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SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PARKS (SANPARKS)
 
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SENIOR MANAGER: SCIENCE (BASED IN KIMBERLEY)
 
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.
 
 
Please Note
The remuneration package includes a basic salary, based on the salary scale of a position with the Paterson D5 job grade, and allowances and benefits as specified in the Human Capital Management Tariff document and Conditions of Service of SANParks.
 
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
Persons who meet the above requirements can forward their electronic applications with subject Senior Manager: Arid Research Unit together with a Cover letter, CV and certified copies of their ID, relevant qualifications, driver’s license) to:
Karabo Mashishi
Human Resource Officer: Conservation
Conservation Services
South African National Parks
Tel: 012 426 5252
Email: Karabo.mashishi@sanparks.org
All applicants must also apply using the link below:
https://forms.office.com/r/pS14Pny5EC?origin=lprLink
 
Candidates who have not been responded to within 14 days of the closing date should consider their applications as unsuccessful.
 
Closing Date 13 October 2025
 
 
 
 
 





​PROJECT MANAGER- FIXED-TERM CONTRACT (ENDING MARCH 2027)
 
A vacancy exists for a highly motivated individual with the necessary skills and experience to fill the position of a Project Manager to do overall co-ordination and management, as well as mobilization of all project inputs and supervision of relevant staff for the Wildlife Conservation Bond initiative in Addo Elephant National Park. The position will be stationed at Addo Elephant National Park.
Location Addo Elephant National Park
 
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.
 
 
Please Note
SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment. No late applications will be accepted after the closing date.
Paterson Grade D1
 
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
Persons who meet the above requirements can forward their electronic applications, together with a Cover Letter, CV, certified copies of their ID, driver’s license and relevant qualifications.
USE THE FOLLOWING REFERENCE NUMBER ON YOUR APPLICATION:
AENP/Project Manager
Application will only be completed when you have applied through the link:
https://forms.office.com/r/nCpXvW8d34
and have submitted your all-relevant documents to the following email
address: addovacancies@sanparks.org
 
If you have not been responded to within 21 days after the closing date, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
 
Closing Date 13 October 2025





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​SENIOR MANAGER: COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACTS
 
The Organization requires the services of a Senior Manager: Commercial and Contracts in the Commercial and Contracts Unit of the Legal Service Department. This position will be based at Groenkloof National Park, Pretoria.
Location Groenkloof National Park (Head Office)
 
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.
 
 
Please Note
SANParks is an equal employer, preference will be given to people with disabilities.
 
Salary R 1 115 100.00 – R 1 672 650.00 Per Annum
 
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 covering letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of qualification(s), and Identity Document (certified within the past 3 months) to the following address:
Human Resources Division
SA National Parks
PO Box 787
PRETORIA
0001
Fax: 086 295 4078
E-mail: recruitments@sanparks.org
 
Applicants in possession of foreign qualifications to submit evaluated results by the South African Qualifications Authority.
If you have not been responded to within 21 days of the closing date, please accept that your application was not successful.
 
Closing Date 09 October 2025










​EPWP PROGRAMME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: 3X SEMI-SKILLED ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORS
 
EPWP Employment opportunities currently exist for X3 Semi-Skilled Environmental Monitor within the Biodiversity Social Projects Environmental Monitor Programme in the Agulhas National Park. The above state positions are fixed contracts up to the end of 31 March 2026. Successful candidate will be reporting directly to Section Ranger/ Ranger Sergeant.
The appointed participants or Environmental Monitor will be paid a wage rate of R208 per day as per Expanded Public works Programme rates.
Location Agulhas National Park
 
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
  • Assist 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.
 
Please Note
SANParks is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right not to make an appointment.
 
 
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.office.com/r/ntBe0Jyb8Q
Supporting Documents such as Detailed CV, certified copies of qualifications, ID and other relevant documents must be emailed to ANP.vacancies@sanparks.org using ANP Environmental Monitor in subject line. Application that does not meet the requirements will not be considered.
The successful candidate will have to provide their own accommodation and travelling to work as there is no official accommodation in the park.
For Enquiries: Contact Nosihle Somishi at 021 741 2521
Applications that have not been responded to within 21 days should be regarded as unsuccessful.
 
Closing Date 09 October 2025