Top Positions at South African National Parks (SANParks)

Requirements

• Grade 12.
• Relevant experience in cooking for large groups.
• Experience in cleaning of large accommodation facilities (60+ people).
• Basic knowledge of occupational health and safety.
• Communication skills and Time Management necessary.
• People orientated and able to work with children.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food for Walk and Learn on the wild side (WALOW).
• Ensure meals are served as per programme schedule, menu and prescript.
• Ensure kitchen and Pantry, including all equipment are clean and always organised.
• Assist with stock control, including food stock, cleaning material and other consumables.
• Clean the Thutong Environmental Learning centre facilities, including kitchen, dining area, assembly hall, passages, ablution facilities as well as all open areas.
• Comply with health and safety requirements applicable to SANParks, including hygiene standards.
• Assist with ad hoc duties around the Thutong Environmental Learning centre.

Closing Date

• 17 July 2026

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• A vacancy currently exists for a Principal Planner for the Arid Region, based at the Namaqua National Park office in Kamieskroon. This position will support effective park planning within the arid region, with a focus on the Namaqua to Augrabies Mega Living Landscape, through assessing – and providing guidance on biodiversity issues, threats, pressures and opportunities in the region; and mitigating development risks and negative impact on parks through engaging with development planning and applications within the park buffers.
• The successful candidate will report the Manager: Park Planning and Development.

Requirements

Minimum Required Qualifications and Experience:

• NQF Level 7 in Conservation Management; Town & Regional Planning; or Environmental Studies.
• 6 years relevant experience Local Provincial or National Governments Consultancy or NGO’s.
• Driver’s License and own vehicle. Position involves extensive travel.

Knowledge and Skills required:

• Environmental legislation and regulations.
• Conservation legislation and regulations.
• NEMPA Act and other relevant legislation.
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
• Organisational policy and procedures.
• Business objectives and strategies.
• Conflict resolution.
• People management and empowerment.
• Programme and project management.
• Financial management.
• Change management.
• Problem solving and analysis.
• Report Writing.

Added Advantage:

• Post Graduate Degree
• Valid Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association (EAPA-SA) Registration
• Valid South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) Registration

Responsibilities

• To ensure that park planning is addressed in municipal integrated plans and spatial development frameworks.
• To comment on EIAs, Municipal Land Use, and other development applications in Park buffer zones.
• To ensure that environmental management decisions and advice are based on scientific information and best practices.
• To ensure environmental and heritage issues are adequately addressed within Park operations, e.g. EMPs, EIAs, Heritage approvals required.
• To assist Park and regional management in keeping abreast of planning, environmental and heritage legislation.
• To assist with Park expansion and land consolidation initiatives and strategies.
• To disseminate information to all relevant park personnel regarding development decisions and impacts.
• To provide input to the establishment of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and concession developments within the park.
• To provide a project management service to Parks.
• To determine the departments priorities.
• To develop and implement efficiency measures to ensure optimum capacity utilisation and performance.
• To manage human, physical and financial resources in line with the organisational policies, processes and procedures.

Closing Date

• 20 July 2026

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• A vacancy currently exists for a team-oriented and highly motivated Stewardship Facilitator: Arid Region to support the expansion of the system of National Parks through voluntary agreements with communities and landowners.
• The successful candidate will report to the Manager: Park Expansion and will be based at the SANParks Kamieskroon offices.

Requirements

• NQF level 7 in Environmental Management or Equivalent qualification.
• 3 years’ experience in implementing protected area expansion and biodiversity stewardship.
• 3 years’ experience in stakeholder engagement with rural and agricultural farming communities.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Understanding of SANParks policies and reporting framework.
• Knowledge of good Corporate Governance practices.
• Good knowledge of the protected area expansion legislative and policy frameworks.
• Knowledge of the policy environment underpinning protected area management and land use planning and management.
• Good knowledge on implementing biodiversity stewardship in South Africa.
• Knowledge of landscape scale conservation initiatives.
• Understanding of GIS or related spatial planning instruments.
• Understanding of Data management systems and associated monitoring and evaluation.
• Knowledge of land use and regional planning instruments and processes.
• Understanding of the Biodiversity economy and socio-economic development.
• Strong Stakeholder engagement and management.t
• Computer literacy in MS Office.
• Budget management.
• Knowledge and experience of rural development frameworks and programme.
• Extensive travelling.
• Physical fitness.

