SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PARKS (SANPARKS) VACANCIES

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PARKS (SANPARKS)

SECTION RANGER
A vacancy currently exists for a Section Ranger at Meerkat National Park. Being key position, the successful candidate would have to be a highly motivated individual with the necessary skills and experience to take immediate responsibility for ongoing environmental management of the park. The successful candidates will report to the Park Manager and will be required to secure accommodation outside the park.
Location Meerkat National Park

Requirements

National Diploma in Conservation or equivalent NQF Level 6 qualification. A Bachelor’s degree in Conservation will be an added advantage.
Code 08 driver’s license, PDP will be added advantage.
5 Years relevant work experience as a field ranger or in conservation management in a protected area.
3 Years must be in supervision of field ranger teams.
Computer literacy with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook Express.
Good written and verbal communication skills, as well as conflict resolution, project management and liaison skills.
Candidate will be required to reside outside the park and accommodation will be made available.
Ability to work under pressure and working flexible, long, and irregular hours.
Criminal record and clearance checks will be conducted on shortlisted candidates.
Candidate must be physically fit.
Must have knowledge of the PFMA act.
Ability to communicate effectively in Afrikaans is essential.

Responsibilities

Natural resources management that includes the implementation of invasive plant, alien animal, unnatural soil erosion and rehabilitation management programs.
Monitoring of developments and projects in the National Park as well as areas adjacent impacting on the park.
Development of sound and mutually beneficial relationships with Stakeholders, neighbouring communities, NGO’s, and other associated organizations and individuals.
Financial administration, including budget control and monitoring expenditures
Supervision of interns, volunteers and contractors who provide conservation management services to the park.
Implementation and administration of approved conservation legislation, policy according to agreed management and operational plans.
Monitoring and recording of resource management data and facilitation of external research.
Human resources management and administration.
Identification and implementation of personnel development and skills training.
Visitor Management – including safety and security of visitors, control of visitors’ behaviour and recording, interpretation, and dissemination of information.
Infrastructure Maintenance includes buildings, roads, and signage.
Management of cultural historic nodes in the section.
Conform to Audit requirements (OHS, METT, SOAIM, SOB, and others), prescriptions, norms and standards.
To perform ad hoc duties when required.

Please Note
Appointment will be in accordance with EE plan targets.
SANParks is an equal opportunity employer. SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment. South African citizens will receive priority unless otherwise specified.

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
A Cover letter, CV, certified copies of ID and relevant qualifications to be submitted to the following address:
Attention: Claudia Malgas
Meerkat National Park
9 Joppie Vermeulen Street
Carnarvon
8925
Tel: 053 382 3011
E-mail: claudia.malgas@sanparks.org

Closing Date 02 September 2025

FIELD RANGER
A vacancy currently exists for a Field Ranger at Meerkat National Park. Being key position, the successful candidate would have to be a highly motivated individual with the necessary skills and experience to take immediate responsibility for ongoing environmental management of the park. The successful candidates will report to the Ranger Corporal.
Location Meerkat National Park

Requirements

Grade 12 (Std 10).
Code 10 license is essential.
Previous practical experience with regards to natural resource management as mentioned in the second key performance area.
Punctual, self-disciplined, motivated and responsible.
Basic skills in general maintenance and storeroom management are essential.
Administration skills is also essential part of this position.
Submission of a criminal record clearance may be required upon request.

Added advantages would be:

Field Ranger Basic or Advanced qualification.
A fire arm competency certificate.
National diploma in Nature Conservation or equivalent qualification will be an added advantage.
A basic knowledge of conservation related legislation.
Knowledge of the area.

Responsibilities

To gather information for the implementation of management plans through using electronic devices.
Participate in research projects within the park and assist researchers in the park.
To maintain law and order amongst staff members, guests, and all other stakeholders within the protected areas.
To conduct effective patrols and execute anti-poaching operations, through deployment, observation posts and camping.
To assist Ranger Corporals, Section Ranger, and Park Manager with biodiversity aspects (mention the aspects, ambiguous), asset control and administration tasks.
To assist with visitor management and safety as and when required.
Assist with fire management – including wildfires.
To Assist with ad-hoc duties as and when needed.
To ensure a high level of OHS practises are applied.
Assist with alien clearing and rehabilitation within the park.
Monitor of BSP Teams and conduct site inspections in terms of site specifications.
Assist with Game capture, Game count and culling.

