South African National Parks (SANParks) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for Field Ranger vacancies 2026 at Addo Elephant National Park.
Vacancy Application Closing Date: 19 November 2026
Vacancy Location: Darlington Dam Section, Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Number of Posts: 2
Salary: R172 766.43 – R232 433.29 annual package
Job Grade: Paterson B3
About the SANParks Field Ranger Vacancies
SANParks is looking for two highly motivated individuals with the required skills and experience to join the Darlington Dam Section at Addo Elephant National Park.
Successful candidates will report to the Field Ranger Corporal and will perform conservation, law enforcement, anti-poaching and general park management duties.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Minimum Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent.
- Basic Field Ranger Training.
- NQF Level 2 National Certificate in Conservation Guardianship.
- NQF Level 4 Handle and Use a Self-Loading Rifle Firearm Proficiency.
- Between one and two years of relevant experience in Nature Conservation.
- Willingness to work with K9s.
Firearm Competency Requirements
Applicants must provide the required firearm competency documentation, including:
- Valid SAPS Competency Certificate.
- Original Training Competency Certificate for Business Unit Standards.
- Statement of results showing the relevant Law and Business Purpose Unit Standards.
Desirable Requirements
The following will be advantageous:
- EMI Grade 5.
- Valid Code B driver’s licence.
- K9 handling experience.
- Working knowledge of conservation legislation.
- Computer literacy.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Word.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
- Clear criminal record.
- High level of physical fitness.
- Availability to work flexible hours.
Applicants should be prepared to undergo a physical fitness assessment.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be responsible for:
- Conducting foot, vehicle and canine patrols.
- Working in difficult and mountainous terrain.
- Performing law enforcement duties.
- Participating in anti-poaching operations.
- Working flexitime, night shifts and overtime where required.
- Documenting and reporting law enforcement activities.
- Assisting with natural resource management.
- Supporting invasive plant control.
- Supporting alien biota management.
- Assisting with soil erosion control.
- Supporting fire management activities.
- Recording daily activities in pocket and occurrence books.
- Maintaining records.
- Preparing reports.
- Capturing field data electronically.
- Preparing situational reports.
- Assisting with wildlife management.
- Supporting water provision.
- Assisting with game capture and transportation.
- Controlling visitor behaviour and access.
- Assisting with the movement of EPWP contractors.
- Conducting fence patrols.
- Maintaining fences.
- Maintaining conservation infrastructure.
- Assisting with generators and pumps.
- Maintaining storerooms.
- Assisting with maintenance near visitor facilities.
- Supporting asset management.
Working Conditions
Applicants should be willing to work:
- Weekends.
- Public holidays.
- Standby duties.
- Night shifts.
- Overtime.
- Flexible working hours.
The work may also involve difficult terrain and physically demanding conditions.
Salary and Benefits
The remuneration package is:
R172 766.43 – R232 433.29 per annum
The package is based on the SANParks salary scale for a Paterson B3 position and includes applicable allowances and benefits according to SANParks conditions of service.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- Cover letter.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Certified copy of ID.
- Certified copy of driver’s licence, where applicable.
- Certified copies of relevant qualifications.
- Required firearm competency documents.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the official online application form.
Click here to apply for SANParks Field Ranger Vacancies 2026
Applicants must also submit their supporting documents by email to:
Email: addovacancies@sanparks.org
Click here to email your SANParks Field Ranger application
Applicants should use the reference number indicated in the advertisement:
Reference: AENP/
Employment Equity
SANParks is an equal opportunity employer.
Appointments will be made in accordance with SANParks Employment Equity Plan targets.
South African citizens will receive preference unless otherwise specified.
Important Application Information
Applicants should note that:
- SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment.
- Candidates may be subjected to criminal record screening.
- Physical fitness testing may form part of the selection process.
- Applicants must meet the firearm competency requirements.
- Applicants should be willing to work with K9s.
- Incomplete applications may not be considered.
- Applications must be submitted before the closing date.
Closing Date
19 November 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.