Job Vacancies at South African National Parks (SANParks)

• The Organisation requires the services of Senior Manager: Conservation Planning & Compliance to provide strategic leadership and forward planning for conservation planning, management effectiveness, and compliance across the Parks Division of SANParks, ensuring consistent implementation of Park Management Plans, adherence to conservation standards, and fulfilment of national and international environmental obligations. This position will report to the General Manager: Strategic Support and Environmental Coordination, Parks Division.

Location

• Garden Route National Park

Requirements

• NQF Level 8 in Environmental Management, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science or equivalent relevant qualification.
• Minimum 6–8 years’ relevant experience in conservation management, protected area planning, environmental compliance or biodiversity governance.
• Demonstrated experience in management effectiveness assessments (e.g., METT/METTS).
• Experience coordinating reporting linked to international environmental conventions (e.g., UNESCO, RAMSAR, MPA governance).
• Experience working within conservation agencies, environmental public sector or protected area systems.
• Valid Driver License, own vehicle position involves extensive travel.
• Must be physically fit.

Knowledge & Skills Required

• Strategic coordination and systems oversight.
• Conservation governance and compliance management.
• Environmental reporting and policy interpretation.
• Stakeholder engagement with national departments and global bodies.
• Analytical thinking and synthesis of multi-park data.
• Planning, organising and multi-stakeholder coordination.

Added Advantage

• Master’s degree in environmental management, Conservation Planning, Marine or Biodiversity Science, or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Law, Compliance or Protected Area Management.
• Certification in Monitoring & Evaluation or Environmental Impact / Compliance Auditing.

Responsibilities

Forward Planning, Strategic Alignment and System Integration (Parks Division)

• Lead and direct forward planning to ensure proactive alignment of conservation planning, compliance and reporting priorities across the Parks Division.
• Provide strategic oversight and direction through structured engagement with all national parks to proactively identify, prioritise, and address emerging conservation planning, management effectiveness, and compliance risks and opportunities.
• Develop an integrated annual and medium-term work programme for conservation planning, international reporting and management effectiveness across parks.
• Ensure alignment between Park Management Plans, divisional priorities, and SANParks strategic conservation objectives.
• Identify systemic risks, capacity gaps and priority interventions affecting implementation of conservation mandates across parks.
• Provide strategic guidance to parks on planning reviews, international obligations and compliance readiness.

Conservation Planning and Management Effectiveness Oversight

• Drive and oversee a coordinated, organisation-wide approach to assessing Park Management Plan implementation, enabling informed strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Lead the consolidation and strategic interpretation of evaluation outcomes, ensuring annual summary reports and provide clear governance assurance to divisional and executive structures.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of management effectiveness assessments, including METT/METTS processes, across the Parks Division.
• Lead the tracking and monitoring of corrective actions arising from assessments, audits and internal reviews.
• Establish a standardised divisional system to monitor implementation progress against approved conservation plans.

Conservation Compliance and Standards Assurance Across Parks

• Develop and institutionalise conservation standards, compliance tracking and assurance mechanisms across the Parks Division.
• Ensure adherence to environmental legislation, policies, biodiversity governance requirements and approved management plans.
• Drive the identification, escalation, and resolution of systemic compliance risks across the SANParks estate through targeted corrective interventions.
• Provide consolidated executive assurance reporting on conservation compliance and standards implementation across SANParks parks.

International Conservation Obligations and Heritage Site Reporting

• Drive a standardised approach to annual assessments and reporting for SANParks-managed World Heritage Sites, including Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Khomani Cultural Landscape and other identified key sites.
• Develop and oversee the coordination of consolidated SANParks reporting for parks contributing to the: Cape Floristic Region
• Ensure compliance with UNESCO reporting protocols, management effectiveness expectations and periodic review requirements.
• Lead and oversee SANParks’ institutional engagement and responses to international information requests and monitoring processes, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and governance assurance.
• Wetland (RAMSAR) and Marine Protected Area Governance Coordination
• Drive and manage Parks Division engagement with the DFFE RAMSAR Secretariat on wetland reporting and compliance matters. Manage RAMSAR Information Sheet (RIS) updates, requests and formal responses for SANParks-managed sites, including Wilderness Lakes, Langebaan Lagoon, Agulhas Plain Wetlands and other key sites.
• Represent Parks Division operations in national marine and estuarine governance structures, including Working Group 7 (Marine & Estuarine) and National Coastal Committee.
• Lead and direct coordinated strategic input into national MPA and coastal governance frameworks on behalf of SANParks, parks division.

