Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of Kenya’s leading wildlife conservation areas, located in Laikipia County near the town of Nanyuki. Known for its commitment to wildlife protection, community development, and sustainable tourism, the conservancy operates as a model of integrated conservation that balances ecological preservation with socio-economic impact. The organization manages a large wildlife sanctuary that hosts a diverse range of species, including endangered animals such as black rhinos, and is recognized globally for its conservation leadership and community outreach initiatives.
Beyond conservation activities, Ol Pejeta Conservancy maintains a wide range of operational functions that support wildlife protection, infrastructure management, tourism operations, logistics, and community programs. These operations require skilled professionals across various technical and leadership disciplines to ensure the conservancy continues to operate effectively and deliver on its conservation mission.
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen operational efficiency and institutional capacity, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is seeking to recruit qualified and experienced professionals to fill several full-time positions in Kenya. These roles include Mechanic, Welder, and Chief Operating Officer. Each role contributes to the organization’s operational effectiveness, infrastructure development, and strategic management.
The available opportunities provide professionals with the chance to contribute to a globally recognized conservation institution while advancing their careers in a dynamic and purpose-driven environment. The following sections provide detailed job descriptions for each of the available positions.
Mechanic
Location: Kenya
Organization: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Employment Type: Full Time
Position Overview
The Mechanic position at Ol Pejeta Conservancy plays a critical role in ensuring that the conservancy’s vehicles, machinery, and mechanical equipment remain operational and safe for daily use. Given the nature of the conservancy’s activities—which include wildlife patrols, tourism services, infrastructure development, and logistics—mechanical reliability is essential to maintaining uninterrupted operations.
The mechanic will be responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing a wide range of vehicles and mechanical equipment used throughout the conservancy. This includes both routine servicing and complex mechanical repairs across multiple vehicle types. The role requires strong diagnostic abilities, technical expertise in mechanical systems, and a proactive approach to preventative maintenance.
Working within the conservancy’s technical team, the mechanic will support field operations, maintenance planning, and equipment management to ensure that vehicles and machinery meet safety and operational standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Mechanic will perform a range of technical and operational tasks related to vehicle maintenance and mechanical repairs. Responsibilities will include conducting regular inspections of vehicles and machinery to identify mechanical issues, faults, and wear that may affect operational performance.
The role involves diagnosing mechanical problems using appropriate tools and techniques and performing repairs on engines, transmissions, braking systems, suspensions, and other mechanical components. The mechanic will also carry out scheduled preventative maintenance activities such as oil changes, lubrication, filter replacements, and general servicing.
Another core responsibility involves maintaining the conservancy’s fleet of vehicles, which may include four-wheel drive vehicles, trucks, and specialized equipment used for conservation and security operations. Ensuring these vehicles remain reliable in remote and rugged terrain is essential for field operations.
The mechanic will also be responsible for maintaining accurate service records, documenting maintenance schedules, and reporting mechanical issues that require further attention or replacement parts. Proper documentation supports equipment lifecycle management and ensures accountability in maintenance practices.
In addition, the mechanic will assist in assessing equipment performance and recommending improvements or replacements where necessary. This includes working closely with procurement and logistics teams to identify spare parts and maintenance requirements.
The role may also involve responding to emergency breakdowns in the field, providing rapid technical support to restore vehicle functionality and minimize operational disruptions. This requires flexibility and readiness to work in various field conditions.
The mechanic will maintain a clean, organized, and safe workshop environment while adhering to safety procedures and technical standards. Compliance with health and safety guidelines is essential to prevent accidents and ensure safe maintenance practices.
Collaboration with other technical staff and operational teams is also an important aspect of the role. The mechanic will provide technical advice and support to colleagues regarding proper vehicle usage, maintenance practices, and operational safety.
Welder
Location: Kenya – Nanyuki
Organization: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Employment Type: Full Time
Position Overview
The Welder position supports the conservancy’s infrastructure maintenance, fabrication work, and mechanical repair activities. The role involves performing welding, metal fabrication, and structural repairs required to maintain buildings, equipment, vehicles, and operational facilities across the conservancy.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy operates extensive infrastructure that includes fences, gates, buildings, workshops, and mechanical equipment used for conservation and tourism operations. Maintaining this infrastructure requires skilled welding and fabrication services capable of supporting ongoing repairs, upgrades, and new construction projects.
The welder will work closely with maintenance teams, mechanics, and engineering staff to deliver high-quality welding work that meets structural integrity and safety standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Welder will be responsible for carrying out welding and fabrication tasks required for the maintenance and construction of conservancy infrastructure. This includes welding metal components used in fencing systems, gates, building structures, and mechanical equipment.
The role requires preparing metal surfaces and components prior to welding by cleaning, cutting, grinding, and shaping materials to ensure proper alignment and structural strength. The welder will interpret technical drawings and fabrication instructions to execute accurate welding operations.
The position involves performing different welding techniques depending on the material and application. This may include arc welding, MIG welding, TIG welding, and other fabrication methods used in structural and mechanical repairs.
Another important responsibility involves repairing damaged metal components, reinforcing structural elements, and fabricating replacement parts where necessary. These repairs are critical for maintaining the conservancy’s security infrastructure, including perimeter fencing used to protect wildlife and control access.
The welder will also assist in constructing new metal structures and equipment required for operational purposes. This includes supporting projects related to facility upgrades, equipment installation, and structural improvements.
Routine maintenance of welding tools and equipment is another key duty. The welder will ensure that welding machines, cutting tools, and protective equipment remain in proper working condition to support safe and efficient operations.
The role requires strict adherence to occupational safety standards when performing welding operations. This includes using protective gear, maintaining safe work environments, and following safety procedures to prevent workplace accidents.
The welder will also collaborate with mechanics and maintenance staff on projects that involve combined mechanical and fabrication work. Effective teamwork ensures timely completion of repairs and construction tasks.
Additionally, the welder will assist in maintaining records of completed welding tasks, materials used, and maintenance activities. Proper documentation supports operational planning and equipment management.
Chief Operating Officer
Location: Kenya – Nanyuki
Organization: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Employment Type: Full Time
Position Overview
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the operational management of Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The position plays a strategic role in ensuring that the organization’s operational activities align with its conservation mission, strategic priorities, and organizational goals.
The COO will lead operational planning, coordination, and implementation across multiple departments within the conservancy. This includes managing field operations, conservation programs, infrastructure management, tourism services, and administrative functions that support the conservancy’s day-to-day activities.
The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and operational management skills to ensure that all operational systems function efficiently and support the organization’s long-term sustainability.
Working closely with the executive leadership team, the Chief Operating Officer will contribute to organizational strategy, institutional strengthening, and performance management across departments.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Chief Operating Officer will oversee the day-to-day operational management of the conservancy, ensuring that all operational activities are implemented effectively and aligned with organizational priorities.
A primary responsibility of the COO is coordinating operational functions across departments, including conservation operations, infrastructure development, logistics, tourism services, and security operations. Effective coordination ensures that the organization operates efficiently and resources are utilized effectively.
The role also involves developing and implementing operational policies, procedures, and systems that support organizational performance. This includes establishing operational standards, improving processes, and strengthening internal coordination.
The COO will be responsible for monitoring operational performance, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies that enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
Another important aspect of the role involves managing operational budgets, resource allocation, and cost control. The COO will work closely with finance and departmental leadership to ensure that operational resources are used effectively and in alignment with organizational plans.
The position also requires overseeing infrastructure development and maintenance activities within the conservancy. This includes ensuring that facilities, equipment, and operational assets are properly maintained to support conservation and tourism activities.
The COO will support strategic planning processes by providing operational insights and contributing to the development of long-term organizational strategies. This includes supporting leadership in translating strategy into operational plans and measurable objectives.
Stakeholder coordination is also a key responsibility of the role. The COO will work with internal teams, community stakeholders, partners, and government agencies involved in conservation and development activities.
The role involves supervising operational teams and ensuring that staff across departments receive the guidance and resources required to perform their duties effectively. Leadership responsibilities include performance management, team development, and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
The Chief Operating Officer will also play a key role in risk management by identifying operational risks, implementing mitigation strategies, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
Through effective leadership and operational oversight, the COO will contribute to the long-term sustainability and operational success of Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Application Process
Ol Pejeta Conservancy invites qualified professionals with relevant experience and a commitment to operational excellence to apply for the available positions. These opportunities provide professionals with the chance to contribute to one of Kenya’s most prominent conservation organizations while advancing their careers in technical and leadership roles.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the official recruitment platform.