TECHNICAL GENERAL WORKER CAREER OPPORTUNITY- KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SOUTH AFRICA ! Apply Now

Career Opportunity: Technical General Worker | Scientific Services

Location: Shingwedzi Research Camp, Kruger National Park
Position Type: Permanent
Paterson Grade: B1
Salary Range: R138,690.74 – R182,902.28 Per Annum
Closing Date: 24 April 2026

About SANParks & Scientific Services

South African National Parks (SANParks) protects and manages South Africa’s national parks for current and future generations. Scientific Services is the research arm of SANParks, providing the science that guides conservation decisions across all parks.

Shingwedzi Research Camp sits in the northern Kruger National Park. It’s a working base for ecologists, field technicians, and visiting scientists studying everything from elephant movement to river health. A clean, safe, functional camp means better science and better conservation outcomes.

What We Stand For at Shingwedzi

Conservation: Every path we clear and every tap we fix helps protect biodiversity.
Safety: Tools, wildlife, heat, and electricity demand discipline. We follow OHS, always.
Ownership: Remote camps run on people who see a job and do it without being chased.
Respect: For the park, for researchers, for teammates, and for the equipment we’re given.
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Role Purpose: Technical General Worker

You’re the practical support that keeps Shingwedzi Research Camp running. Your work is hands-on and visible: cutting grass, fixing minor faults, painting, cleaning, and making sure the camp is safe and presentable. You’ll work under the camp supervisor and alongside other staff to support the research teams who depend on this facility.

What Good Looks Like
The camp is neat every day, not just on inspection days. Small problems get fixed before they become big problems. Tools and vehicles are clean and ready. You follow safety rules without reminders and you’re trusted to work alone once shown what to do.

Key Responsibilities

Grounds & Landscaping

Maintain terrain and gardens around chalets, offices, labs, and communal areas
Operate brush cutters, lawnmowers, and hand tools to control grass, weeds, and firebreaks
Rake pathways, clear stormwater channels, and keep braai/assembly areas clean
Remove alien plants as identified by Scientific Services staff

Buildings & Infrastructure

Do routine general maintenance on camp buildings, fences, roads, and water systems
Complete minor electrical tasks within competency: replace bulbs, check plugs, secure loose fittings
Complete minor plumbing tasks within competency: change tap washers, clear basic blockages, fix small leaks
Complete minor welding and carpentry: repair gates, burglar bars, door handles, shelves, and broken furniture
Prep and paint: walls, doors, frames, signage, and equipment to keep the camp presentable

Cleaning & Camp Support

Daily cleaning of communal areas: sweep, remove rubbish, clean fireplaces and braai stands.
Assist the camp supervisor with accommodation cleaning when required.
Wash vehicles, machinery, and tools after use. Check oil, water, and tyres, and report faults.
Keep the tool storeroom, workshop, and equipment areas tidy, locked, and accounted for.

Safety & Reporting

Follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act and SANParks safety procedures at all times.
Wear PPE: safety boots, overalls, gloves, eye and ear protection when operating machines.
Identify hazards like broken fences, exposed wires, or water leaks and report them immediately.
Record major maintenance issues in the camp logbook and tell the supervisor the same day.
Provide basic first aid if qualified – First Aid Level 1 is an advantage.

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Logistics & Ad-Hoc Duties

Help collect supplies, groceries, or materials from Shingwedzi main camp when asked.
Assist with stock counts of tools, fuel, and consumables.
Support researchers with basic camp-related tasks as approved by the supervisor.
Perform any other reasonable ad-hoc duties assigned by the camp supervisor.