Added Advantage:

• NQF level 8 – post graduate qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Undertake due diligence and LIPC governance processes completed.
• Verify land claims status, land tenure, title deed & SG diagrams of properties.
• Complete the desktop assessment of each new individual property.
• Conduct site visits to relevant properties to orientate & ground-truth.
• Support the veld condition assessments and bioblitz for priority properties.
• Conduct and coordinate biodiversity site assessments for properties.
• Landowners or rights holders signed letters of commitment.
• Develop property operational plans (zonation maps, aerial images & shapefiles of properties, biodiversity information, socio-economic information).
• Maintain properties & stakeholder databases.
• Contribute towards the implementation and review of relevant Park Management Plan.
• Negotiate conclusion of co-management and written agreements for landowners and rights holders.
• Set up and conduct landowner or community meetings.
• Engage landowners – presenting to landowner workshops, forums and functions (all relevant platforms).
• Support with secretarial duties for the Land Inclusion and Planning Committee meetings and present when needed.
• Convene formalised stakeholder engagement workshops.
• Support stewardship efforts from strategic partners in the buffer area and Park expansion footprint focal areas.
• Support and attend provincial Stewardship Forums (mega living landscapes vision).
• Maintain stewardship stakeholder databases.
• Contribute towards funding opportunities for extension support for landowners.
• Support the complementary partner projects aimed at providing sustainable benefits for landowners.
• Convene SANParks panel review meetings.
• Contribute towards the development of various agreements & declaration feedback between to private landowners (intention to declare, legal declaration agreements, panel review decision etc).
• Participate in the National Cross Sectoral Extension Group.
• Unlock extension opportunities for landowners, communities and emerging farmers through collaboration. with partners.
• Liaise with the representative institutions (DALRRD, local municipalities, Deeds offices etc.).
• Attend relevant local municipality programs and events.
• Conduct awareness interventions.
• Lead on the development of cross sectoral collaborations and platforms.
• Attend and participate in relevant project management meetings.
• Contribute towards the development & implementation of M&E of projects.
• Support Park Expansion manager with project management.

Closing Date

• 20 July 2026

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Salary

• R 406,00 Per Day

Biodiversity Social Projects:1X Environmental Monitor (Admin)

• An Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employment opportunity currently exists for an Environmental Monitor (Admin), this position will be based at the DFFE office in Cape Town. The above-stated employment opportunity is a contract up to the 31st of March 2027.
• The appointed participant will be time-rated as per the Expanded Public Works Programme rates of R406.00 per day. The focus and conditions of the EPWP is local employment and as such only candidates from the City of Cape Town Municipality will be considered.

Requirements

• Grade 12 or Equivalent qualification.
• Tertiary qualifications in Public Administration, Management, Office Management and Technology will.be an added advantage.
• 1 year of experience in Data capturing/Administrating.
• Computer literacy and working experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and databases.
• Clear criminal record
• Proof of residence (City of Cape Town Municipality).

Responsibilities

• Receive and check documentation for correctness and completeness before capturing.
• Verification and administration of documentation linked to the Supply chain management process.
• Reconciliation of contract and training documentation.
• Assist with finance documents capturing as and when it is required.
• Database management/data flow and ensure all information is correct before the Deputy Director validates.
• Process Monthly Journals.
• Track uploading documents by SANParks on Teams.
• Liaise between DFFE admin and EPWP Admin regarding outstanding documents such as ID`s, DCT, PPR`s, etc.
• Audit information received from projects, General office administration and office management.
• Updating of financial handheld systems per project for easy reference.
• Assistance with general data capturing linked to the project.
• Update and maintain project filing system on Assessments, Verifications and Audits of all.
• Update and Track Close Out Reports.
• Processing of service provider invoices for payment.
• Updating and maintaining project data.
• Provide Admin support in OCD office.

Closing Date

• 21 July 2026

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• A vacancy currently exists for a Fixed-term Field Ranger at Addo Elephant National Park (Marine Section). The successful incumbent will report to the Section Ranger.
• Contract ending 31 March 2029.