MPA & Estuarine Conservation Planning Integration Across Parks

• Represent Parks Operations in development and review of Marine Protected Area and Estuarine Management Plans across relevant national parks.
• Integrate planning inputs between Park Planning, Scientific Services and park management teams.
• Ensure marine and estuarine plans align with biodiversity priorities, legislative requirements and international conservation best practice.
• Lead the monitoring of implementation progress and support adaptive management reviews across the Parks Division.

Salary

• R1,115,100.00 – R1,393,875.00 Annual Package

Paterson Grade

• D5

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
• Only interested persons who meet the above stated requirement should apply using the following link:
• https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/zVrSC0VpEq
• Supporting Documents such as Detailed CV, certified copies of qualifications, ID and other relevant documents must be emailed to [email protected] using reference number SNRCPC/09/2026 in subject line.
• Application that does not meet the requirements will not be considered.

Closing Date

• 30 September 2026

go to method of application »

• A vacancy currently exists for a fixed term, Room Attendant in Addo Elephant National Park– Matyholweni Section. The successful candidate will report to the Duty Manager.

Location

• Addo Elephant National Park

Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric) NCV Level 4 certificate or equivalent.
• 1–2 years of practical work experience in public cleaning/ tourism/hospitality environment.
• Customer service skills.
• Certificate in Public Cleaning or a Learnership, desirable.
• Cleaning in a hotel or similar establishment, desirable.
• Health and safety awareness.
• Communication skills both written and verbal.
• Good interpersonal and customer-service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of First Aid will be an added advantage.
• Ability to follow instructions, policies and health and safety (OHS) procedures.
• Good time-management and organizational skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy.
• Ability to identify and report maintenance, safety, and environmental problems.
• Must be willing to work weekends, public holidays, and varying shifts as required by the hospitality industry.

Responsibilities

• Cleaning in and around chalets (changing bed linen, sweeping and mopping floors or polishing furniture, and emptying trash containers).
• Cleaning public areas.
• Reporting abnormalities to the supervisor.
• Controlling inventory items and ensure that the appropriate quantities of inventory items are present in chalets.
• Reporting maintenance faults in the maintenance register.
• Assisting in the laundry when necessary.
• Delivering high-quality services; being committed to continuous improvement.
• Managing customer expectations.
• Addressing customer needs.
• Evaluating Customer service.
• Responding to and anticipating client needs in a timely, professional, helpful, and courteous manner, using effective interpersonal skills.
• Striving to consistently meet service standards.
• Effectively planning, scheduling, prioritising, and controlling activities.
• Organising and prioritising tasks so they can be performed within the specified time and achieve the most efficient use of time.
• Prioritising work.
• Managing own time effectively.

Please Note

• The successful candidate will have to provide their own accommodation as there is no official accommodation in the park.
• The remuneration package includes a basic salary, aligned with a Paterson A3 job grade.
• SANParks is an equal opportunity employer. SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment. South African citizens will receive priority unless otherwise specified. Preference will be given to qualifying candidates with disabilities.
• Appointment will be in accordance with EE plan targets.

Paterson Grade

• A3

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
• Application will only be considered when you have completed the below steps:

Complete the link below:

• https://forms.office.com/r/ti7919nPn8
• Supporting documents such as details CV, certified copies of qualifications, and other relevant documents must be emailed.

Use the following reference number on your application: AENP/RAFT

• Att: Ms Ilze Jonker
• Addo Elephant National Park
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Applications that have not been responded within 21 days should be regarded as unsuccessful.

