South African National Parks (SANParks) is inviting suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for a Fixed-Term General Worker position within the Socio Economic Transformation Department at Marakele National Park in Limpopo. The successful candidate will be stationed at the park’s nursery, where the main duties will involve garden maintenance, plant care, landscaping, nursery operations and supporting conservation-related activities.

This opportunity is suitable for individuals who have a Grade 12 certificate and practical experience in gardening, landscaping or nursery work. Candidates should have an interest in working with plants, maintaining outdoor environments and supporting the conservation of indigenous vegetation.

SANParks is particularly interested in candidates from the local community surrounding Marakele National Park. Applicants who meet the requirements and have the necessary practical skills are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.

SANParks General Worker Vacancy Details

• Position: General Worker
• Department: Socio Economic Transformation Department
• Employment Type: Fixed-Term
• Location: Marakele National Park, Limpopo
• Workstation: Nursery
• Salary: R10,624.76 – R14,216.72 per month
• Job Grade: Paterson A3
• Closing Date: 23 November 2026

About the General Worker Position

The appointed General Worker will provide support at the nursery within Marakele National Park. The position focuses on maintaining the nursery environment, caring for plants and assisting with landscaping and conservation projects.

The successful candidate will be expected to carry out various gardening and nursery-related activities, including planting trees, vegetables, indigenous plants and herbs. Other responsibilities will include watering plants, pruning, transplanting, removing invasive alien plant species and maintaining nursery infrastructure.

This position requires someone who is physically fit, responsible and comfortable working outdoors under different weather conditions. The successful applicant must also be prepared to perform physical tasks for extended periods and work weekends and public holidays when required.

Candidates should understand the importance of protecting indigenous vegetation and maintaining a clean, safe and organised working environment.

SANParks General Worker Requirements

Applicants interested in this opportunity must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Grade 12 certificate (Matric) or an equivalent qualification.
• At least 1 to 2 years or more of practical experience in garden maintenance, landscaping or nursery work.
• Ability to work outdoors under changing weather conditions.
• Ability to perform physical labour for extended periods.
• Understanding of plant care, watering and pruning.
• Knowledge of indigenous and alien plant species, including the removal of invasive alien plants.
• Knowledge of handling, maintaining and safely operating gardening tools and machinery.
• Self-motivated, responsible and disciplined.
• Good time management skills and the ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work weekends and public holidays.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Candidates should ensure that their CVs clearly reflect relevant gardening, landscaping, nursery or general maintenance experience. Practical experience in plant care and the safe use of gardening equipment will be an advantage when demonstrating suitability for the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting daily nursery operations and ensuring that plants, equipment and surrounding areas are properly maintained.

Key duties will include:

1. Planting and Nursery Activities

• Planting trees, vegetables, indigenous plants and herbs according to approved design layouts.
• Potting, transplanting, labelling and arranging plants.
• Preparing plants for camp landscaping and conservation projects.
• Ensuring that nursery activities are carried out properly.

2. Watering and Plant Maintenance

• Watering plants, shrubs and lawns using hosepipes and watering cans.
• Monitoring automated irrigation systems and reporting any problems.
• Pruning plants and maintaining healthy growing conditions.
• Ensuring plants receive appropriate care and attention.

3. Indigenous Plant Conservation

• Ensuring that only indigenous plants are planted in the nursery area.
• Identifying and actively removing invasive alien plant species.
• Supporting activities that promote the protection and maintenance of indigenous vegetation.

4. Nursery Infrastructure Maintenance

• Maintaining nursery shade nets, benches and watering lines.
• Keeping nursery areas clean, organised and in good condition.
• Reporting infrastructure faults and maintenance problems to supervisors.

5. Tools and Equipment Management

• Cleaning, storing and maintaining gardening tools and equipment.
• Handling machinery such as lawnmowers, brush cutters and chainsaws safely.
• Ensuring that tools are properly maintained after use.
• Reporting damaged or faulty equipment to the relevant supervisor.

6. Stock and Inventory Management

• Assisting with stock and inventory management of nursery plants and tools.
• Helping to organise and monitor nursery supplies.
• Ensuring that gardening equipment and materials are stored correctly.

7. Waste Management and Workplace Safety

• Assisting with waste management and recycling activities.
• Maintaining cleanliness in the nursery and surrounding work areas.
• Following Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices at all times.
• Using tools, machinery and equipment according to safety requirements.

8. General Duties

• Assisting with other nursery, gardening and maintenance activities when required.
• Carrying out additional duties assigned by the Line Manager or Supervisor.
• Working cooperatively with other employees to ensure daily activities are completed effectively.

Salary and Employment Benefits

The General Worker position offers a basic monthly salary ranging from R10,624.76 to R14,216.72.

The remuneration package is based on the Paterson A3 job grade. The actual salary offered will depend on the applicable employment conditions and the organisation’s remuneration structure.

Applicants should note that this is a fixed-term employment opportunity. Candidates are encouraged to review the employment conditions and any additional information provided by SANParks during the recruitment process.

Important Information for Applicants

SANParks is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates.

The following conditions apply:

• Preference will be given to candidates from the local community.
• South African citizens will receive priority unless otherwise specified.
• Preference will be given to qualifying candidates with disabilities.
• SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• All applications must meet the stated requirements and include the required supporting documents.

Applicants should provide accurate information in their CVs and ensure that all required documents are attached before submitting their applications.

How to Apply for the SANParks General Worker Position

Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements should prepare and submit an application containing the following documents:

1. A detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. Certified copies of relevant qualifications.
3. A certified copy of their South African Identity Document (ID).

Applications must be submitted by email to the address provided below.

• Email Address: [email protected]
• Email Subject Line: General Worker – Socio Economic Transformation

Attention: Colisile Nkosi

Postal Address:

Marakele National Park
P.O. Box 800
Thabazimbi
0380

Telephone: 014 777 6929

Candidates should use the exact email subject line specified in the vacancy advertisement to help ensure that their applications are correctly identified.

Before sending the application, applicants should check that their CV is detailed and up to date, their qualifications are certified and their ID copy is attached. It is also advisable to use a professional email address and ensure that all attachments are clear and readable.

Applicants should submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid missing this opportunity.

Closing Date for Applications

The closing date for the SANParks General Worker vacancy at Marakele National Park is 23 November 2026.

Late applications may not be considered. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Final Reminder

This SANParks General Worker opportunity offers candidates with gardening, landscaping and nursery experience an opportunity to work within a national park environment. Individuals with a Grade 12 qualification, relevant practical experience and an understanding of indigenous plant conservation are encouraged to apply.

Preference will be given to candidates from the local community, making this an important opportunity for suitably qualified individuals living in areas surrounding Marakele National Park.

To apply, prepare your detailed CV, certified qualifications and certified ID copy, then email your application to [email protected] before 23 November 2026.

Important: Always ensure that you meet the minimum requirements and submit all the requested documents before the closing date.