Job Vacancies at South African National Parks (SANParks)

Requirements

• Matric/Grade 12/NCV level 4.
• Firearm Competency-Self Loading Rifle (Unit standards 1196650 and 123511).
• Firearm documentation required: Knowledge of firearm control act (unit standard 117705).
• Valid Regulation 79.
• Must have done a Basic Field Ranger course.
• Valid SAPS clearance certificate and clean criminal record (Background screening to be conducted as part of the recruitment process).
• Successful candidate will have to undergo medical fitness through a Medical practioner.
• Understanding the Basic principles of Health & Safety (Health & Safety level1).
• 2 years’ experience as a Field Guard in a Big 5 Game Reserve
• Ability to maintain alertness and endurance during prolonged field operations (weekends and after hours).
• Medically and physically fit & passionate about conservation and people.

Added advantage/desired:

• Advance Rifle Handling.
• Firearm competency – Manual Loading/bolt action (Unit standards 119651 and 123519).

Responsibilities

• Guarding participants/contractors and Conservation Monitoring.
• Conduct law enforcement activities (Patrols, Monitoring, Anti-poaching, problem animal control by means of foot or vehicle).
• Assisting the Corporal/Sergeant with area integrity management.
• Enforcing law, order and discipline through NEMA (access control activities i.e Staff, visitors management, and safety).
• Assist with Infrastructure Maintenance (Fence, Water points, Roads, etc).
• Ensure accurate records of incidents or sightings are kept.
• Assist with EPWP project in the park (WfW, WfE and WfWet).
• Assist with Park management activities as requested by Line Managers.

Salary

• R311 Per Day

Closing Date

• 12 June 2026

go to method of application »

• EPWP Employment opportunity currently exists for 1X Skilled Environmental Monitor Admin at Mapungubwe National Park & World Heritage Site. The above-stated position is a fixed-term contract up to the end of 31 March 2027.
• The appointed participant or Environmental Monitor will be paid a wage rate of R 311.00 per day as per Expanded Public Works Programme rates.

Requirements

• Matric/Grade 12/NCV level 4.
• Other relevant qualification will be added as advantage.
• Willing to work flexible hours e.g. weekends & after hours.
• Proficient in English and on other official languages with good written and verbal skills.
• Must be in good physical health.
• Understanding of basic principles of Health & Safety.
• Knowledge of Computer programs, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and others.
• First Aid and Health and Safety Certificate added advantage.
• Successful candidate will have to undergo medical fitness through a Medical practioner.

Responsibilities

• Field data collection and capturing of data onto a computer.
• General administration – including timesheets, logbooks, Booking Conservation fleet services, maintenance works and reports.
• Field guards, Tourism Monitors and EM’s Time sheets and payments schedule.
• Assist with access control activities i.e Staff, overtimes and assets.
• Minutes taking and Filling.
• Assist with Park management activities as requested by Section Rangers and Senior Section Ranger.
• Assist with procurements in the section and ordering Securities, Ranger uniforms.
• Assist Section Rangers, Senior Section Ranger and conservation department staff members with s&t claims and audits.
• Assist with administration duties for BSP monitoring project.

Salary

• R311 Per Day

Closing Date

• 17 June 2026

go to method of application »

• EPWP Employment opportunity currently exists for 4X Skilled Armed Environmental Monitor at Mapungubwe National Park & World Heritage Site. The above-stated position is a fixed-term contract up to the end of 31 March 2027.
• The appointed participant or Environmental Monitor will be paid a wage rate of R 311.00 per day as per Expanded Public Works Programme rates.

Requirements

• Matric/Grade 12/NCV level 4.
• Basic Field Ranger Armed Training course or a qualification in nature conservation/game ranch management.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as an Armed Environmental Monitor.
• Firearm competency-Self Loading Rifle (Unit standards 1196650 and 123511) and SAPS competency will be a prerequisite.
• Firearm documentation required: Knowledge of firearm control act (unit standard 117705).
• Willing to work flexible hours e.g. weekends & after hours.
• Proficient in English and on other official languages with good written and verbal skills.
• Must be in good physical health.
• Successful candidate will have to undergo medical fitness through a Medical practioner.
• Understanding of basic principles of Health & Safety.
• No criminal record –police clearance certificate must be attached with the application or proof of application must be attached.
• Medically and physically fit & passionate about conservation and people.

