Website South African National Parks (SANParks)
South African National Parks (SANParks) is the body responsible for managing 22 national parks across South Africa, covering over 4 million hectares of protected land. As of February 2026, the organization is focused on its "Vision 2040" strategy, aiming to make conservation more inclusive and a driver for economic upliftment.
This is a structured graduate development programme designed to provide practical workplace experience within South Africa’s public conservation and biodiversity sector.
Interns are placed within SANParks operations and partner institutions for 12 months to develop professional skills in areas such as:
- Human Resources
- Labour Relations
- Safety Management
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Biodiversity and conservation support functions
Important: This internship does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.
Programme 1: Groenkloof National Park & SANBI Pretoria (Gauteng)
Locations:
- Groenkloof National Park (Head Office), Pretoria
- South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Pretoria
Fields of Study Accepted
- Human Resources Development / Training Management
- Industrial Psychology
- Labour Relations
- Safety Management
- Occupational Health & Safety
What Interns Will Do
- Support HR learning and development initiatives
- Assist with payroll and performance management
- Contribute to Occupational Health & Safety programmes
- Participate in Human Capital Management and Labour Relations projects
Enquiries: Ms Bongiwe Ndaba – 012 426 5041
(Do not send applications to this contact.)
Programme 2: Cape Region Internship Programme
Locations:
- Agulhas National Park
- Table Mountain National Park
- Tankwa Karoo National Park
Closing Date: 09 March 2026
This programme offers exposure to conservation, tourism and biodiversity operations within some of South Africa’s most iconic national parks.
Stipend range and qualification requirements are the same as Programme 1.
Eligibility Requirements (Both Programmes)
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen aged 18–35
- Be unemployed
- Hold a National Diploma, Bachelor’s or Honours Degree (NQF 6–8)
- Have studied at a South African Public Higher Education Institution
- Have not previously worked in the Public Service or Public Entities
- Have not previously participated in a Public Service internship
- Be available for interviews and assessments
Additional Notes:
- If applying outside your home area, you must arrange your own transport and accommodation (park accommodation may be available but is not guaranteed).
- Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA.
- Employment Equity principles apply. Preference will be given to Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI) and Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA).
Required Supporting Documents
All applications must include:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copies of qualifications and academic transcripts
- Certified copy of South African ID
Manual applications will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted online.
To apply for this job please visit www.sanparks.org.