Requirements

• Matric/NQF Level 4.
• Level 4 Handle and Self-Loading Rifle Firearm Proficiency.
• 1–2 years’ on-the-job training in a nature conservation field.
• Valid Code 8 driver’s licence.
• On-the-job training following the successful completion of Basic Field Ranger Training.
• EMI Grade 5 designation (compulsory) or the ability to qualify within the stipulated period.
• Computer skills (MS Office – basic to intermediate level).
• Off-road driving skills.
• Firearm handling skills are essential.
• Para-military training skills.
• Basic trauma treatment skills.
• Clandestine operations experience.
• Health and Safety and First Aid skills.
• Penguin rehabilitation skills.

Responsibilities

Biodiversity Conservation:

• Recognise and identify typical ecosystems, habitats, plant and animal species, and their signs.
• Accurately record and report observations of wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems.
• Assist with the control, capture, handling, and transportation of animals.

Wildlife Protection:

• Ensure that the natural, recreational, wildlife, and cultural assets of the protected environment are protected, enhanced, and managed.
• Identify threatened animal populations and assist with protecting them.
• Conduct effective patrols and execute anti-poaching operations through deployments, observation posts, and camping.
• Perform Bird Island duties.

Administration, Information and Research:

• Gather information for the implementation of management plans using electronic devices.
• Participate in research projects.
• Maintain records and prepare reports on work activities.

Compliance and Safety:

• Maintain law and order among staff members, guests, and all other stakeholders within the protected areas.
• Assist with visitor management and safety as and when required.
• Follow good safety and environmental practices in the field and the workplace.
• Safely use and maintain hand tools and equipment.
• Administer first aid and respond appropriately to accidents and emergencies.
• Work in compliance with instructions, briefings, laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Identify signs and evidence of unauthorised activities and security threats in the field.
• Respond correctly and appropriately to physical threats and attacks.
• Care for and use firearms legally, correctly, and safely.
• Provide information to protected area users about the laws, rights, and regulations affecting the protected area.
• Participate in supervised law enforcement operations in compliance with standard operating procedures.
• Follow legal, ethical, and safe procedures for apprehending suspects, violators, and detainees.
• Follow correct procedures for protecting crime scenes and for seizing, securing, and documenting evidence.
• Treat suspects and members of the public correctly and lawfully during law enforcement activities.
• Follow correct procedures for documenting and reporting on law enforcement activities.
• Respond correctly to non-violent disputes and confrontations.
• Gather information to support law enforcement and security operations.
• Avoid, prevent, and report dishonest and/or illegal practices.
• Operate effectively in hazardous working environments.

Field Craft and Site Maintenance:

• Use maps and compasses/charts for orientation and navigation.
• Correctly use and care for basic field surveying instruments.
• Detect, prevent, fight, and control fires.
• Correctly use and maintain field communication equipment.
• Use a Global Positioning System (GPS) for orientation and navigation.
• Complete basic construction tasks.
• Set up and operate field camps.

Closing Date

• 23 July 2026

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Salary

• R943 635.00 – R1 415 505.00 Annual Package

The Organisation requires the services of a Senior Manager: Business Development unit. This position will be based at the Groenkloof National Park, Pretoria.

