature Region to ensure adherence to conservation goals and protection of natural resources.
- Conduct routine patrols to enforce regulations, deter illegal activities such as poaching, littering, off-road driving, and habitat destruction.
- Provide day-to-day support for the ranger program to ensure efficient management and operation of the NEOM Nature Region.
- Develop and maintain the NEOM Nature Region Conservation Compliance Program, including setting up ranger working routines, patrol plans, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Assess ranger training needs and assist in developing relevant training courses and capacity-building programs for rangers.
- Develop best practice operational standards for conservation compliance and protected area patrols, as well as safety and security management.
- Coordinate responses to environmental and other emergencies, including search and rescue operations, vehicle accidents, fuel spills, waste management, and other incidents that may threaten the ecological integrity of the NEOM Nature Region.
- Ensure that ranger support is available for all conservation programs and initiatives.
- Build relationships with relevant authorities and organizations to effectively implement KSA and NEOM-wide legislative requirements through joint operations and job function alignment.
- Monitor and maintain operational infrastructure (e.g., vehicles, fences, compliance infrastructure) to ensure effectiveness.
- Implement strategies for compliance and reserve protection in line with legislation and operational guidelines.
- Foster cooperation and synergy between contractors, departments, and conservation bodies in compliance matters.
- Build and maintain strong communication and relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Natural Resource Management
- Oversee natural resource management, including the management and eradication of invasive alien species, unnatural soil erosion, re-greening initiatives, and fencing projects.
- Support financial management activities, including the preparation of budgets and daily financial administration for identified projects.
- Explore, test, and apply innovative technological tools to enhance the effective management of the NEOM Nature Region.
Planning & Strategy
- Plan and implement strategic initiatives to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the NEOM Nature Region Compliance Strategy.
- Contribute to the ongoing review and continuous improvement of the NEOM Nature Region Compliance Program to ensure a world-class system.
- Develop and maintain a strategic program that anticipates future needs and risks, building capacity, infrastructure, technology, and equipment to stay ahead of operational demands.
- Implement a performance monitoring program that includes awareness of emerging trends and technologies to improve ranger program efficiency and effectiveness.
People Management
- Foster a culture of development, guidance, and performance within the Ranger Compliance team.
- Support senior management in building and maintaining a high-performance ranger compliance program.
- Set performance objectives, provide necessary support, evaluate staff performance, and offer regular feedback.
- Promote a high-performance working environment that embraces NEOM’s values.
- Support senior management in establishing and maintaining relations with government and international entities to foster an enabling environment for ranger operations.
- Collaborate with internal sectors, private organizations, and public entities for the development of joint programs and initiatives.
Monitoring & Reporting
- Contribute to the monitoring and reporting of progress and efficacy of compliance activities.
- Identify and test new approaches and technologies to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Establish health, condition standards, and best practice protocols for various operations.
- Contribute to maintaining the health and safety of all stakeholders involved in land conservation activities.
Background, Skills & Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- 5+ years of proven experience in protected area compliance, ranger management, or training, including the design and implementation of work schedules.
- Proficiency with GIS platforms and ranger management applications (e.g., Earth Ranger, SMART).
- Experience working in diverse field settings during varying hours and seasons.
- Strong background in compliance coordination and/or team management.
- Familiarity with developing comprehensive compliance, reserve, or nature management plans.
- Proven leadership abilities with a track record of managing multiple projects and tasks.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing conditions and challenges.
- Willingness to conduct fieldwork in diverse environments, including desert, savanna, and montane arid regions.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Management, report writing, and leadership skills.
- Creative and adaptable approach to workplace challenges, with the ability to find solutions to evolving operational needs.
- Demonstrated ability to motivate and develop staff, increasing operational performance.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Natural Science or courses focused on ranger programs, safety and security, resource protection, threat analysis, evidence handling, and human resource management.
- 5+ years of experience in ranger programs or related conservation management fields.
