Job Vacancies at South African National Parks (SANParks)

Requirements

• Grade 12 certificate
• Firearm documentation required:
• Firearm competency – Self Loading Rifle (Unit standards 117705, 119650 and 123511) Self-loading Rifle
• No criminal record (valid SAPS Clearance certificate to be submitted as part of application.
• Proof of residence.
• Must have done a Basic Field Ranger course.
• Understanding the Basic principles of Health & Safety (Health & Safety level 1).
• Ability to do long and extended patrols under difficult conditions.
• Physically fit & passionate about conservation, biodiversity, and people.
• Medical Certificate of Fitness.
• Candidates must have basic understanding, preferable with experience, of Field Ranger duties.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking routine patrols by means of foot or vehicle.
• Protecting/Guarding of teams consisting of 12 Participants.
• Assisting with area integrity management.
• Execute anti-poaching operations.
• Enforcing law, order, and discipline through NEMA.
• Ensure accurate records of incidents or sightings are kept.
• Assisting with various Conservation related activities (such as Alien Plant Control, monitoring, etc.)

Closing Date

• 08 October 2025

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Requirements

• Grade 12/ NCV level 4 qualification (Standard 10).
• Interest in working in a nature conservation Environment.
• Good communication skills.
• Willing to work flexible hours e.g. weekends and after hours.
• Must be in good physical health and capable of performing field duties.
• Successful candidates will have to undergo medical fitness examination through a medical practitioner.
• Understanding of basic principles of Health and Safety.
• No criminal record (SAPS) Verification will be done.
• Computer Literacy will be added as an advantage.
• Basic Firefighting training will be added as an advantage.
• Preference will be given to those between 18-35 years.

Responsibilities

• Asist with the management of tools, equipment, vehicles and infrastructure, herbicide, stock control and asset management.
• Manage in-field administration-including Timesheets, H&S checklist, logbooks, and reports.
• Assist with monitoring and recording of resource management data.
• Handling and resolving conflict and they arise and provide support and motivation to contractors.
• Assist with fire management.
• Fence integrity monitoring, basic maintenance and clearing around the camp.
• Ecological monitoring, Restoration, invasive Alien Species clearing.
• Waste management reporting and support to programmes.
• Participating in community and environmental awareness programmes.
• Assist with relevant Conservation activities when required.
•  Required to work Ad-hoc duties when needed.

Closing Date

• 09 October 2025

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Requirements

Qualifications

• LLB degree.
• Admitted Attorney.

Experiences

• 10 years post admission experience, 5 should be in a managerial role.
• 5 years of Commercial and Administrative law.

Competencies

• Commercial Law
• Company Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Interpretation of Statutes
• Administrative Law
• Organizational policies and procedures
• Business objectives and strategies

Skills

• Computer
• Planning
• Drafting
• Communication
• Listening
• Interpersonal
• Analyzing
• Negotiating
• Administrative

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and negotiate commercial contracts.
• Develop, review business documents.
• Conduct research and draft legal opinions.
• Conduct contract and non-compliance risk audits and provide reports and/or remedial action thereof.
• Monitor developments in law and advise management thereof.
• Resolve potential legal disputes and negotiate settlement terms.
• Advise on alternative dispute resolution.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide guidance and advice on the protection of SANParks intellectual property.
• Manage external legal practitioners.
• Lead, manage, and develop the human capital of the Commercial and Contract unit.
• Prepare a budget and manage the finances of the unit.
• Build, enhance, and maintain stakeholder relationships.

Closing Date

• 09 October 2025

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Requirements

• A recognized post graduate qualification in environmental sciences or natural resource management.
• At least 3-5 years’ experience in program and/or project management and natural resource management in a decision-making role.
• Ability to effectively coordinate a multi-stakeholder project, administer budget, training and work effectively with counterpart staff at all levels and with all groups involved in the project.
• Significant experience and demonstrated competence in financial management and budget control.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, effective team management and leadership abilities, as well as networking skills.
• Thorough knowledge and application of relevant conservation legislation and regulations.
• Excellent communication skills in English and strong computer-, report writing- and presentation skills.
• A valid South African resident status and strong knowledge of South Africa’s socio-economic context.
• A valid driver’s license (Code EB) accompanied by a willingness and ability to travel (note: own vehicle is required).
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours.
• Experience in the context of a conservation organization and background in working with NGOs and private donors would be a distinct advantage.
• Accommodation will be provided in the park. Nominal rental will be charged as well as for services.