Requirements

• Should be in possession of a NQF level 8 in Commerce, Business Management, Finance, Tourism Management, or a related field.
• NQF level 9 in Business Administration (MBA), Commerce, Finance, Tourism or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Professional Project Management certification (e.g. PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP or equivalent) will serve as an added advantage.
• Should have 5 work years’ experience in tourism or conservation industry.
• Should have Extensive experience in the implementation of complex projects.
• Experience in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in terms of National Treasury Regulation 16 will be an advantage.
• Management consulting experience will be an advantage.
• Experience within the tourism, conservation or public sector environment will be an advantage.
• Should have an understanding of work-related legislation.
• Should have Knowledge of Project Management.
• Should have Computer literacy.
• Should have Knowledge in Public Private Management.
• Should have an Understanding of the tourism and conservation industry.
• Should have the Ability to work in a matrix environment.
• Should have Knowledge of Effective risk management.
• Should have Knowledge of Outcome based monitoring and evaluation.
• Should have Knowledge of Audit and Quality assurance management.
• Project Management skills.
• Communications skills verbal and written.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Negotiation and conflict management skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Diversity and change management.
• Financial management skills.
• Strategic planning.
• Willingness to take on additional responsibility and drive outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-feasibility studies of tourism development opportunities.
• Engage in SANParks’ strategy to diversify the tourism product range.
• Engage with National Treasury to initiate projects and to ensure that models being implemented are optimal.
• Actively engage role players to ensure detailed bid specifications, compilation of tender documents, facilitation of various steps in the process such as bidders conferences, tender evaluation and presentation to the bid adjudication committee, EXCO, audit and risk committee of the Board and the SANParks Board. Participation in legal clarification to ensure risk transfer via the PPP Agreement.
• Ensure projects are implemented on time and within budget. This includes engagements with a variety of departments within the organisation such as legal services, conservation services, socio economic transformation and departments within tourism i.e. interpretation, research, reservations, etc.
• Manage a comprehensive portfolio of PPP projects that contributes in excess of R 45 million per annum to SANParks’ income.
• Provide policy advisory support services to Executive Management and employees.
• Coordinate expert input from SANParks into drafting and amendment of relevant policies, norms, and standards.
• Ensure adherence to the Environmental Assessments conducted.
• Research and create viable models and identify suitable operators to ensure viability of these ventures.
• Manage the planning, procurement, and implementation of approved tourism development opportunities.
• Actively involved in the creation and implementation of models to ensure benefit flow to SANParks, communities adjacent to the parks and land claimants
• Active involvement in revenue generating projects to the benefit of SANParks.
• Continuous improvement of models and implementation of alternative models where the PPP model is not optimal i.e. engaging in Management Agreements.
• Direct engagement with private party e-level executives, SANParks stakeholders, interested and affected parties, community representatives, land claimant representatives as well as SANParks internal stakeholders.
• Conflict management — facilitate solutions between SANParks and the private sector.
• Ensure standardisation when implementing projects.
• Differentiate between Treasury regulations 16 and ensure implementation in line with the appropriate regulation.
• Ensure approvals at all levels i.e. exemption application, EXCO approvals, Board approvals.
• Incorporation of regulation changes into tender documentation to ensure that processes are not challenged.
• Review of project manager documentation — content, formatting, etc.
• Ensure compliance with SANParks’ conservation mandate which includes confirmation of built areas (with the appropriate conservation zone). Keep all role-players informed and updated on progress and developments.
• Use information derived from external ECO audits to improve own internal Processes.
• Lead and ensure a high performing team. Mentoring and coaching team.
• Ensure that the unit is adequately staffed. Develop interview models that will ensure hight quality team members are appointed.

Closing Date

• 27 July 2026

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• The South African National Parks (SANParks) is looking for aspiring youth entering their first year of undergraduate studies in the 2027 academic year to join our external bursary programme.

What SANParks does

• South African National Parks (SANParks) was established in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No 57 of 2003). The primary mandate of SANParks is to oversee the conservation of South Africa’s biodiversity, landscapes, and associated heritage assets through a system of national parks.
• It also must ensure that South Africans participate and get involved in biodiversity initiatives, and that all its operations have a synergistic existence with neighbouring communities for their educational and socioeconomic benefit.
• One of the strategic directions of SANParks is growing community support, providing access, benefit-sharing and benefit local communities, thus the call for applications for the bursary opportunity.
• This bursary scheme is intended to benefit   children residing in communities neighbouring or adjacent to of the National Parks and will be implemented by the SANParks.

Bursary Application

The Field of study applied for but not limited, include Degree & National Diploma in the field of:

• Environmental Sciences including Nature Conservation, Environmental management, Environmental Science, Green Energy, Environmental Engineering, sustainable development and Game ranch management
• Tourism including Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Resort Management, Tour guide, Events and Conference Management.
• Social Sciences including Community Development, Economic Development, Socio-Economic Development and related Development studies
• Infrastructure and Built Environment including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Project Management
• Technical and Artisan Trades including Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Millwrights, Mechanics, Technicians, Solar Technicians, Refrigerator Technicians, Water and Wastewater Technicians
• Emerging Scarce Skills including GIS, Analytics, Cyber security, Renewable Energy, Climate Change Adaptation, Biodiversity Economists, Entrepreneurship.

