Company: South African National Parks (SANParks)
Industry: Environmental Conservation, Wildlife Management
Job Category: General Worker, Park Maintenance
Location: Mooiplaas Ranger Section, Kruger National Park
Contract Type: Permanent
Remuneration: Paterson Grade A1 (in line with SANParks salary scale)
EE Position: Yes – SANParks is an equal opportunity employer
Closing Date: 04 July 2025
Introduction
The Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most iconic game reserves, has announced an exciting employment opportunity for a General Worker at the Mooiplaas Ranger Section. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about conservation, wildlife, and the natural environment, and who are physically fit and ready to take on manual tasks in a dynamic outdoor setting.
As a General Worker within SANParks, you’ll become part of a dedicated team that plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological integrity and daily operations of one of South Africa’s premier conservation areas. This role offers more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to directly contribute to preserving biodiversity and supporting conservation efforts that benefit both the environment and local communities.
Job Description
The General Worker position is hands-on and field-based. It involves a variety of maintenance and operational tasks that are crucial to the smooth functioning of the Mooiplaas Ranger Section. The role will support conservation, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental management efforts in the park.
Key duties include:
- Assisting in the maintenance and functionality of water supply systems used for wildlife and operational needs
- Supporting game capture operations by providing manual labour assistance and logistical support
- Participating in waste management and environmental cleanliness across the section
- Engaging in invasive alien plant control measures, ensuring ecosystems remain native and balanced
- Participating in prescribed burning and wildfire control to maintain ecological health and safety
- Contributing to soil erosion prevention through manual rehabilitation tasks
- Performing general cleaning, upkeep, and maintenance of park infrastructure
- Supporting ad hoc tasks as directed by supervisors or senior management
This position requires commitment, resilience, and a willingness to work outdoors under varying weather conditions.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for this position is someone who is passionate about nature conservation, physically fit, and eager to contribute to environmental protection. SANParks seeks an individual who is reliable, cooperative, and capable of performing labour-intensive tasks within a team environment.
The candidate must:
- Have completed Grade 12 (Matric certificate)
- Possess a valid Code B driver’s license
- Be in good physical health to carry out manual labour tasks in the field
- Demonstrate a good understanding of hand tools, their safe handling, and aftercare
- Have knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices
- Understand the basic operational needs of working within a National Park
- Be willing to work irregular hours, including weekends and public holidays, as required
Role Responsibility
The selected individual will work under the guidance of rangers and section managers to provide essential support across a range of operational activities. Specific responsibilities include:
- Water Infrastructure Support: Cleaning, maintaining, and repairing water troughs, pipes, and waterholes used by wildlife
- Game Capture Operations: Assisting in the humane and efficient capture and relocation of wildlife when required
- Waste Disposal and Hygiene: Removing litter and waste from designated areas to maintain park cleanliness and minimize ecological disturbance
- Alien Plant Eradication: Using tools and herbicides where necessary to remove invasive species that threaten indigenous biodiversity
- Fire Control: Participating in firebreak construction and controlled burns to reduce wildfire risk and promote ecological balance
- Anti-Erosion Work: Installing erosion barriers and planting grass to prevent degradation of the landscape
- Facility Maintenance: Cleaning ranger posts, checking fences, and maintaining facilities to ensure safety and operational efficiency
Skills and Attributes
To succeed in this role, candidates should demonstrate a range of practical skills and behavioral qualities. The following competencies are essential:
- Physical Endurance: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods
- Tool Proficiency: Knowledge of hand tools, maintenance equipment, and safety precautions
- Team Player: Cooperative mindset and ability to follow instructions within a structured team
- Problem Solving: Ability to assess and respond to basic challenges in the field
- Conservation Awareness: Appreciation of environmental issues, wildlife conservation, and the impact of human activity on ecosystems
- Adaptability: Willingness to work in a variety of terrains and weather conditions
- Punctuality and Responsibility: Reliable and punctual, with strong attention to task completion
Position Summary
The General Worker – Mooiplaas Ranger Section position is a valuable opportunity to join SANParks in a crucial support role that ensures the sustainable management of one of the most treasured conservation areas in the world. The successful applicant will work closely with field rangers, maintenance teams, and park management to maintain essential infrastructure, participate in conservation efforts, and contribute to a safe and clean park environment.
This position is well-suited to candidates who are looking for a physically engaging job with meaning – a role where every task, no matter how small, helps protect the ecological integrity of the Kruger National Park.
SEE ALSO: Ethekwini Municipality Learnerships/internships 2025
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications with the following documents:
- A detailed and up-to-date CV
- Certified copies of educational certificates
- Certified copy of a valid Code B driver’s license
- A cover letter clearly indicating the reference “GENERAL WORKER – MOOIPLAAS RANGER” in the subject line
Send your application via email to:
Ms. Millicent Nyundu
Email: jobapplications9@sanparks.org
Alternatively, post to:
Human Capital Management
Private Bag X402
Skukuza 1350
Telephone inquiries: (013) 735 4127
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive a response within 14 days of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Closing Date: 04 July 2025
This position is part of SANParks’ commitment to equal opportunity and transformation. Candidates from historically disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply.