Job Description

South African National Parks (SANParks) is inviting applications for 2 Skilled Environmental Monitor opportunities within the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) at Kruger National Park, Marula Region.

These are fixed-term contract opportunities running until 31 March 2027.

The appointed participants, also referred to as Armed Environmental Monitors, will support ecological monitoring, conservation-related activities, Working for Water operations, alien plant monitoring, field patrols and environmental protection activities within Kruger National Park.

Successful candidates will be paid a wage rate of R311 per day according to EPWP rates.

Responsibilities

• Identify and map alien plants.
• Use tools such as Quick Capture, Survey123, Carry Map and CyberTracker.
• Monitor biocontrol sites and biocontrol agents.
• Assist with verification of Working for Water operational areas.
• Assist with conservation-related activities in the park when required.
• Accurately record incidents or sightings in a notebook.
• Guard Working for Water teams when required.
• Support Working for Water teams consisting of 12 participants.
• Assist with EPWP projects in the park when required.
• Assist with other ad hoc duties such as maintenance and grass cutting.
• Conduct long and extended patrols.
• Work in a Big Five environment.
• Work weekends, public holidays and occasional overtime when required.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Grade 12 certificate.
• 1 year of experience in ecological monitoring work.
• 1 year of experience in Field Ranger duties.
• Basic Field Ranger course completed.
• Clean criminal record.
• Background screening will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.
• Understanding of basic Health and Safety principles.
• Health and Safety Level 1.
• Ability to do long and extended patrols.
• Ability to walk in a Big Five environment.
• Must undergo medical fitness assessment through a Medical Practitioner if successful.
• Ability to work weekends and public holidays.
• Ability to work occasional overtime.
• Code 8 driving licence.
• Valid police clearance certificate or proof of application for a police clearance certificate.

Firearm Documentation Required

Applicants must have the following firearm documentation:

• Firearm competency: Self-loading rifle.
• Unit Standard 119650.
• Unit Standard 123511.
• Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act.
• Unit Standard 117705.

Skills

• Environmental monitoring
• Ecological monitoring
• Field ranger duties
• Alien plant identification
• Conservation support
• Patrol work
• Incident recording
• CyberTracker
• Survey123
• Carry Map
• Quick Capture
• Health and safety awareness
• Firearm competency
• Teamwork
• Attention to detail
• Physical fitness
• Ability to work in a Big Five environment
• Ability to work weekends and public holidays