Hi, I’m
SALIM MANDELA MANDERE
CONSERVATION & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
NAIROBI
Summary
Dynamic conservation professional with extensive experience at Olerai Environmental Projects LTD, excelling in camp operations management and stakeholder collaboration. Proven track record in developing impactful conservation programs and enhancing guest experiences. Skilled in data analysis and team leadership, fostering community engagement and promoting environmental sustainability.
Overview
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Olerai Environmental Projects LTD (The Wilder Group)
Conservancy & Camp Manager
07.2017 - Current
Job overview
- Managed daily operations of camp facilities, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and enhancing guest experiences.
- Developed and implemented conservation programs that promoted sustainability and increased community engagement in environmental initiatives.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices in environmental stewardship, resulting in improved team performance and efficiency.
- Coordinated logistics for camp activities, optimizing resource allocation to maximize operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
- Led strategic planning sessions to identify conservation goals, aligning team efforts with organizational objectives and community needs.
- Engaged with local stakeholders to foster partnerships, enhancing resource sharing and collaboration on environmental projects.
- Oversaw the maintenance of campgrounds, ensuring safety standards were met while providing a welcoming environment for visitors.
- Researched and implemented innovative conservation techniques, contributing to the organization's mission of preserving natural habitats.
- Established partnerships with local organizations, securing additional resources and support for camp programs.
- Mentored junior staff members to enhance their skills, fostering professional development opportunities within the organization.
- Implemented rigorous staff recruitment processes, ensuring only top-quality individuals were hired for key positions within the camp team.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, resolving issues quickly to ensure positive experiences for all camp participants.
- Enhanced safety measures, leading to a reduction in accidents and injuries through regular risk assessments and staff training.
- Streamlined camp operations for increased efficiency by optimizing staff schedules and resource allocation.
- Conducted thorough facility inspections regularly, identifying maintenance needs proactively to prevent costly repairs or disruptions later on.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance requirements, guaranteeing adherence to established guidelines throughout all aspects of camp management.
- Championed a positive and inclusive camp culture, fostering an environment where all individuals felt welcomed and valued.
- Collaborated with other Camp Managers in regular meetings to share best practices and improve industry-wide standards of operation.
- Trained staff in proper implementation of program systems, familiarizing with camp traditions and verifying basic knowledge of activities.
- Manage Social Media Pages.
- Develop and supervise guest experience enhancement activities such as sundowners, walking safaris, night game drives etc.
Mara-Meru Cheetah Project
Senior Research Assistant
12.2012 - 05.2017
Job overview
- Led the design and implementation of research methodologies, enhancing the accuracy of wildlife population assessments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to analyze data trends, informing conservation strategies and improving habitat management.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive databases for tracking wildlife movements, resulting in improved data accessibility and analysis.
- Trained and mentored junior researchers in field techniques and data collection, fostering skill development and research competency.
- Coordinated field research logistics, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and adherence to project timelines.
- Conducted literature reviews and synthesized findings, contributing to published research that advanced conservation knowledge.
- Engaged with local communities to promote awareness and support for conservation efforts, enhancing project visibility and impact.
- Presented research findings at conferences, effectively communicating complex information to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
- Enhanced research quality by implementing rigorous data collection and analysis methods.
- Demonstrated adaptability by switching seamlessly between multiple projects as needed while prioritizing tasks accordingly without compromising on quality standards.
- Conducted literature reviews to identify knowledge gaps and inform research direction.
- Presented research findings at conferences and workshops, promoting the organization''s expertise in the field.
- Analyzed discussion and creation of project objectives, proposals and budgets to meet funding criteria.
- Introduced and incorporated graduate students to research team by advising on basic scientific principles and assigning laboratory activities.
- Participated in partnerships and networking with external companies to produce research findings and share best practices.
Action for Cheetahs in Kenya
Research Assistant
06.2012 - 10.2012
Job overview
- Conducted field research to gather data on cheetah populations, contributing to vital conservation strategies and action plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop educational materials, enhancing community awareness of conservation efforts.
- Assisted in the design and implementation of wildlife tracking methodologies, improving data accuracy and research outcomes.
- Supported grant writing processes, which secured funding for critical conservation projects and extended research initiatives.
- Analyzed ecological data to assess habitat conditions, leading to informed recommendations for wildlife management practices.
- Coordinated logistics for field studies, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to project timelines.
- Prepared comprehensive reports on research findings, facilitating informed decision-making among stakeholders and conservation partners.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
- Maintained open lines of communication with project leads and team members for effective collaboration on common goals.
- Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring proper maintenance and optimal functionality.
- Utilized statistical software for data analysis, generating accurate insights into complex datasets.
Lisa Ranch
Conservation Intern
02.2012 - 05.2012
Job overview
- Assisted in habitat restoration projects by removing invasive species, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
- Conducted wildlife monitoring using tracking devices and field observations, contributing to data collection for research initiatives.
- Collaborated with team members to develop educational programs, promoting conservation awareness within the local community.
- Supported the management of volunteer activities, ensuring efficient operations and fostering engagement in conservation efforts.
- Participated in the preparation of reports on conservation activities, aiding in compliance and strategic planning for future projects.
- Spearheaded a successful social media campaign highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation within the region.
Education
The University of NairobiNairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya
Master of Arts from Environmnental Planning And Management
04.2001
The University of Nairobi
Bachelor of Science from Wildlife Management And Conservation
04.2001
MCOM TECHNOLOGIES LTDKisii, Kisii District, Kenya
CERTIFICATE from COMPUTER PACKAGES
04.2001
St. Joseph Nyabondo Boys High SchoolNyando
High School Diploma
04.2001
Portreitz Academy
GED
04.2001
Skills
Camp operations management
Conservation program development
Environmental compliance
Guest experience enhancement
Staff training and mentoring
Resource allocation optimization
Stakeholder collaboration
Facility maintenance oversight
Community engagement
Safety standards adherence
Wildlife tracking methodologies
Data analysis
Project logistics coordination
Social media management
Customer service resolution
Risk assessment
Team leadership
Strategic planning
Team communication
Food service management
Activity planning
Marketing
Property Management Systems handling (POS, PMS, ResRequest and TallOrder)
Geographical Information Systems (GIS,qGis, Google Earth)
Timeline
Conservancy & Camp Manager
Olerai Environmental Projects LTD (The Wilder Group)
07.2017 - Current
Senior Research Assistant
Mara-Meru Cheetah Project
12.2012 - 05.2017
Research Assistant
Action for Cheetahs in Kenya
06.2012 - 10.2012
Conservation Intern
Lisa Ranch
02.2012 - 05.2012
The University of Nairobi
Master of Arts from Environmnental Planning And Management
04.2001
The University of Nairobi
Bachelor of Science from Wildlife Management And Conservation
04.2001
MCOM TECHNOLOGIES LTD
CERTIFICATE from COMPUTER PACKAGES
04.2001
St. Joseph Nyabondo Boys High School
High School Diploma
04.2001
Portreitz Academy
GED
04.2001