Learning and Development

Conservation Practitioner: Learning and Development

Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals for the position of a Conservation Practitioner: Learning and Development based in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, reporting to the Manager: Learning and Development: KNP.

It should be further noted that the successful incumbent will be expected to stay outside the park since the position is not park based.

Purpose of the Job:

To design, implement, and monitor conservation skills development programs that enhance the capacity of SANParks employees and community stakeholders in biodiversity conservation, ecological management, and sustainable resource use. The role ensures alignment with SANParks’ strategic objectives for conservation and human capital development.

Location

Kruger National Park

Requirements

  • Conduct and assess the following firearm qualifications:
    • PTFC Accredited firearm proficiency training and shooting (theory and practical).
    • PTFC Accredited handgun, shotgun, rifle and self-loading rifle.
    • PTFC accredited regulation 79 theory and practical.
  • Develop, coordinate, conduct and assess SANParks in-house firearm shoots
    • Guides – Advanced, Intermediate and basic.
    • Game guards and field rangers SANParks shoot (to be developed).
  • Develop KNP conservation training modules for staff that covers the important conservation policies and management plans.

Minimum Requirements

  •  Qualification: Matric
    • NQF Level 7 and above in conservation related qualifications.
    • PTFC Accredited firearm proficiency qualification.
    • Range Officer registered with PFTC.
    • Firearm training instructor and assessor.
    • EMI 2 qualified.
    • Viewing Potentially Dangerous Animals (VPDA) certificate.
  • Assessor for: NQF 2 – guiding qualification and VPDA (View potentially dangerous animals for guides, game guards and field rangers.
  • Experience: 3–5 years in conservation training, skills development, or capacity-building programs.
    • Familiar and have the required certificates for working with handguns, shotguns, rifles and self-loading rifles, operating them in a big five Park.
    • Minimum of 3 years’ experience conducting firearm shoot qualifications on a range as a range officer.
    • Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a walking guide in dangerous game areas.
    • Basic fault identification in malfunctioning firearms.
    • Experience in developing and drafting conservation training modules, and standards for handgun and shotgun.
  • Other: Valid driver’s license (Code B), willingness to travel and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement conservation knowledge and skills development strategies and training plans.
  • Facilitate technical training in areas such as EMI, firearm, and ranger training.
  • Coordinate learnerships, internships, and workplace-based training programs in conservation disciplines.
  • Monitor and evaluate training impact and report on skills development outcomes.
  • Collaborate with internal departments, SETAs, and external partners to secure funding and accreditation for programs.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation (Skills Development Act, NQF, etc.) and SANParks policies.
  • Maintain accurate records of training interventions and learner progress.
  • Promote transformation and employment equity through targeted skills development initiatives.
  • To identify the need and develop new firearm training shoots and qualification in departments where this may be lacking.
  • To keep up to date with new policies, procedures, regulations and regulation bodies regarding firearms, proficiencies and qualifications.

Please Note

An appointment will be made using SANParks’ employment equity plan.

Applicants possess foreign qualifications to submit evaluated results by the South African Qualification Authority.

Salary

R585, 480.00 CTC Per Annum

Paterson Grade

C5

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

interested persons who meet the above-stated requirements should forward their application letters, detailed Curriculum Vitae and qualifications certified to the following address:

Human Capital Management Division

Kruger National Park

Prívate Bag X402

SKUKUZA

1350

Tel. 013 735 3524

E-mail: jobapplications@sanparks.org

If you have not received a response within 14 days of the closing date, please accept that your application was not successful.

Closing Date

19 February 2026

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