Please Note
SANParks is committed to the principles of employment equity. Preference will be given to PDI / HDSA.
The remuneration package includes a basic salary, based on the salary scale of a position with a Paterson B3 grade and allowances and benefits as specified in the HR Tariff Document and Conditions of Services of SANParks.

Paterson Grade B3

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 Cover letter, CV, Certified copies of ID and relevant qualifications to be submitted to the following address:
Human Resources Department
Meerkat National Park
9 Joppie Vermeulen Street
Carnarvon
8925
Att: Claudia Malgas
E-mail: claudia.malgas@sanparks.org

If you have not been responded to within 14 days of the closing date, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

Closing Date 02 September 2025

SENIOR MANAGER: VISITOR SAFETY AND PROTECTION SERVICES (FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
SANParks to appoint a dedicated and highly experienced professional to lead a comprehensive crime prevention and safety strategy for Table Mountain National Park.
The successful candidate will lead and be accountable for the development and execution of a comprehensive crime prevention and safety strategy for Table Mountain National Park, ensuring the protection of visitors, staff, and natural resources through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and stakeholder collaboration.
Location Table Mountain National Park

Requirements

Degree/Advanced Diploma (NQF7) or equivalent in Criminal Justice, Policing, Security Management, Public Safety, Management or a related field.
Master’s degree in criminal justice, (Post Graduate qualification) Public Safety, Security Management, Policing or Management would be an added advantage.
Minimum of 10 years of proven leadership experience including Police reservist and volunteer coordination in high-crime areas (including incident reporting, database management, and SANParks is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right not to appoint volunteer systems); Police or law enforcement experience in specialized units, multi-agency response coordination.
Knowledge and VIP protection experience.
Experience with National Key Points and Strong background in contact crime prevention.
PSIRA Grade A security operations management with 5+ years’ experience.
Intelligence gathering, crime analysis, strategic planning, and data analytics experience.
Valid Driver’s license and suitable driving experience.
A Valid Firearms competency.
Medically and physically fit for field operations.
Strong communication, conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement skills.
Computer literacy (MS Office; knowledge of databases and volunteer management systems).
Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays as and when required.

Added Advantage:

First Aid/CPR and emergency response training.
Familiarity with Table Mountain National Park terrain and local safety challenges.
Multilingual ability (English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, or others relevant to the region).
In possession of a valid security clearance at a level of Secret, Top Secret desirable.
Range Officer Certification.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and be accountable for an integrated crime prevention strategy.
Managing law enforcement and ranger operations and working collaboratively with SAPS and other enforcement agencies.
Investigate and monitor incident response activities, including investigations, root cause analysis and developing corrective actions.
Analyse crime trends and data to inform proactive and strategic interventions.
Integrate technology (e.g. surveillance, communications systems, GIS crime mapping) into park to enhance safety operations.
Provide clear leadership, accountability, and oversight to all crime prevention and safety operations across the park.
Build and manage relationships with key safety stakeholders and security partners.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies and industry associations
Coordinating volunteers and external groups working to support visitor safety.
Conduct regular security audits and risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Oversee the management of physical security measures, including access controls, CCTV systems, and security personnel.
Develop and maintain incident response plans, ensuring timely and effective responses to security breaches.
Manage records, documentation and reporting to demonstrate compliance and facilitate audits.
Stay updated with the latest security trends, technologies and regulatory changes, ensuring continuous improvement of the security function.

Please Note

Appointment will be subject to a background check, including security clearance and firearms competency assessment where applicable.
SANParks is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from previously disadvantaged groups are encouraged to apply.
The position requires fieldwork and coordination in challenging terrain and weather conditions; candidates will be required to undergo and pass fitness assessment test to be appointed.
The successful candidate will have to provide their own accommodation as there is no official accommodation in the park.

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.office.com/r/mY7NS1LGnT
Supporting Documents such as Comprehensive CV, certified copies of qualifications, ID & Driver’s License and other relevant documents must be emailed to TMNP.vacancies@sanparks.org using reference number VSSFTC1 in subject. Applications that do not comply will be regarded as unsuccessful.

For Enquiries: Brenda Mbem 021 659 1704
Applicants in possession of foreign qualification are to submit evaluated results by the South African Qualification Authority.
Applications that have not been responded within 21 days should be regarded as unsuccessful.

Closing Date 01 September 2025

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