Donovan von Benecke

Experienced and results-driven Farm Manager with over 10 years of hands-on experience in wild livestock management, staff supervision, and day-to-day farm operations. Proven ability to control costs and maintain high standards of animal welfare and sustainability. Strong leadership, planning, and problem-solving skills.

Intern at Shelanti Game Reserve (2016-01 – 2016-12)

• Managed daily animal care, feeding, and wildlife movements, including game counts, auctions, and conservation activities.
• Maintained farm, lodge, and vehicle infrastructure, including fences, dams, roads, accommodation, and pool.
• Conducted anti-poaching patrols and rhino monitoring to support wildlife protection efforts.
• Oversaw stock control, deliveries, and procurement for farm and lodge operations.
• Delivered guest services including game drives, hospitality, private functions, and event support.
• Assisted with staff coordination, transport of workers, and attended management meetings.

General Manager at Rooibokspruit (2017-03 – 2019-03)

• Welcomed guests and hunters, assisted with offloading, accommodation support, and on-site hospitality.
• Managed daily game care including feeding, intensive breeding programs (Roan, Golden Wildebeest, Copper Springbok), tagging, microchipping, and health monitoring.
• Worked closely with veterinarians on animal capturing, counting, treatment, and relocations; collected samples for worm count analysis.
• Conducted game drives and guided hunters during hunting season; assisted with skinning and trophy measurement.
• Maintained all farm infrastructure including roads, fences, dams, buildings, vehicles, and swimming pool; supervised construction of a new earth dam (2018).
• Handled farm logistics including offloading deliveries, purchasing supplies, attending game auctions, and overseeing transport and supervision of farm workers.

Sales executive at Extreme Group (2019-04 – 2020-10)

• Sold bulk diesel and provided transport services to clients.
• Sourced new clients and suppliers to expand business operations.
• Arranged and coordinated diesel deliveries to meet client requirements.

Farm Manager at Adante Game Farm (2020-09 – 2021-01)

• Welcomed guests at reception, handled check-ins, escorted guests to units or camping sites, and ensured ongoing guest satisfaction.
• Conducted daily farm operations including feeding game, game drives, fence patrols, and anti-poaching and security duties.
• Maintained farm infrastructure such as roads, fences, vehicles, buildings, and swimming pools.
• Assisted with venue operations, including bar service, food preparation, and support for functions and events.
• Managed farm logistics by purchasing supplies, transporting and checking farm workers, and overseeing daily operations.
• Performed environmental management tasks including controlled block burning, invasive plant control, and construction of an earth dam.

Farm Manager at Groenvley (Matla Noka) (2021-02 – 2022-09)

• Welcomed and hosted guests at the luxury river tent camp, including check-ins, camp orientation, and daily guest support.
• Conducted game drives and hosted viewpoint outings, setting up snacks and ensuring a high-quality guest experience.
• Managed daily farm operations including game monitoring, feeding supplements (game blocks and salt licks), and general farm management.
• Maintained farm and camp infrastructure, including roads, fences, vehicles, buildings, luxury tents, swimming pool, and jacuzzi.
• Handled logistics by purchasing supplies and supervising and transporting general farm workers.
• Performed conservation and safety duties including controlled burns, invasive plant control, fence patrols, security, and anti-poaching activities.

Farm Manager at Kameelfontein (2022-10 – 2025-06)

• Managed daily farm operations including infrastructure maintenance (fences, roads, buildings, dams, pumps, pools, vehicles, generators) and overall farm administration.
• Drilled, equipped, and maintained boreholes, including installation of pumps, pipes, cables, and control systems.
• Oversaw wildlife and livestock management: feeding game, monitoring and counting game, supplementing during winter, planting and harvesting feed, and handling cattle and sheep (tagging, branding, fencing, and relocation).
• Hosted and guided hunters and guests, managed documentation (indemnities and permits), assisted with hunting activities, and supported skinning of hunted animals.
• Handled logistics and workforce management, including purchasing supplies, transporting and supervising workers, salaries, registers, and spreadsheet administration.
• Conducted conservation and safety duties such as anti-poaching patrols, general security, invasive plant control, controlled veld management, and firefighting support in surrounding areas.

Maintenance Manager at Bartlet Eggs, Kuipers Group (2025-09 – Present)

• Plan and oversee preventive and corrective maintenance of facilities, equipment, and machinery.
• Supervise maintenance staff and contractors, ensuring safe and quality workmanship.
• Manage maintenance budgets, costs, and procurement of tools and spare parts.
• Conduct regular inspections to identify faults, risks, and maintenance needs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and coordinate with management on operational needs.
• Coordinate and schedule dispatch of goods to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
• Prepare dispatch documentation including delivery notes, invoices, and packing lists.
• Verify stock availability, quantities, and condition before dispatch.
• Load and dispatch vehicles according to route plans and safety procedures.
• Communicate with drivers, customers, and internal departments regarding delivery status.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, health, and safety regulations.

Matric – High School Overvaal (2013)

Diploma in Nature Management – Centurion Academy (2014 – 2016)