A Day in the Life at Shingwedzi

Morning: Sign in and PPE check. Walk the camp with a rubbish bag – clear litter, empty bins, check braais. Top up bird baths and sweep around the lapa.
Mid-Morning: Brush cutter duty on the western firebreak. Fuel up, check blade, work the section, watch for snakes, stay hydrated.
Late Morning: Supervisor calls about a dripping tap in Chalet 3. Isolate water, replace washer, test, and note it in the job card.
Afternoon: Paint the storeroom door. Scrape loose paint, sand, wipe, prime, and apply first coat. Pack up and clean brushes.
Late Afternoon: Wash the research bakkie. Check fluids and log mileage. Sweep the workshop, lock tools, and sign out. Report completed work and any new issues.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications & Tickets

Grade 12 Certificate (Matric) or equivalent – required.
Brush cutter certificate/competency – required.
Valid and functional driver’s licence – required.
First Aid Level 1 – advantageous.

Experience & Ability

1-2 years practical experience in a maintenance, grounds, or general worker role.
Comfortable using brush cutters, lawnmowers, drills, grinders, and hand tools.
Able to speak, read, and write English for instructions, safety briefings, and reports.
Basic literacy and numeracy for job cards, fuel logs, and stock counts.

Physical & Personal Fit

Physically fit: the job involves lifting, bending, digging, and standing for long periods.
Self-motivated and disciplined – you can work without someone watching you.
Good time management and reliability – the camp runs seven days a week.
Willing to work weekends and public holidays on a roster.
Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and why it matters.

Working Conditions
This is outdoor work in the Kruger National Park. Expect heat, rain, insects, and wildlife. You will be trained on wildlife safety, but you must follow rules and instructions at all times.

What You Can Expect in Your First Year

First Month: Induction, OHS training, wildlife safety briefing, and camp orientation. Learn the tool sign-out system and daily checklists.
Three Months: Run the daily grounds routine on your own. Complete minor repairs to standard on first attempt.
Six Months: Own the weekly maintenance checklist for one section of the camp. Start cross-training in welding or plumbing to expand your skills.
Twelve Months: Trusted to open or close the camp on weekends. Able to identify and fix common faults before they’re reported.

Remuneration & Benefits

Basic Salary: R138,690.74 – R182,902.28 per annum, aligned to Paterson B1 grade.
Benefits: Per SANParks Conditions of Service and HR Tariff Document – includes pension, medical aid options, leave, and applicable allowances for remote stations.
Environment: Live and work in Kruger National Park, contributing directly to conservation research.
Accommodation: Staff accommodation is subject to availability and SANParks policy – confirmed during recruitment.

How To Apply – Complete Both Steps

SANParks will only consider you if you complete both steps below.

Step One: Online Form
Fill in the official application form: https://forms.office.com/r/yf1C0QLKed?origin=lprLink

Step Two: Email Application
Send your CV and certified documents to celine.hendricks@sanparks.org
Email Subject Line: “TECHNICAL GENERAL WORKER- Shingwedzi”

Documents Required

Updated CV.
Certified copy of ID – certified within last 3 months.
Certified copy of Matric Certificate or equivalent.
Certified copy of valid Driver’s Licence.
Certified copy of Brush Cutter Certificate/Competency.
Certified copies of any other relevant certificates, e.g. First Aid Level 1.

Note: If you do not complete both the online form and the email, your application will not be considered.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Certify Everything: SAPS, Post Office, or Commissioner of Oaths. Must be within 3 months.
Show Your Hands: In your CV, list the tools you’ve used and jobs you’ve done – “replaced geyser element”, “welded gate frame”, “serviced brush cutter”.
Keep It Clear: Use simple English. Short sentences. No long paragraphs.
Be Honest: Only claim skills you can actually do. You’ll be tested on site.
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Employment Equity & Important Notes

SANParks is an equal opportunity employer. Appointments are made in line with Employment Equity. SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

By applying, you give SANParks permission to process your personal information for recruitment as required by POPIA.

Working in a National Park: Conduct & Safety

All staff follow SANParks rules: no feeding animals, no loud noise, no off-road driving, and no walking alone after dark unless on duty. You represent SANParks to researchers and visitors. Professional, sober, and respectful conduct is required at all times.