Responsibilities

• Conduct law enforcement activities (Patrols, Monitoring, Anti-poaching, Border patrol, problem animal control by means of foot or vehicle).
• Assisting the Corporal/Sergeant with area integrity management.
• Enforcing law, order and discipline through NEMA (access control activities i.e Staff, visitors management, and safety).
• Assist with Infrastructure maintenance (Fence, Water points, Roads, etc).
• Ensure accurate records of incidents or sightings are kept.
• Assist with natural resource management and participant in research projects.
• Field data collection and capturing of data onto a computer.
• Storeroom cleaning, organisation, and stock keeping.
• Assist with access control activities i.e Staff, visitors management, and safety and security.
• Assisting with waste management activities, including waste collection, disposal, and maintaining cleanliness within the park.
• Assisting with the cleaning and maintenance of living quarters to ensure a clean, safe, and habitable environment.
• Assist in the control of alien invasive plants.
• Assisting with park management activities as requested by Line Managers.
• Assist with EPWP project in the park when required.

Salary

• R311 Per Day

Closing Date

• 17 June 2026

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Tourism Interns-Karoo National Park

• The Tourism Graduates programme is for a period of 12 months. The successful candidates will be required to sign a contract for the duration of the training. Successful candidates will be responsible for their own accommodation and transport.

Requirements

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT TOURISM AND THE ENVIRONMENT? THIS COULD BE FOR YOU! SELECTION CRITERIA:

• South African between the ages of 18-35
• Be in possession of a Tertiary qualification, a National Diploma or Degree in Tourism/Hospitality or Conservation.
• Certified copies of ID and qualifications are required
• Able to work flexible hours (including weekends, public holidays and when required)
• Passionate about Tourism and Hospitality and eager to grow in the sector
• Incomplete applications or those with missing documents will not be considered
• People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Salary

• R300 Per Day (Stipend)

Closing Date

• 17 June 2026

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• EPWP Employment opportunity currently exists for 15 x Skilled Environmental Monitors within Kruger National Park (Marula Region). The above-stated employment opportunity is a fixed-term contract up to the end of 31 March 2027.
• The appointed participant or Environmental Monitor will be paid a wage rate of R 311 per day as per Expanded Public Works Programme rates.

Requirements

• Grade 12 Certificate.
• 1 year of experience in administration duties.
• Willing to work flexible hours, e.g. weekends & after hours.
• Proficient in English and one other official language with good written and verbal skills.
• Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.
• Must be in good physical health.
• Understanding of basic principles of Health & Safety.
• No criminal record.
• Successful candidate will have to undergo medical fitness through a Medical Practitioner.
• Ability to work weekends and public holidays with occasional overtime.
• VALID POLICE clearance certificate or proof of application for a Police Clearance Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Field data collection and capturing.
• General administration – including timesheets, logbooks, and reports.
• Environmental Monitor Time sheets and payment schedule.
• Minutes taking and filing.
• Assist with BSP administrator duties when required.
• General duties as per supervisor instructions.
• Procurement of Environmental Monitors’ uniform.
• Liaison with Section Rangers, Head Office, and Duty Managers.
• Capturing overtime for all KNP Ems.

Salary

• R311 Per Day

Closing Date

• 19 June 2026

go to method of application »

• EPWP Employment opportunities currently exist for 2 x Semi-Skilled Environmental Monitors within the Biodiversity Social Projects Environmental Monitor Programme in the Kruger National Park (Hamakiya Nature Reserve).
• The above-stated employment opportunities are fixed-term contracts up to the end of 31 March 2027.
• The appointed participant or Environmental Monitor will be paid a wage rate of R 208 per day as per Expanded Public Works Programme rates. Incumbents will stay outside the park.

Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12 / NCV level 4.
• Must have 1 year of experience in environmental monitoring activities.
• Language proficiency in English and one other local language, with good written and verbal skills.
• Experience in recording of information and report writing.
• Willing to work flexible hours e.g. weekends & after hours.
• Must be in good physical health.
• No criminal record.
• Successfully candidate will have to undergo medical fitness through a Medical Practitioner.
• Ability to work weekends and public holidays with occasional overtime.
• VALID POLICE clearance certificate or proof of application for a Police Clearance Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Protected area functions – area integrity & wildlife security.
• Problem Animals damaging the fence and reporting of domestic animals inside the park.
• Waste Removal on the Fence.
• Fence Maintenance and monitoring on a daily basis.
• Camp patrols and general cleaning.
• Report damaged fence in the camp.
• Participation in community and environmental awareness programmes.
• Assist with relevant conservation activities when required.
• Report any suspected Poaching activities to the local section ranger.

Salary

• R 208 Per Day

Closing Date

• 19 June 2026

go to method of application »

• EPWP Employment opportunity currently exists for 2 x Skilled Environmental Monitors within Kruger National Park (Marula Region). The above-stated employment opportunities are fixed-term contract up to the end of 31 March 2027.
• The appointed participant or Armed Environmental Monitor will be paid a wage rate of R 311 per day as per Expanded Public Works Programme rates.

Requirements

• Grade 12 certificate.
• Must have 1 year of experience in ecological monitoring work.
• Must have 1 year of experience in Field Ranger duties.
• Firearm documentation required:
• Firearm competency – Self-loading rifle (Unit standards 119650 and 123511).
• Knowledge of firearm control act (unit standard 117705).
• Must have done a Basic Field Ranger course.
• Clean criminal record (Background screening to be conducted as part of the recruitment process).
• Understanding the Basic principles of Health & Safety (Health & Safety level 1).
• Ability to do long and extended patrols or walk in a big5 environment.
• Successful candidate will have to undergo medical fitness through a Medical Practitioner.
• Ability to work weekends and public holidays with occasional overtime.
• In possession of a Code 8 driving licence.
• VALID POLICE clearance certificate or proof of application for a Police Clearance Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Alien plant identification and mapping.
• Use of Quick Capture/Survey123, Carry Map, CyberTracker.
• Monitoring of biocontrol sites and biocontrol agents.
• Assist with verification of WFW operational areas.
• Assist with conservation-related activities in the park as and when required.
• Ensure accurate recording of incidents or sightings kept and recorded in the notebook.
• Guard Working for Water teams (consists of 12 Participants) when required.
• Assist with EPWP project in the park when required.
• Assist with other ad hoc duties (maintenance, grass cutting).

Salary

• R 311 Per Day

Closing Date

• 19 June 2026

go to method of application »

• EPWP Employment opportunities currently exist for 24 x Semi-Skilled Environmental Monitors within the Biodiversity Social Projects Environmental Monitor Programme in the Kruger National Park (Nxanatseni Region). The above stated employment opportunities are fixed-term contracts up to the end of 31 March 2027.
• The appointed participant or Environmental Monitor will be paid a wage rate of R 208 per day as per Expanded Public Works Programme rates. Incumbents will stay outside the park.

Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12 / NCV level 4.
• Must have 1 year of experience in environmental monitoring activities.
• Language proficiency in English and one other local language, with good written and verbal skills.
• Experience in recording of information and report writing.
• Willing to work flexible hours e.g. weekends & after hours.
• Must be in good physical health.
• No criminal record.
• Successful candidate will have to undergo medical fitness through a Medical Practitioner.
• Ability to work weekends and public holidays with occasional overtime.
• VALID POLICE clearance certificate or proof of application for a Police Clearance Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Protected area functions – area integrity & wildlife security.
• Problem Animals damaging the fence and reporting of domestic animals inside the park.
• Waste Removal on the Fence.
• Fence Maintenance and monitoring on a daily basis.
• Camp patrols and general cleaning.
• Report damaged fence in the camp.
• Participation in community and environmental awareness programmes.
• Assist with relevant conservation activities when required.
• Report any suspected Poaching activities to the local section ranger.

