South African National Parks (SANParks) is inviting suitably qualified South African applicants to apply for Field Ranger and Room Attendant vacancies at two national parks in the Eastern Cape.
The opportunities are available at Addo Elephant National Park and Mountain Zebra National Park. The Field Ranger position offers an annual package of R153,593.79 to R206,639.15, while the Room Attendant position offers R127,497.16 to R170,600.60 per year.
These vacancies could appeal to job seekers interested in conservation careers, environmental management, tourism jobs, hospitality, wildlife management and public-sector employment.
The closing dates are 2 September 2026 for the Room Attendant position and 3 September 2026 for the Field Ranger position.
SANParks Vacancies 2026: Job Overview
| Position | Location | Salary / Package | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Ranger | Addo Elephant National Park | R153,593.79 – R206,639.15 per year | 3 September 2026 |
| Room Attendant | Mountain Zebra National Park | R127,497.16 – R170,600.60 per year | 2 September 2026 |
The two positions have different qualifications, experience requirements and working conditions. Applicants should therefore carefully review the vacancy that matches their background before applying.
SANParks Field Ranger Vacancy 2026
The Field Ranger position is based at the Darlington Dam Section of Addo Elephant National Park.
The position carries the reference number AENP/A028 and is graded Paterson B3.
The successful applicant will report to the Field Ranger Sergeant and will perform conservation, law-enforcement and field operations.
This is a particularly demanding conservation role because field rangers may work in difficult terrain, participate in anti-poaching activities and perform patrols during different hours.
Field Ranger Requirements
Applicants interested in the Field Ranger position must meet several requirements.
The minimum requirements include:
- Grade 12/Matric or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
- NQF Level 2 National Certificate in Conservation Guardianship.
- On-the-job training after successfully completing Basic Field Ranger Training.
- EMI Grade 5 designation or the ability to qualify within the required period.
- One to two years of relevant experience as an Armed Environmental Monitor, Field Guard or in conservation.
- Working knowledge of applicable conservation legislation.
- Valid Code 8 driver’s licence.
- Computer literacy.
- Basic technical skills.
- NQF Level 4 firearm proficiency documentation for handling and using a self-loading rifle.
- At least 60% physical fitness.
- Willingness to undergo a physical fitness assessment.
- Willingness to undergo a medical examination.
Applicants should also note that a SAPS criminal record can be attached if available. Criminal checks will also be conducted on the successful candidate.
Desirable Field Ranger Qualifications
Although not listed as minimum requirements, SANParks identifies additional qualifications that may be advantageous.
These include:
- National Diploma in Nature Conservation.
- NQF Level 5 Certificate in Resource Guardianship or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates with relevant conservation qualifications may therefore have additional knowledge that supports their application.
Field Ranger Duties and Responsibilities
The successful Field Ranger will perform a wide range of duties involving conservation, environmental protection, law enforcement and park operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting regular law-enforcement patrols on foot.
- Working in areas that cannot be accessed by vehicles.
- Operating in difficult and challenging terrain.
- Participating in anti-poaching operations.
- Working flexible hours.
- Performing night shifts and overtime when required.
- Participating in camping deployments.
- Working at observation posts.
- Assisting with the control, capture, handling and transportation of animals.
- Completing documentation relating to law-enforcement activities.
- Preparing reports.
- Assisting with invasive plant management.
- Supporting alien biota control.
- Assisting with soil erosion management.
- Participating in fire management activities.
- Collecting information for management plans.
- Capturing field data electronically.
- Maintaining records.
- Assisting with water provision.
- Supporting wildlife management activities.
- Controlling visitor behaviour and access.
- Assisting with EPWP contractor movements.
- Conducting fence patrols.
- Assisting with fence maintenance.
- Maintaining generators, pumps, storerooms and conservation infrastructure.
- Assisting with asset management and maintenance.
The role therefore combines fieldwork, conservation, environmental protection, security and administration.
Field Ranger Accommodation
One of the important conditions attached to the Field Ranger vacancy is the accommodation requirement.
The successful Field Ranger will be required to reside inside the park.
Official accommodation will be made available to the successful candidate.
The remuneration package is based on the applicable Paterson B3 job grade and includes allowances and benefits according to SANParks conditions of service.
Room Attendant Vacancy at Mountain Zebra National Park
SANParks is also recruiting one permanent Room Attendant at Mountain Zebra National Park.
The position offers an annual package ranging from R127,497.16 to R170,600.60.
The closing date is 2 September 2026.
This opportunity may be suitable for candidates with experience in cleaning, hospitality, tourism or public-space services.
Room Attendant Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum requirements specified for the vacancy.
These include:
- Grade 12 or NCV Level 4.
- One to two years of work experience in a public cleaning or tourism environment.
- Knowledge of customer service.
- Knowledge of SANParks Tourism Standard Procedures.
- Awareness of health and safety requirements.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Public-space cleaning skills.
- Good time-management abilities.
- Strong communication skills.
- Planning and organising ability.
Candidates who have previously worked in hospitality, accommodation services, tourism or cleaning environments may therefore find the duties familiar.
Room Attendant Duties
The successful Room Attendant will be responsible for maintaining accommodation and public areas according to SANParks standards.
Duties include:
- Cleaning chalets.
- Changing bed linen.
