Head of Field Operations at Six Rivers Africa Tanzania

We are seeking an experienced Head of Field Operations to join our dynamic team, responsible for overseeing a wide range of construction, maintenance, and operational projects across multiple locations in Southern Tanzania. This is an excellent opportunity for a versatile and highly skilled professional with extensive experience in project management, logistics, construction, and maintenance, particularly in the conservation, tourism, and infrastructure sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Projects & Infrastructure Development

• Lead end-to-end planning, design, budgeting, and execution of capital projects including base camps, hangars, airstrips, fuel storage facilities, research camps, offices, staff accommodation, and workshop facilities.
• Oversee construction in remote and sensitive ecosystems ensuring ecological compliance and minimizing environmental footprint.
• Design and implement prefabricated, sustainable structures tailored to remote field conditions.
• Conduct feasibility assessments for new infrastructure projects based on conservation program needs.

Asset & Fleet Management (Water, Land, Air)

• Manage the operational readiness and maintenance of all capital equipment including: o Marine: Multi-type boat fleet – hull repairs, engine overhauls, part sourcing and logistics, safety systems.
  • Land Transport: 4×4 vehicles, tractors, logistics trucks – workshop operations, field repairs, spares management.
  • Aviation: Track fuel usage
• Lead a technical team including mechanics, boat specialists, and drivers.

Workshop & Technical Facility Management

• Design, establish, and manage central and field-based workshops for carpentry, metal works, mechanical repairs, and prefabrication.
• Oversee stock control, stores management, and procurement of all tools, consumables, and spare parts.
• Develop SOPs for safety, operational checks, and efficiency improvements across all workshops.

Logistics & Supply Chain Coordination

• Establish and optimize robust supply chains for remote park-based operations including bulk purchasing, international procurement (China, South Africa, Kenya), customs handling, and lastmile delivery.
• Manage procurement budgets for construction materials, heavy machinery, solar systems, fuel, and essential camp supplies.
• Coordinate field logistics.

Maintenance & Refurbishment of Field Bases

• Develop and execute preventive and reactive maintenance schedules for all field stations and assets including buildings, solar installations, plumbing, power systems, and communication infrastructure.
• Lead periodic refurbishments and upgrades of base infrastructure to align with evolving conservation needs.

Project Budgeting, Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare and manage project budgets ensuring cost efficiency, accountability, and donor transparency.
• Maintain meticulous project documentation including procurement logs, asset registers, maintenance logs, and progress reports.
• Ensure adherence to SRA’s financial controls and processes

Community Engagement & Conservation Support

• Support community-based infrastructure projects when aligned with conservation goals (e.g., ranger outposts, community wells, rehabilitation of TANAPA Infrastructure).
• Liaise with park authorities, local leaders, and other stakeholders for smooth construction, operation and shared infrastructure use.
• Facilitate logistics and infrastructure needs for researchers, rangers, and conservation stakeholders.

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience in operations management in construction, maintenance, or operations in remote location projects.
• Strong background in managing construction projects from design through to completion, including camps, staff accommodation, workshops, and vehicle maintenance facilities.
• Expertise in procurement and supply chain management for remote and large-scale projects.
• Knowledge in boat maintenance and operations, with hands-on experience in fiberglass repair, engine management, and fleet coordination.
• Proficient in budget management and ensuring cost-efficiency across large projects.
• Excellent leadership & communication skills with a proven track record of managing teams across various functions and locations.
• Strong communication and liaison skills to manage contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in working in remote locations and challenging environments with minimal infrastructure.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field (preferred but not essential).
• Knowledge of solar power installations and maintenance, and other sustainable systems for offgrid locations.
• Previous roles with major projects in Southern Tanzania, and other large-scale infrastructure projects across East Africa will be an added advantage.