South African National Parks (SANParks), through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for 19 employment opportunities at Kruger National Park. The available vacancies include 6 Armed Environmental Monitor (Armed EM) positions and 13 Field Guard positions.
These fixed-term opportunities are available until 31 March 2027 and offer successful applicants the chance to contribute to wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and anti-poaching operations within one of South Africa’s leading national parks. Successful candidates will receive a daily wage of R311 per day, in line with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) rates.
Applications close on 7 August 2026.
Available Vacancies
Armed Environmental Monitors (Armed EMs)
- Number of Positions: 6
- Location: Kruger National Park
- Contract Duration: Fixed-term until 31 March 2027
- Daily Wage: R311 per day
- Reference Number: EPWP-KNP/Armed 6
Field Guards
- Number of Positions: 13
- Location: Kruger National Park
- Contract Duration: Fixed-term until 31 March 2027
- Daily Wage: R311 per day
- Reference Number: EPWP-KNP/13/FG
Both positions form part of the Expanded Public Works Programme, which creates temporary employment opportunities while supporting biodiversity conservation, environmental management, and the protection of South Africa’s natural heritage.
Salary
Successful applicants appointed to either position will receive a wage of R311 per day, as determined by the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
Job Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be expected to perform duties that include:
- Protecting and guarding contractors working in Big Five wildlife areas.
- Assisting with natural resource management activities.
- Supporting the implementation of invasive alien plant, alien biota, and soil erosion management programmes.
- Assisting in monitoring contractor behaviour in camps and field operations.
- Helping to ensure compliance with Health and Safety requirements.
- Participating in conservation-related activities when required.
- Recording incidents, patrol activities, and wildlife observations accurately.
- Conducting routine patrols on foot or by vehicle.
- Enforcing environmental legislation in accordance with the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
- Participating in anti-poaching operations.
Additional responsibilities include:
Armed Environmental Monitors
- Guarding traffic officers operating within Kruger National Park.
Field Guards
- Guarding Working for Water teams consisting of approximately 12 participants.
Minimum Requirements
Interested applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate).
- At least one year of experience in Field Ranger or Field Guard duties.
- Successful completion of a Basic Field Ranger Course.
- Firearm competency certificate for Self-loading Rifle (Unit Standards 119650 and 123511).
- Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act (Unit Standard 117705).
- Basic Health and Safety Level 1 knowledge.
- Ability to undertake long patrols under challenging field conditions.
- Medically and physically fit.
- Passion for conservation and environmental protection.
- Successful completion of a medical fitness assessment.
- Clean criminal record.
- Valid Police Clearance Certificate.
Background screening will form part of the recruitment process.
Special Requirement for Dispossessed Landowner Communities
Applicants from Dispossessed Landowner Communities must clearly indicate the following in both the CV and cover letter:
- ODI Land Claim Number.
- Name of the Dispossessed Landowner Community.
Employment Equity
SANParks is committed to the principles of Employment Equity. Preference will be given to Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI) and Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA). SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Required Application Documents
Applications must include:
- Cover letter quoting the correct reference number.
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Certified copy of the highest qualification obtained.
Certified copies must not be older than six months.
How to Apply
Applications must be hand delivered to the nearest Kruger National Park gate or Biodiversity and Social Projects (BSP) office.
Applications may be submitted at:
- Pafuri Gate
- Punda Gate
- Phalaborwa Gate
- Orpen Gate
- Paul Kruger Gate
- Numbi Gate
- Phabeni Gate
- Malelane Gate
- Crocodile Bridge Gate
- BSP Offices
Armed Environmental Monitors
- Reference Number: EPWP-KNP/Armed 6
Field Guards
- Reference Number: EPWP-KNP/13/FG
Applicants who do not receive feedback within 14 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 7 August 2026
Interested and suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to submit complete applications before the closing date.