Practitioner: Learning and Development (Conservation) at South African National Parks (SANParks)

• Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals for the position of a Practitioner: Learning and Development – Conservation based in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, reporting to the Manager: Learning and Development: KNP. This is a park-based position, and it involves transportation and in possession of SANParks firearms and ammunition.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

• To develop internal firearm qualification shoots for all SANParks personnel issued with a firearm. To identify firearm handling and shooting skill shortages and provide training programs to enhance and improve these skills to ensure compliance with the relevant qualification shoots.
• To implement a system to ensure that all personnel have the correct firearm proficiencies, SAPS competencies and other compliant shoots, like regulation 79 up to date to ensure compliance with the firearm act.
• To design, implement, and monitor conservation skills development programs that enhance the capacity of SANParks employees and community stakeholders in biodiversity conservation, ecological management, and sustainable resource use. The role ensures alignment with SANParks’ strategic objectives for conservation and human capital.

Location

• Kruger National Park

Requirements

Qualification:

• Grade 12
• NQF Level 6 or higher in conservation related qualifications.
• SAPS competency for Handgun, Shotgun, manually operated Rifle and Self-loading Rifle.
• Range Officer registered with PFTC.
• Viewing Potentially Dangerous Animals (VPDA) certificate/qualification.

 Requirements that will be an added advantage:

• PFTC Accredited firearms training instructor and assessor.
• An Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) qualification.
• Assessor for: NQF 2 — guiding qualification and VPDA (View potentially dangerous animals for guides, game guards and field rangers).
• A registered Assessor and Facilitator.

 Experience:

• 3–5 years in conservation activities, training, skills development, or capacity-building programs.
• Familiar and to have the required expertise and skills for working with handguns, shotguns, manual-loading rifles and self-loading rifles, operating them safely in a big five environment.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience conducting firearm shoot qualifications on a range as a range officer.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a walking guide in dangerous game areas
• Basic fault identification in malfunctioning firearms and ammunition.
• Experience in developing and drafting conservation training modules, and standards for handgun, shotgun, manual-loading & self-loading rifles.

Other:

• Valid driver’s license (Code B), willingness to travel and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement conservation knowledge and training plans.
• Facilitate technical training in areas such as handling of firearm, safety with firearms, shooting and guide/ranger training.
• Coordinate learnerships, internships, and workplace-based training programs in conservation disciplines.
• Monitor and evaluate training impact and report on skills development outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal departments, SETAs, and external partners to secure funding and accreditation for programs.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation (Skills Development Act, NQF, Firearms Control Act, etc.) and SANParks policies.
• Maintain accurate records of training interventions and learner progress.
• Promote transformation and employment equity through targeted skills development initiatives.
• To identify the need and develop new firearm handling, safety measures, training to shoot and qualification in departments where this may be lacking.
• To keep up to date with new policies, procedures, regulations and regulation bodies regarding firearms, proficiencies and qualifications.

How To Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should forward their applications accompanied by the required documentation listed below to the following:

Documents Required

• Interested persons who meet the above-stated requirements should forward their application letters, detailed Curriculum Vitae and qualifications certified to the following address:
• Application will only be completed when you have applied through the link or QR code: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/7SfmXJzH0P and have submitted your all-relevant documents to the following email address:
• E-Mail: [email protected]
• Applications not responded to within 14 days of closing date must be considered unsuccessful.

Closing Date

• 30 October 2026