Senior Manager: Visitor Safety And Protection Services (Fixed Term Contract) at South African National Parks (SANParks)

Requirements

• Degree/Advanced Diploma (NQF7) or equivalent in Criminal Justice, Policing, Security Management, Public Safety, Management or a related field.
• Master’s degree in criminal justice, (Post Graduate qualification) Public Safety, Security Management, Policing or Management would be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of proven leadership experience including Police reservist and volunteer coordination in high-crime areas (including incident reporting, database management, and SANParks is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right not to appoint volunteer systems); Police or law enforcement experience in specialized units, multi-agency response coordination.
• Knowledge and VIP protection experience.
• Experience with National Key Points and Strong background in contact crime prevention.
• PSIRA Grade A security operations management with 5+ years’ experience.
• Intelligence gathering, crime analysis, strategic planning, and data analytics experience.
• Valid Driver’s license and suitable driving experience.
• A Valid Firearms competency.
• Medically and physically fit for field operations.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Computer literacy (MS Office; knowledge of databases and volunteer management systems).
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays as and when required.

Added Advantage:

• First Aid/CPR and emergency response training.
• Familiarity with Table Mountain National Park terrain and local safety challenges.
• Multilingual ability (English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, or others relevant to the region).
• In possession of a valid security clearance at a level of Secret, Top Secret desirable.
• Range Officer Certification.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and be accountable for an integrated crime prevention strategy.
• Managing law enforcement and ranger operations and working collaboratively with SAPS and other enforcement agencies.
• Investigate and monitor incident response activities, including investigations, root cause analysis and developing corrective actions.
• Analyse crime trends and data to inform proactive and strategic interventions.
• Integrate technology (e.g. surveillance, communications systems, GIS crime mapping) into park to enhance safety operations.
• Provide clear leadership, accountability, and oversight to all crime prevention and safety operations across the park.
• Build and manage relationships with key safety stakeholders and security partners.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies and industry associations
• Coordinating volunteers and external groups working to support visitor safety.
• Conduct regular security audits and risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
• Oversee the management of physical security measures, including access controls, CCTV systems, and security personnel.
• Develop and maintain incident response plans, ensuring timely and effective responses to security breaches.
• Manage records, documentation and reporting to demonstrate compliance and facilitate audits.
• Stay updated with the latest security trends, technologies and regulatory changes, ensuring continuous improvement of the security function.

Please Note

• Appointment will be subject to a background check, including security clearance and firearms competency assessment where applicable.
• SANParks is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from previously disadvantaged groups are encouraged to apply.
• The position requires fieldwork and coordination in challenging terrain and weather conditions; candidates will be required to undergo and pass fitness assessment test to be appointed.
• The successful candidate will have to provide their own accommodation as there is no official accommodation in the park.

Closing Date

• 01 September 2025