Salary

• R 208 Per Day

Closing Date

• 19 June 2026

go to method of application »

• SANParks is responsible for the management of the iconic Kruger National Park (KNP), which was established as a National Park in May 1926. KNP is the largest national park in South Africa and is one of the most biodiverse national parks globally. In 2026, KNP will be celebrating its 100th anniversary.
• To achieve SANParks’s objectives, suitably qualified and experienced independent experts are required to project-manage the planning, management, coordination, and monitor KNP’s Centenary Anniversary. The expert will be appointed as an Independent Contractor for 12 months, renewable subject to review of the work undertaken in the first 12 months.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree qualification in business or social science field or similar (PhD will be an advantage).
• At least 15 years of proven experience in the project management of large-scale eco-tourism projects, destination marketing and/or management of a public sector institution.
• Knowledge of conservation, tourism, and sustainable development policies.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Whilst the focus of the assignment will be on KNP’s Centenary Anniversary, it will be important to use the anniversary to ensure that all of SANParks’s 21 National Parks and 10 Marine Protected Areas (MPA) benefit.

The centenary celebration should:

• Reflect on the origins and formation of the Kruger National Park.
• Celebrate conservation milestones and biodiversity achievements.
• Highlight the introduction and growth of tourism in the park.
• Showcase the transition from fortress conservation to inclusive conservation, emphasizing community involvement and co-management.
• Honour the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of the park.
• Promote education, awareness, and public engagement throughout the year.
• The Creation of a coffee table book, a visual journey through the different timelines in the development of the Kruger National Park, will serve as a testament to the park’s rich history and its evolution over the past century.

The expert will be responsible for the procurement and management of relevant service providers required to fulfil the following services:

Strategic Planning & Coordination

• Develop a comprehensive KNP Centenary Action Plan, including objectives, themes, timeline, and milestones,

Branding, Marketing & Communications

• Review SANParks’s current brand identity aligned to achieving the Vision 2040 objectives.

Product Development & Investment Promotion

• Review of existing tourism products and infrastructure within KNP aimed at enhancing visitor experiences. The review should inform the investment promotion strategy.

Resource Mobilisation Internal Coordination and Capacity Building

• Work closely with SANParks Resource mobilisation team, KNP’s project management team, finance, communications, and conservation departments to ensure alignment and readiness for fundraising activities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Design and implement a stakeholder engagement plan targeting government, traditional leaders, communities, NGOs, academic institutions, tourism bodies, and the private sector, among others.

Monitoring, Reporting & Legacy Planning

• Design a monitoring and evaluation framework for centenary activities.

Closing Date

• 19 June 2026

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• A vacancy currently exists for a Senior Section Ranger at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Conservation Department. The successful candidates will report directly to the Park Manager.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Conservation Management or related fields. NQF level 8 in Conservation or Natural Resource Management or equivalent.
• EMI Grade 2 designation (compulsory) or must qualify in stipulated period.
• Minimum of a total of 10 years’ experience as a Field Ranger or in conservation management in a protected area.
• At least 4-5 of these 10 years as a Sergeant or Full Corporal or in a supervisory function in conservation management in a protected area.
• Fence Maintenance and Soil Erosion Control.
• Code A and B Drivers Licence and ideally EC.
• People Management Skills.
• Relevant Legislation: National Environmental Act, Protected Areas Act, OHS Act etc.
• Computer Literacy- MS Office: Intermediate to Advanced.

Responsibilities

• Create a nurturing, safe, and enabling work environment for rangers on the section to develop and grow.
• Promote the highest standard of environmental management practices and responsible tourism.
• Establish systems and procedures to ensure high standards of ethics and behaviour among rangers on the section.
• Build networks and develop collaborative relationships with other stakeholders both nationally and internationally.
• Responsible for all built Infrastructure, including ranger accommodation and recreational facilities, and any enclosures.
• Oversee routine maintenance on all management roads and the monitoring and reporting of maintenance issues on tourist roads.
• Oversee strategic deployment of field rangers to achieve conservation and anti-poaching goals.
• Follow correct procedures for protecting crime scenes and for seizing securing and documenting evidence.
• Management of the Sections K9 assets, taking into consideration all welfare aspects.
• Conducting and contributing to EMPs and EIA’s for the Section.
• Ensure compliance with management assessment tools – Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT).
• Compile HR Plans and staffing requirement for the Section.
• Training, evaluation, and accreditation of personnel (EMI, accredited qualifications, Field Ranger retraining).
• Support researchers and participate in research and monitoring projects.
• Management of impacts to ecological infrastructure- including erosion control, bush encroachment, wetland rehabilitation, alien plant clearing, etc.