Closing Date

• 01 October 2026

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• EPWP Employment opportunity currently exists for an Admin Tourism Service Excellence Ambassador- Environmental Monitor within Groenkloof National Park. The above-stated opportunity is a fixed-term contract until 31 August 2027.
• The appointed participant will be time-rated at the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) rate of R400 per day. Preference will be given to women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Location

• Groenkloof National Park (Head Office)

Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for the position:

• Matric/Grade 12/NCV Level 4 certificate.
• Public or Office Administration qualification at NQF Level 5.
• Minimum of 1 year of general office administration experience.
• Proficiency in English and other official languages with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer literacy, including MS Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be in good physical health.
• Understanding of basic principles of Health and Safety principles.
• No criminal record.
• Valid driver’s license.
• The successful candidate will be required to undergo a medical test.

Responsibilities

• General administration – including timesheets, reports and office management.
• Capture Tourism Ambassadors’ timesheets, overtime, leave days and payment schedules.
• Take minutes and maintain proper filing.
• Receiving and posting of parcels.
• Assist with procurement processes.
• Process of service provider invoices for payment.
• Update and maintain programme/project filing.
• Assist with general administration duties.
• General data capturing linked to the project.
• Liaise with Tourism Ambassadors in all regions.

Please Note

• The successful candidate will be required to provide their own accommodation.
• SANParks is committed to the principles of employment equity. Preference will be given to PDI/HDSA. SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Salary

• R400 Per Day.

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

• A detailed CV, a certified copy of ID, and highest qualification obtained, accompanied by a cover letter to:
• South African National Parks
• ATT: Molatelo Maupi
• Email: [email protected]

Closing Date

• 02 October 2026

go to method of application »

• The Organisation requires the services of a Senior Manager: Compliance. This position will report to the General Manager: Legal Services and will be based at the Groenkloof National Park, Pretoria.

Location

• Groenkloof National Park (Head Office)

Requirements

Essential/minimum requirements:

• NQF 7 in B. Iuris/B.Pro c. BCom (Law).
• Admitted Attorney.
• Compliance Certification/Qualification.
• 5–8 years post-qualification experience in compliance/regulatory/legal, of which a minimum of 3 years must be at a management level.

Desirable

• NQF 8 in LLB will be desirable.
• Membership with the Compliance Institute or appropriate professional institution would be an added advantage.

Knowledge and Skills

• PFMA; Treasury Regulations; Generally Accepted Compliance Practices (GACP), King Code, ISACA, and IIA Standards.
• Computer Literacy.
• Compliance, Legislative and Regulatory compliance and statutory interpretation principles in a state-owned institution.
• Drafting policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
• Finance, Human Resources and SCM Principles and methodologies.
• Risk assessment methodologies.
• Effective Communication.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Leadership.
• Conflict management.
• Problem solving.
• Reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop SANParks compliance risk universe register.
• Develop SANParks compliance plan and calendar aligned with the risk register.
• Develop compliance standard operating procedures and process flows.
• Develop compliance Risk management plans for the Top 10 Compliance Risks.
• Develop Templates and documents for Compliance practices within SANParks and reporting on compliance to SANParks Governance Structures.
• Participate in engagements and consultation discussions with Regulators including National Treasury.
• Participate in development of SANPARKS Top 20 Regulatory Universe.
• Support and guide the organisation in developing function specific Compliance Agendas.
• Support and guide the organisation in developing internal controls associated with identified compliance risks for e.g., development of key policies; standard operation procedures, process flows etc.
• Support and guide the organisation in developing internal compliance risks controls aligned with the Compliance Risk Universe.
• Promote initiatives that promote initiatives that Support and enhance the development and entrenchment of a culture of compliance.
• Promote initiatives that assess and measure the compliance maturity of the organisation (annual surveys, benchmark).
• Review Compliance Infrastructure including policies and procedures.
• Assess compliance risk internal controls.
• Lead training on compliance practices to Management.
• Monitor the tracking and closing/resolution of all compliance findings and commitments.
• Produce management information on compliance in relation to reporting to Board, Audit and Risk Committee and EXCO.
• Liaise with other assurers on issues of combined assurance, knowledge sharing, identification of compliance themes, creation of a joined-up approach to compliance activities etc.
• Report on the Compliance Work Plan/program.
• Ensure maintenance Compliance records.
• Prepare reports to the Exco, ARC and Board.
• Determine the department’s priorities.
• Develop and implement efficiency measures to ensure optimum capacity utilisation and performance.
• Manage human, physical and financial resources in line with the organisational policies, processes and procedures.

