Section Ranger (Re-advertisement) at South African National Parks (SANParks)

Requirements

• Degree or BTech in Nature Conservation Management or related fields. [(NQF level 7) in Conservation or Natural Resource Management or equivalent.
• EMI Grade 2 designation (compulsory), or must qualify in stipulated period.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• 3 – 5 years relevant work experience as a Field Ranger or in conservation management in a protected area and 3 years must be in supervision of field ranger teams or supervision of teams in field.
• Computer literacy with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook Express.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, as well as conflict resolution, project management and liaison skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and working flexible, long and irregular hours and must be physically fit.
• Must have knowledge of the PFMA act.

The following will be an added advantage:

• Relevant Post Graduate degree.

Responsibilities

Operations Management:

• Contribute to conservation and development plans, manage biodiversity rehabilitation, oversee fire and environmental management plans, and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Monitor and mitigate degradation impacts on cultural heritage sites and support the development of related management plans.
• Supervise infrastructure maintenance, manage field data capture and reporting, and oversee administrative tasks like timesheets and logbooks.
• Ensure visitor access, safety, and security, and maintain thorough knowledge of the section through regular patrols and observation of natural processes.
• Monitor and prevent Illegal activities, such as Land Invasion, illegal harvesting of flora and fauna
• Implement Integrated Fire Management Plan (Detection, prevention, suppression, fire breaks management, prescribed/ ecological burns, fuel load reduction.

Biodiversity Conservation Management:

• Plan and execute various patrols (foot, vehicle, vessel, bicycle, horse, canine) across park and MPA boundaries; map areas of concern and monitor water sources and environmental impacts.
• Participate in rescue operations, medical incidents, game capture, population control, and assist with wildlife census activities.
• Coordinate environmental education training and document ecological events through observation and interpretation.

Safety, Security & Compliance:

• Enforce good corporate governance, risk management, and ensure adherence to legal, ethical, and safety procedures, including OHS compliance and law enforcement reporting.
• Develop and maintain safety and security plans, control visitor activities, and secure entrance gates, camps, and international ports of entry.
• Protect the conservation estate by enforcing relevant legislation, apprehending suspects appropriately, and preparing cases for court in collaboration with Department of Justice.
• Maintain territorial integrity through coordinated patrols, detect incursions, and monitor high-value species using advanced field ranger deployment strategies.
• Collect and analyse data from adjacent areas using effective systems to support proactive security and conservation efforts.
• Ensure law enforcement reporting takes place accurately and timeously as is necessary (CMore/ Sitreps/ real time/ Mike reports/METT/SOAIM etc.)

People Management:

• Manage training, mentoring, discipline, and wellness initiatives, including trauma counselling and legal support for staff.
• Plan and coordinate personnel training, evaluation, and accreditation (e.g., EMI, field ranger retraining, and other qualifications).
• Promote teamwork, monitor BSP teams, and conduct site inspections to ensure compliance with site specifications.
• Implement SANParks policy and SOPs.

Financial Management

• Prepare budgets in line with SANParks guidelines and ensure sound financial oversight.
• Facilitate procurement processes, ensure compliance with SCM policies, and manage inventory, stock, and assets.
• Assist with tourism income collection and contribute to Bid Specifications Committee when required.

Stakeholder Management

• Foster cooperation with neighbouring communities, private landowners, and stakeholders to support constituency building, economic empowerment, and address public concerns.
• Promote environmental education and awareness within and around the protected area and actively engage in park forums and related structures.

Closing Date

• 22 May 2026