Closing Date

• 19 June 2026

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• A vacancy currently exists for Security Guard at Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site. The successful candidate will have to be a highly motivated individual with the necessary practical skills and experience to assist with Security functions & operations in the park and will report to the Ranger Corporal and Section Ranger.

Requirements

• Grade 12 coupled with 2-year experience as a Security Guard.
• Grade E, D, C. Grade B and A will be an added advantage.
• Code C1 drivers’ licence plus PDP will be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in English, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, and Sepedi will be an added advantage.
• Sound communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• A healthy person with a high level of general fitness and mental alertness is required in this position.
• Punctual, neat, and responsible.
• Ability to work on his/her own as well as in a team.

Responsibilities

• Law enforcement that will include participating in regular entries and exits to prevent poaching, unauthorised access and movement within the park as well as keeping vehicle register for everyone entering and exiting the park.
• Permits authorised persons to enter property and monitors entrances and exits.
• Observe departing personnel to protect against theft of company property and ensure that authorised removal of property is conducted within appropriate client requirements.
• Assist customers, employees, and visitors in a courteous and professional manner.
• Call Police, Section Ranger or Corporal Ranger or Working for Fire in case of fire or unauthorised persons or suspicious movements of vehicles.
• Watch for irregular or unusual conditions that that may create security concerns or safety hazards.
• Transporting or Posting security guards in the workstations
• Guidance to visiting community groups, students, and learners before entering the park.
• Efficient and effectively ensure area integrity.
• Assist in driving the security vehicle to response in case of break down in and around the park for our Tourists.
• Perform any delegated duties.

Closing Date

• 22 June 2026

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• The Organisation requires the services of a Senior Manager: Policy Coordination and Compliance in the Chief Operating Officer’s division. This temporary position is on a fixed-term contract of eight months and will be based at Groenkloof, Pretoria.

Requirements

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree in Public Management, Public Administration, Business Management, Governance, Compliance Management or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a relevant related field will be an added advantage.
• Five to eight years’ experience in policy development, policy governance, compliance management, programme coordination or a related field at a senior level.
• Experience in the coordination and monitoring of projects, work plans, deliverables, and progress reporting.
• Experience in managing external or professional service providers, including monitoring performance, deliverables, timelines, and quality of output.
• Understanding of legislation governing the public sector and the SANParks mandate and functions.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of policy development, review, implementation, and compliance processes.
• Knowledge of corporate governance and procedures management.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation applicable to SANParks, including the PFMA, NEMPAA, Tourism Act and relevant employment legislation.
• Knowledge of programme and project management principles.
• Ability to coordinate and monitor specialist workstreams and service-provider deliverables.
• Ability to compile reports and submissions for management and governance structures.
• Research, data analysis and information management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including business and policy writing.
• Stakeholder management and engagement skills.
• Problem-solving and risk-management skills.
• Computer literacy at intermediate to advanced level.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, maintain, and monitor the Annual Policy Development and Review Schedule, including obtaining updates from Policy Coordinators and tracking progress on policy instruments due for development or review.
• Manage external service providers appointed to support policy governance, operational improvement, and related organizational initiatives, including the coordination of work plans, stakeholder input, deliverables, quality requirements, timelines, and reporting.
• Monitor the implementation of service-provider deliverables and escalate risks, delays, dependencies, or performance concerns to the appropriate authority.
• Compile and submit accurate reports and submissions on policy development and review progress, service-provider workstreams, policy governance and compliance matters to relevant governance structures, Executive Management and the Board, as required.
• Oversee and monitor the implementation of the organization’s corporate governance compliance framework and the SANParks Meta-Policy and associated procedures.
• Coordinate and monitor the development, review and maintenance of organizational policies and procedures in support of sound corporate governance.
• Provide policy advisory support services to Policy Owners, Policy Coordinators, Executive Management, and employees.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and the required organisational input relating to policy instruments, compliance matters and assigned organisational improvement initiatives.
• Monitor legislative and policy compliance activities to identify potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk and recommend appropriate corrective action plans.
• Consider relevant audit, investigation, and risk assessment findings to identify policy, procedural or related governance interventions required.
• Manage and maintain an auditable master file for approved corporate policies and procedures, supporting records, service-provider deliverables, and associated governance documentation.

Salary

• R1 115 100.00 – R1 672 650.00 Annual Package

Closing Date

• 27 June 2026