SANParks Recruitment 2026 Opens Exciting EPWP and Security Job Opportunities
Job seekers looking for government jobs, conservation careers, EPWP opportunities, and environmental monitoring positions now have an excellent opportunity to join South African National Parks (SANParks).
SANParks has announced several employment opportunities under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) as well as a permanent Security Guard vacancy. These opportunities are available at Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park and offer employment for candidates with Grade 12 qualifications, environmental monitoring experience, administration experience, field ranger skills, and security experience.
The vacancies include:
- 15 Skilled Environmental Monitors
- 2 Semi-Skilled Environmental Monitors (Hamakuya Nature Reserve)
- 2 Skilled Environmental Monitors (Armed Environmental Monitors)
- 22 Semi-Skilled Environmental Monitors (Nxanatseni Region)
- 1 Security Guard Position at Mapungubwe National Park
These opportunities provide valuable work experience in environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching support, park administration, and security operations.
Why Work for SANParks?
The South African National Parks organization is responsible for managing some of South Africa’s most important conservation areas. Working for SANParks offers individuals the opportunity to contribute to environmental protection, wildlife conservation, biodiversity management, and sustainable development.
Employees and EPWP participants gain practical experience while helping protect South Africa’s natural heritage for future generations.
Benefits include:
- Valuable work experience
- Conservation sector exposure
- Skills development opportunities
- Networking with environmental professionals
- Contribution to wildlife protection
- Enhanced employability
- Hands-on field experience
Vacancy 1: 15 Skilled Environmental Monitors – Kruger National Park
SANParks is currently recruiting 15 Skilled Environmental Monitors within the Marula Region of Kruger National Park.
Contract Details
- Position: Skilled Environmental Monitor
- Number of Posts: 15
- Location: Kruger National Park (Marula Region)
- Contract Duration: Until 31 March 2027
- Daily Rate: R311 per day
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- Grade 12 Certificate
- Minimum 1 year administration experience
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- English plus one additional official language
- Knowledge of health and safety principles
- Good physical fitness
- Clean criminal record
- Police Clearance Certificate or proof of application
- Ability to work weekends, overtime, and public holidays
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will perform:
- Field data collection
- Data capturing and reporting
- Administration support
- Timesheet management
- Logbook maintenance
- Filing and record keeping
- Minute taking
- Procurement support
- Communication with rangers and management
- Overtime capturing
- Environmental monitoring administration
This role is ideal for candidates interested in administration, environmental management, conservation support, and government employment opportunities.
Vacancy 2: 2 Semi-Skilled Environmental Monitors – Hamakuya Nature Reserve
SANParks is also seeking 2 Semi-Skilled Environmental Monitors for the Biodiversity Social Projects Environmental Monitor Programme.
Contract Details
- Position: Semi-Skilled Environmental Monitor
- Number of Posts: 2
- Location: Hamakuya Nature Reserve
- Contract Duration: Until 31 March 2027
- Daily Rate: R208 per day
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12, Matric, or NCV Level 4
- One year environmental monitoring experience
- Report writing experience
- Ability to record and capture information
- English and one local language proficiency
- Physical fitness
- No criminal record
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Willingness to work flexible hours
Main Duties
Participants will assist with:
- Wildlife security activities
- Fence monitoring
- Fence maintenance
- Waste management
- Camp patrols
- Conservation support
- Environmental awareness programmes
- Reporting illegal activities
- Reporting suspected poaching incidents
These positions are perfect for individuals passionate about wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
Vacancy 3: 2 Skilled Environmental Monitors (Armed) – Kruger National Park
Another exciting opportunity exists for 2 Skilled Environmental Monitors in the Marula Region.
Salary
Participants will earn:
- R311 per day
Requirements
Candidates must have:
- Grade 12 Certificate
- One year ecological monitoring experience
- One year field ranger experience
- Basic Field Ranger qualification
- Firearm competency certification
- Knowledge of Firearms Control Act
- Code 8 Driver’s Licence
- Health and Safety Level 1 understanding
- Ability to conduct extended patrols
- Medical fitness
- Police Clearance Certificate
Responsibilities
Duties include:
- Alien plant identification
- Mapping invasive species
- Conservation monitoring
- Biocontrol monitoring
- Survey123 data collection
- CyberTracker usage
- Working for Water team support
- Conservation activities
- Environmental reporting
- Field patrols
This opportunity is particularly suitable for experienced conservation workers, environmental monitors, field rangers, and anti-poaching support personnel.
Vacancy 4: 22 Semi-Skilled Environmental Monitors – Nxanatseni Region
SANParks is further recruiting 22 Semi-Skilled Environmental Monitors within the Nxanatseni Region of Kruger National Park.
Employment Details
- Number of Positions: 22
- Location: Kruger National Park
- Contract Duration: Until 31 March 2027
- Daily Wage: R208 per day
Qualifications Required
Applicants should possess:
- Grade 12 / Matric / NCV Level 4
- Environmental monitoring experience
- Report writing skills
- Communication skills
- Physical fitness
- Clean criminal record
- Police Clearance Certificate
Responsibilities
Successful candidates will assist with:
- Fence inspections
- Wildlife security
- Camp monitoring
- Environmental protection
- Waste management
- Community awareness campaigns
- Conservation activities
- Patrol operations
- Reporting security incidents
This programme offers an excellent opportunity for unemployed youth and community members seeking environmental jobs in South Africa.
Vacancy 5: Security Guard – Mapungubwe National Park
SANParks is also hiring a Security Guard at Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site.
This is one of the most attractive security vacancies currently available within the conservation sector.
Position Information
- Job Title: Security Guard
- Location: Mapungubwe National Park
- Job Grade: Paterson B2
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 Certificate
- Minimum 2 years security experience
- Security Grades E, D, and C
- Strong communication skills
- Good physical fitness
- Ability to work independently
- Teamwork skills
Additional advantages include:
- Grade B or A Security Certificates
- Code C1 Driver’s Licence
- Professional Driving Permit (PDP)
- Knowledge of Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Sepedi, and English
Security Guard Duties
The successful candidate will perform:
- Access control
- Vehicle inspections
- Law enforcement support
- Anti-poaching support
- Security patrols
- Visitor assistance
- Emergency response
- Fire incident reporting
- Security vehicle operation
- Community group guidance
The successful applicant will also receive official accommodation within the park, subject to housing availability.