- Sweeping floors.
- Mopping floors.
- Vacuuming where required.
- Polishing furniture.
- Emptying waste containers.
- Cleaning public areas.
- Reporting abnormalities to supervisors.
- Controlling inventory items in chalets.
- Ensuring appropriate stock levels.
- Reporting maintenance defects.
- Assisting with laundry when necessary.
- Providing quality customer service.
- Responding to guest needs.
- Anticipating guest requirements.
- Meeting SANParks service standards.
- Planning and prioritising daily duties.
- Managing time efficiently.
The position requires someone who can maintain high cleanliness standards while also interacting professionally with visitors.
Room Attendant Accommodation
Unlike the Field Ranger position, the successful Room Attendant will be required to reside outside Mountain Zebra National Park.
Official accommodation will not be provided for this position.
Applicants should therefore consider their transport and accommodation arrangements before accepting the position.
Estimated Salary and Benefits
The supplied vacancy information provides annual remuneration packages but does not give a separate monetary breakdown for every employee benefit.
| Benefit / Employment Item | Field Ranger | Room Attendant |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated annual package | R153,593.79 – R206,639.15 | R127,497.16 – R170,600.60 |
| Medical Aid | Benefits according to applicable SANParks conditions | Benefits according to applicable SANParks conditions |
| Pension Fund | Subject to SANParks conditions of service | Subject to SANParks conditions of service |
| Life Insurance | Not separately specified | Not separately specified |
| Disability Cover | Not separately specified | Not separately specified |
| Employee Wellness | Not separately specified | Not separately specified |
| Bonuses | Not specified | Not specified |
| Paid Leave | According to applicable conditions of service | According to applicable conditions of service |
| Training Opportunities | Basic Field Ranger and on-the-job training requirements | Training according to role and SANParks requirements |
| Accommodation | Official accommodation provided inside the park | Not provided |
Applicants should treat the figures as advertised annual packages, rather than assuming that every listed benefit is an additional cash payment.
How to Apply for the SANParks Field Ranger Job
Applicants for the Field Ranger position must complete the required online application form.
They must also submit their supporting documents by email to the specified SANParks recruitment address.
Use the reference number:
AENP/A028
Required documents include:
- Cover letter.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Certified copy of driver’s licence.
- Certified copies of relevant qualifications.
Applicants should ensure that their documents are clear and that the reference number is correctly included in their application.
The Field Ranger closing date is 3 September 2026.
How to Apply for the Room Attendant Job
Applicants for the Room Attendant position must complete the required online application form.
They must also submit their CV and supporting documents to the recruitment email address specified for Mountain Zebra National Park.
The Room Attendant closing date is 2 September 2026.
Applicants with questions regarding the position can use the supplied enquiry number:
048 801 5700
Candidates who do not receive a response within 21 days should regard their application as unsuccessful.
SANParks Employment Equity
SANParks is an equal-opportunity employer.
Appointments will be made in accordance with the organisation’s Employment Equity Plan targets.
South African citizens will receive priority unless otherwise specified.
SANParks also reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their qualifications, experience and documentation accurately reflect their suitability for the position.
Which SANParks Job Should You Apply For?
The two vacancies suit different types of job seekers.
Field Ranger
Consider the Field Ranger position if you have:
- Conservation training.
- Field ranger experience.
- Environmental monitoring experience.
- Experience in conservation.
- Physical fitness.
- Law-enforcement or anti-poaching exposure.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- An interest in wildlife and environmental protection.
You should also be comfortable working outdoors, in difficult terrain and during irregular hours.
Room Attendant
The Room Attendant position may be more suitable if you have:
- Grade 12 or NCV Level 4.
- Cleaning experience.
- Tourism experience.
- Hospitality experience.
- Customer-service skills.
- Good organisation and time-management skills.
- An interest in working in a national park environment.
The Room Attendant role does not require the same conservation and physical field qualifications as the Field Ranger position.
Career Growth in Conservation and Tourism
These vacancies can also provide a starting point for broader career development.
A Field Ranger can build experience in areas such as conservation management, environmental monitoring, wildlife management, environmental compliance and protected-area operations.
With additional education and professional development, conservation workers can potentially progress into technical, supervisory and management positions.
Similarly, Room Attendants can develop experience in hospitality, tourism operations, accommodation management and customer service.
Further training can help workers pursue supervisory or specialised roles within the tourism and hospitality sector.
Final Thoughts
The SANParks Vacancies 2026 provide two different opportunities for people interested in working within South Africa’s national parks.
The Field Ranger position at Addo Elephant National Park offers an annual package of up to R206,639.15 and includes official accommodation inside the park. However, candidates need relevant conservation experience, training, a driver’s licence, firearm proficiency documentation and the required physical fitness.
The Room Attendant position at Mountain Zebra National Park offers an annual package of up to R170,600.60and is a permanent opportunity for candidates with Grade 12 or NCV Level 4 and relevant cleaning or tourism experience. Accommodation is not provided for this position.
With deadlines approaching, eligible applicants should avoid waiting until the final day.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your CV and certified documents now and submit your application before the applicable closing date. Also explore other SANParks vacancies, conservation jobs, tourism opportunities, environmental careers, learnerships, internships and government vacancies to increase your chances of building a long-term career.