Please Note

• Applicants with foreign qualifications must submit evaluated results from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• Preference will be given to qualifying candidates with disabilities.

Salary

• Annual Package: R 1 115 100.00 – R 1 672 650.00

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 candidates who meet the above criteria should fill the application form on the following link or scan the QR Code – APPLICATION FOR SENIOR MANAGER COMPLIANCE – Fill in form
• Candidates should also forward their applications, which should consist of a covering letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of qualification(s) and Identity Document (certified within the past 3 months) to the following address:
• Human Capital Division SA National Parks PO Box 787 PRETORIA 0001
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Due to the high volumes of applications, we receive, you are required to quote the vacancy you are applying for with a reference number as a subject line. REFERENCE NUMBER: SMC002
• If you do not receive a response within 21 days after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Appointments will be made in accordance with SANParks employment equity policies.

Closing Date

• 06 October 2026

go to method of application »

• EPWP Employment opportunities currently exist for 6 Field Guards within the Biodiversity Social Projects in Marakele National Park. The above-stated opportunities are fixed-term contracts until the end of 31 March 2027.
• The appointed participant or Field Guard will be paid a wage rate of R 311 per day as per the Expanded Public Works Programme rates.

Location

• Marakele National Park

Requirements

• Matric/Grade 12/NCV level 4.
• Firearm competency – Self-Loading Rifle (Unit Standards 1196650 and 123511).
• Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act (Unit Standard 117705).
• Valid Regulation 79.
• Must have completed a Basic Field Ranger course or equivalent.
• Valid SAPS clearance certificate and a clean criminal record (background screening will to be conducted as part of the recruitment process).
• Understanding of the Basic principles of Health & Safety (Health & Safety level1).
• One year’s experience as a Field Guard in a Big 5 Game Reserve.
• Ability to maintain alertness and endurance during prolonged field operations (including weekends and afterhours).
• Medically and physically fit and passionate about conservation and people.
• Successful candidates will have to undergo medical fitness through a medical practitioner.

Added advantage/desired:

• Advanced Rifle Handling.
• Firearm competency – Manual Loading/Bolt Action (Unit Standards 119651 and 123519).

Responsibilities

• Guarding EPWP participants/contractors.
• Conduct law-enforcement activities (patrols, monitoring, anti-poaching, problem animal control by means of foot or vehicle).
• Enforcing law, order and discipline through NEMA (access control activities i.e. staff, visitor management, and safety).
• Assisting with area integrity management.
• Assist with infrastructure maintenance (fence, water points, roads, etc.)
• Accurate recording of incidents and sightings.
• Assist with EPWP project in the park (WfW, WfE and WfWet).
• Assist with park management activities as requested by Line Managers.

Please Note

• Preference will be given to participants or applicants from the neighbouring communities/municipalities.
• SANParks is committed to the principles of employment equity. Preference will be given to PDI/HDSA candidates.
• SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Salary

• R 311 Per Day

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

• A CV, and certified copies of qualifications (firearm certificate, SAPS clearance certificate, etc) to the address below.
• Marakele National Park Alma Road P O Box 800
• Email: [email protected]
• Or hand-deliver: to the attention of Tshegofatso Moremedi
• Applications that have not been responded to within 14 days should be regarded as unsuccessful.

Closing Date

• 07 October 2026