South African National Parks (SANParks) has opened an EPWP Programme Employment Opportunity for four Skilled Environmental Monitors in the Technical Department at Marakele National Park in Limpopo.
The opportunity is aimed at candidates who have practical maintenance experience and can work across areas such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry and civil maintenance. The positions are offered on a fixed-term basis until 31 March 2027, with a wage rate of R311 per day in line with Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) rates.
Applications close on 7 October 2026.
This article I karabo Ntswaki Author of careersfocus.co.za explains what the opportunity involves, who can apply, what documents are required and how interested candidates should submit their applications.
SANParks EPWP Skilled Environmental Monitor Opportunity at a Glance
| Vacancy detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | South African National Parks (SANParks) |
| Programme | Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) |
| Position | Skilled Environmental Monitor |
| Number of positions | 4 |
| Department | Technical Department |
| Location | Marakele National Park |
| Contract | Fixed-term |
| Contract end date | 31 March 2027 |
| Wage | R311 per day |
| Minimum qualification | Grade 12 |
| Experience | 1–2 years’ practical maintenance experience |
| Closing date | 7 October 2026 |
The information above is based on the current vacancy published by SANParks.
What Is the SANParks EPWP Opportunity?
The opportunity forms part of the Expanded Public Works Programme and involves working as a Skilled Environmental Monitor within the Technical Department at Marakele National Park.
Although the job title includes “Environmental Monitor,” the advertised responsibilities are strongly focused on practical maintenance activities. Successful applicants will assist with maintaining buildings, facilities and infrastructure within the park.
SANParks’ broader EPWP programme has a socio-economic and conservation role. The organisation explains that its EPWP projects support poverty relief, community upliftment and biodiversity management in national parks, integrated zones and other protected areas.
For this particular opportunity, however, applicants should pay close attention to the technical and maintenance requirements rather than assuming that the position is primarily a wildlife-monitoring role.
Where Is the Opportunity Based?
The four positions are located at Marakele National Park, which is in Limpopo.
The vacancy specifically identifies the Technical Department as the work area. Candidates who are considering applying should therefore make sure they understand the location and are able to meet the practical requirements of working in a national park environment.
SANParks also states that preference will be given to participants or applicants from neighbouring communities and municipalities, as well as people with disabilities.
SANParks EPWP Requirements
Candidates should check the minimum requirements carefully before applying.
According to the official vacancy, applicants must have a Grade 12 Certificate and between one and two years of practical experience in a maintenance field.
Technical training in one or more of the following areas is listed as an added advantage:
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
- Carpentry
- Bricklaying
- Air conditioning and refrigeration
A driver’s licence is also listed as an added advantage.
The vacancy further requires candidates to have basic knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the ability to work under pressure and in unfavourable conditions.
Meeting an added-advantage requirement is not the same as meeting a minimum requirement. Applicants should therefore distinguish between the compulsory requirements and the additional skills that may strengthen their application.
What Will the Skilled Environmental Monitor Do?
The advertised position involves hands-on maintenance work across different facilities and infrastructure within Marakele National Park.
One of the main responsibilities is assisting with general maintenance, including plumbing, electrical, carpentry and civil works. These activities must be performed according to predetermined quality and productivity standards.
The role also involves maintaining facilities used by visitors and employees.
This includes routine maintenance of:
- Tourist buildings
- Staff accommodation
- Administration buildings
- Technical buildings
- Ablution facilities
- Other infrastructure
- Roads and related civil services
The successful participants will also assist with general maintenance activities assigned by their supervisor.
Stock Control Is Part of the Job
The opportunity is not limited to physical maintenance.
The advertised duties include monthly material stock control and cleaning of the storeroom. This means participants may need to help keep maintenance materials organised and account for stock used by the Technical Department.
For applicants with maintenance experience, this is an important detail because the job requires more than practical trade work. Organising materials, maintaining work areas and following instructions are also part of the advertised responsibilities.
What Does R311 Per Day Mean?
SANParks states that the appointed Skilled Environmental Monitor will receive a wage rate of R311 per day, in accordance with the applicable Expanded Public Works Programme rate.
The vacancy does not describe this as a monthly salary. Applicants should therefore avoid calculating or advertising a guaranteed monthly amount unless SANParks provides additional information directly.
The positions are also fixed-term and run until 31 March 2027, according to the official vacancy.
Who Gets Preference?
SANParks states that preference will be given to participants or applicants from neighbouring communities and municipalities and people with disabilities.
The organisation also states that it is committed to the principles of employment equity.
This information is important for applicants because it explains how SANParks has described its recruitment considerations in the vacancy itself. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee that any particular applicant will be appointed.
SANParks also reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Documents Required for the Application
Applicants should prepare the required documents before submitting their applications.
SANParks asks candidates to provide:
- A detailed CV
- A certified copy of their ID
- A copy of their highest qualification
- Proof of residence
A detailed CV is particularly important for this vacancy because practical maintenance experience is one of the stated requirements.
Candidates should make their relevant experience easy to identify in the CV. For example, someone with experience in plumbing, electrical maintenance, carpentry, construction or general building maintenance should clearly describe those duties rather than simply listing the name of a previous employer.
How to Apply for the SANParks EPWP Opportunity
SANParks instructs interested candidates who meet the requirements to submit their applications with the required documentation to Marakele National Park Human Capital Management, for the attention of Ms. Colisile Nkosi.
Applications may be sent to:
Marakele National Park
Human Capital Management
Attention: Ms. Colisile Nkosi
PO Box 800
Thabazimbi
0380
SANParks also provides a telephone contact number of (014) 777 1625 and states that applications can alternatively be hand delivered to Marakele National Park.
Applicants should use the official SANParks vacancy notice for the current contact details and submission instructions before sending personal documents.
Closing Date for the SANParks EPWP Opportunity
The closing date is 7 October 2026.
Candidates should avoid waiting until the final day if they already have the required documents available. A complete application gives the recruitment team the information needed to consider whether the applicant meets the advertised requirements.
SANParks states that applicants who have not received a response within 14 days should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
Final Advice for Applicants
This SANParks EPWP opportunity is particularly relevant to candidates with practical maintenance experience who meet the Grade 12 requirement and are interested in working in a national park environment.
Before applying, check your CV against the actual vacancy requirements. Make sure your maintenance experience is clearly described, your qualification information is accurate and the required documents are included.
Candidates should also remember that this is a fixed-term EPWP opportunity, not a permanent SANParks appointment.
Most importantly, applicants should rely on the official SANParks vacancy information when checking the closing date, requirements and submission instructions. Job seekers should be cautious of websites or social-media posts that request payment, promise guaranteed employment or provide application instructions that differ from the official vacancy.
Official Vacancy Source
The vacancy is published by South African National Parks (SANParks) under its official vacancies section. The advertised opportunity is for four Skilled Environmental Monitors in the Technical Department at Marakele National Park, with a closing date of 7 October 2026.
Source checked: SANParks official vacancy listing. Information in this article should be verified against the official vacancy before applying, particularly if the recruitment status changes.
Karabo Ntswaki – Author of CareersFocus.co.za
Karabo Ntswaki is passionate about empowering South Africans with reliable, verified, and easily accessible information about careers and education. Through CareersFocus.co.za, Karabo’s mission is to support students, job seekers, and young professionals by providing accurate guidance on learnerships, internships, bursaries.
Her vision is to make CareersFocus.co.za the most trusted online source in South Africa for career and educational information, helping individuals overcome barriers, make informed decisions about professional goals. you can contact me at info@careersfocus.co.za or our website https://careersfocus.co.za/