THIS IS A COMPREHENSIVE BURSARY

• Academic merit will be considered during the selection process, as well as the imperative to increase the participation of women, people living with disability and designated groups.

Requirements

• Recipients of the SANParks bursary Scheme must be South African citizens.
• They must be learners from communities living adjacent to National Parks as defined in their management plans. Attach a link to find the Management plans on SANParks Website.
• Proof of application and admission to an accredited institution of Higher Education eligibility for funding.
• Must be entering post matric study in 2027.
• The bursary is open to students who are pursuing a qualification in a TVET college.
• Must be youth 18 – 35
• Applicants who earn more than the threshold of R350 000.00 per year do not qualify
• For students currently registered at Institution of Higher Education, they must have a 100% pass rate to be considered (passed all the courses for which you have registered for at the university for the study period already completed).

Closing Date

• 21 August 2026

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Salary

• R1 270 080.00 – R 1 905 120.00 Annual Package

The organisation is looking for the services of a Project Manager: Biodiversity Economy for a fixed term contract of 5 years who will report to the Head: Socio Economic Transformation. The position will be based in Groenkloof National Park, Pretoria.

Requirements

• Should be in possession of a post-graduate qualification in sustainable development, environmental management, economics, or business administration.
• Should have at least 10 years’ experience in biodiversity economy, sustainable development, business development and /or biodiversity conservation.
• Should have a strong understanding of South Africa’s socio-ecological landscape and policy environment.
• Should have a Proven track-record in designing and scaling market-based conservation solutions.
• Should have Experience in policy analysis, programme/project management and community.
• Strategic leadership with a systems thinking approach.
• Should have an Excellent communication, team leadership, partnership management, negotiation, and conflict management skills.
• Should have Experience in African conservation approaches or community based natural resource management.
• Should have Experience in managing donor funded projects will serve as an added advantage.
• Financial management, project and programme management, human resource, as well as monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Computer literacy and fluency in local languages.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Knowledge of biodiversity economy principles, including wildlife economy, ocean economy, bioprospecting, and restoration economy.
• Experience in managing projects and teams.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government, private sector, and local communities.
• Understanding of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use policies and legislation.
• Team leadership.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Listening and Presentation skills.
• Community Facilitation.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies.
• Adaptability and cultural sensitivity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of policies, strategies and plans on biodiversity economy, in alignment with SANParks’ Vision 2040 as well as relevant national policy imperatives and global commitments.
• Co-ordinate sustainable livelihoods and economic development efforts through biodiversity-based economic activities inclusive of wildlife economy, bioprospecting, eco-tourism, restoration economy value chains especially for youth, women, and people with disabilities.
• Facilitate the creation of employment opportunities in the implementation of biodiversity economy programmes through catalytic projects that support rural and local economic development.
• Mainstream biodiversity economy into relevant organisational policies, programmes, and decision-making processes.
• Ensure sustainable use, fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biodiversity within national parks and Mega-Living landscapes.
• Identify and develop business opportunities that support biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
• Foster partnerships with stakeholders, including government, private sector, traditional leadership, traditional healers, local communities, and NGOs to drive growth of the biodiversity economy, attract investment and harness innovative financing models.
• Catalyse and support nature-based enterprises to enhance revenue generation through inclusive business models, access to finance and markets, SMME development and robust skills development.
• Champion efforts to redress historical imbalances and advance land reform through biodiversity economy and biodiversity stewardship initiatives.
• Develop and implement a system to assess the impact of the SANParks biodiversity economy programme.
• Develop and implement programmes to improve the visibility of the biodiversity economy programme.
• Provide overall strategic leadership and guidance to the Biodiversity Economy unit inclusive of financial management, human resource management, performance management, and project management.
• Oversee multiple projects, ensuring they are implemented on time, within budget, and to desired outcomes.
• Track project progress against planned objectives and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement project plans to promote biodiversity-based economic activities.
• Periodically assess the effectiveness of interventions and strategies.
• Measure the impact of projects and programmes.
• Manage and mentor a team of professionals to achieve departmental goals.
• Implementation of performance management system.
• Training of subordinates.
• Financial planning and budget monitoring.
• Prevention of irregular expenditure.
• Develop and monitor the annual procurement plan.

Closing Date

• 06 July 2626