Responsibilities

• Overall management and implementation of a large project ending March 2027, which includes adherence to the project’s time-bound objectives and deliverables.
• Supervise and coordinate all project staff.
• Manage the project’s finances, human resources, and legal needs through SANParks’ existing supporting divisions.
• Prepare and revise project work plan and financial/annual work plans and activities.
• Manage finances against budgets and adhere to deadlines.
• Oversee the development, implementation and monitoring of relevant policies and procedures.
• Oversee and ensure timely submission of progress, technical and financial reports, and other reports as may be required.
• Report project progress to relevant committees.
• Manage a donor relationship with World Bank and Wildlife Conservation Bond partners.
• Manage collaboration and capacity exchanges with the World Bank and Wildlife Conservation Bond Partners.
• Coordinate workshops, meetings, and missions.

Closing Date

• 13 October 2025

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• A position currently exists for a Senior Manager within the Arid Research Unit of Scientific Services, based in Kimberley. The main function of a Senior Manager fulfils a highly critical role of informing ecological research and strategic guidance on plant ecology and overseeing a variety of ecological research and monitoring, data collection and collating, and an understanding of how ecological systems operate.
• The Senior Manager provide leadership in research and strategic direction that strengthens evidence-based conservation within SANParks and contributes to broader conservation science policy makers.
• The role focuses on generating and sharing high-quality scientific knowledge, mentorship, and ensuring that research findings influence policy and management practice.
• The incumbent will be based in Kimberley working in a multi-disciplinary research team and although the Arid parks are the core focus, travel and support of other national parks is expected. The incumbent must interact with various stakeholders, process information needs and engage in joint problem solving, critical analysis and mutual learning.

Requirements

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant biological field is required.
• 5–7 years of experience in a relevant research or science-related environment following their doctorate.
• Ability to demonstrate a portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, written and verbal science communication.
• Sound knowledge of and background in ecosystem research, monitoring, and management, including in-depth knowledge of conservation practices and principles with an emphasis on adaptive management approaches.
• Strategic influence on policy and management decisions, and long-term impact across the organisation and broader conservation sector, with responsibilities aligned to expert-level knowledge, stakeholder engagement, and research integration at a high level.
• Good people management skills, an excellent networker and communicator.
• Ability and enthusiasm to travel extensively in the Arid Parks and across the SANParks estate, spending nights away from home and occasionally travel on weekends.
• A valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Strategic planning, reporting and contribute to various assessment undertaken at parks to track and monitor progress – contribute to a variety of strategic planning and reporting initiatives, including park management plan reviews and revisions, annual implementation of the research strategy, regional and/or thematic research and planning mechanisms, etc.
• Provide leadership to a team of terrestrial scientists and provide mentoring to younger and/or less experienced scientists and biotechnicians.
• Knowledge generation, dissemination, and co-learning – conduct own independent research and communicate this (using academic and popular channels through both oral and written means).
• Knowledge translation, integration and harvesting – make sense of a diversity of monitoring and research findings for specific (national park and other) contexts and aid in articulating and highlighting its relevance to protected area management, practice and policy.
• Research impact and ability to facilitate, enable and/or solicit and support appropriate research – leverage external research capacity through established and new knowledge networks, in ways that are meaningful for SANParks.
• Coordinate and ensure implementation of the variety of ecological monitoring programmes such as vegetation monitoring, fire ecology, taxonomic classification.
• Sound basic administrative skills – work planning and scheduling, basic human resource matters, general and financial administration competence, etc.

Closing Date

• 13 October 2025

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Requirements

• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Human Resource Management or equivalent.
• Degree qualification in HR or Social Science will be an added advantage.
• 4 years’ experience in a similar HCM role.
• 2 years in a clerical role.
• Valid Code B driver’s license.
• Strong computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc).
• Knowledge of HR legislation (BCEA, EE, LRA, Skills Development Act, etc).
• Experience with HR systems (e.g., SAGE 300).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and administrative skills.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and handle confidential matters.

Responsibilities

• Administer recruitment and selection processes, including drafting adverts, shortlisting, interview coordination, and onboarding.
• Ensure integrity of employee data on SAGE 300, People Management Module, ensure that information is captured correctly.
• Coordinate induction sessions and exit procedures (resignations, retirements, dismissals).
• Compile and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual HCM reports.
• Consolidate information for performance management.
• Assist with investigations, compiling reports and coordinate payments of death claims.
• Assist with coordination and implementation of Employee Wellness interventions and administration thereof.
• Provide guidance on HCM policies, procedures, and labour relations.
• Support the implementation of the HCM strategy and operational plan.
• Represent HCM in disciplinary hearings.
• Assist with coordination, facilitation and implementation of Learning and Development initiatives.
• Establish and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure proper leave management.
• Assist with Injury on Duty (IOD) claims.
• Administration of Uniform requirements.
• Ensure compliance through periodic audits and accurate data management.

Closing Date

• 16 October 2025