Introduction
South African National Parks (SANParks) is offering exciting employment opportunities for hardworking and motivated individuals seeking careers within South Africa’s tourism and conservation sectors. Two General Worker vacancies are currently available at some of the country’s most iconic natural destinations: Golden Gate Highlands National Park and Addo Elephant National Park.
These positions provide candidates with the opportunity to work in unique natural environments while contributing to conservation, tourism excellence, environmental sustainability, and visitor satisfaction. Whether assisting with hospitality services or supporting conservation and maintenance operations, successful applicants will play an important role in maintaining world-class national parks that attract both local and international visitors.
If you are passionate about nature, enjoy practical hands-on work, and want to build a stable career within a respected government organisation, these opportunities may be ideal for you.
About SANParks
South African National Parks (SANParks) is responsible for managing and preserving South Africa’s national parks system. The organisation protects biodiversity, promotes conservation awareness, and supports sustainable tourism that benefits communities and the national economy.
SANParks manages numerous protected areas across the country, each offering unique landscapes, wildlife experiences, and cultural heritage sites. Employees within SANParks contribute directly to environmental protection while ensuring visitors experience safe, clean, and well-maintained facilities.
Working for SANParks means becoming part of a mission-driven organisation focused on conservation excellence, responsible tourism, and community development.
Vacancy 1: Hotel General Worker Attendant
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Position Overview
A vacancy currently exists for a Hotel General Worker Attendant at Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in hotel’s public areas and guest facilities.
The role is based at the Hotel and Chalets division and reports directly to the Housekeeping Supervisor. This position plays a key role in ensuring visitors enjoy a clean, welcoming, and comfortable environment during their stay.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park is well known for its breathtaking sandstone cliffs, scenic landscapes, and peaceful natural surroundings, making hospitality services essential to guest satisfaction.
Key Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
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Grade 12 (Matric) qualification.
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Between 1 and 2 years of practical experience in a general worker or hospitality environment.
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Good verbal and written communication skills.
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Basic customer service understanding to interact professionally with guests.
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Knowledge of first aid principles and safe working procedures.
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Strong hygiene awareness and cleaning skills.
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Understanding of tourism standards and service expectations.
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Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
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Knowledge of SANParks policies, safety regulations, and code of conduct.
Added Advantages
Candidates with the following experience may have an advantage:
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Room attendant or housekeeping experience.
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Hospitality industry exposure.
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Tourism service knowledge.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Hotel General Worker Attendant will perform a variety of cleaning, maintenance, and support duties.
Cleaning and Housekeeping Responsibilities
The successful candidate will ensure that all public areas remain clean and presentable at all times. Duties include:
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Routine and deep cleaning of reception areas and lobbies.
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Maintaining corridors, lounges, and elevators.
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Cleaning restrooms and conference facilities.
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Ensuring guest-accessible areas meet prescribed standards.
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Following cleaning schedules and workflow charts.
Maintaining cleanliness directly contributes to positive guest experiences and the park’s reputation.
Shift Handover and Communication
Employees must provide clear communication between shifts by:
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Reporting completed tasks.
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Noting outstanding duties.
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Informing colleagues about maintenance issues or special requirements.
Effective handovers ensure operational continuity.
Maintenance Reporting
The General Worker Attendant will:
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Identify technical or maintenance problems.
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Report faults promptly to management.
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Perform minor maintenance tasks when required.
Lost Property Management
Any lost or forgotten items discovered must be:
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Recorded properly.
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Handed to housekeeping management.
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Managed according to organisational procedures.
Equipment and Chemical Usage
Workers must:
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Operate cleaning equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
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Use cleaning chemicals safely and responsibly.
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Follow hygiene and safety standards strictly.
Inventory and Supply Support
Responsibilities include:
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Monitoring stock levels.
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Assisting with supply collection.
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Ensuring sufficient stock availability in guest units.
Additional Duties
The role also involves:
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Assisting room attendants in hotels and chalets.
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Completing daily work schedules.
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Performing ad hoc tasks assigned by supervisors.
Working Conditions and Benefits
The remuneration package includes:
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Basic salary aligned with Paterson Grade A3.
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Allowances and employment benefits as outlined in SANParks HR policies.
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Accommodation is provided within the park.
Living within the park offers employees a unique lifestyle surrounded by nature.
Vacancy 2: General Worker – Conservation Department
Addo Elephant National Park
Position Overview
SANParks is also recruiting a General Worker within the Conservation Department at Addo Elephant National Park. This position reports to the relevant Sergeant Ranger and focuses on environmental maintenance, infrastructure support, and conservation activities.
Unlike the Golden Gate position, successful candidates must arrange their own accommodation and transport.
Addo Elephant National Park is one of South Africa’s premier wildlife reserves, known for elephant conservation and biodiversity protection.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
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Grade 12 or equivalent qualification.
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Valid driver’s licence.
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1–2 years of general worker experience.
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Basic Occupational Health and Safety knowledge.
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Good communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to work in a team environment.
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Strong numeracy skills.
Additional Advantageous Skills
Preference may be given to candidates with:
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Chainsaw or brush cutter competency.
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Landscaping training.
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Experience operating machinery or maintenance equipment.
Core Responsibilities
General Cleaning and Grounds Maintenance
The successful candidate will maintain cleanliness across conservation areas by:
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Removing rubbish.
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Cleaning picnic areas and public facilities.
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Maintaining toilets and office surroundings.
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Performing terrain and gardening work.
Infrastructure Maintenance Support
General Workers assist with maintenance tasks such as:
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Water systems and reservoirs.
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Boardwalks and drainage systems.
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Pumps and infrastructure repairs.
Technical Maintenance Duties
Within their skill level, workers may assist with:
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Painting.
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Plumbing.
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Electrical tasks.
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Carpentry and welding work.
Manual Labour and Infrastructure Support
Tasks include:
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Maintaining fences, roads, and trails.
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Supporting building maintenance.
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Conducting routine inspections.
Conservation Activities
A unique aspect of this role is direct involvement in conservation efforts, including:
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Assisting with wildlife monitoring.
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Supporting game capture operations.
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Participating in land rehabilitation projects.
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Alien vegetation control.
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Soil erosion prevention initiatives.
Fire Management and Emergency Response
Employees may assist in:
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Fire prevention activities.
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Emergency response operations.
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Environmental protection efforts during incidents.
Occupational Health and Safety Compliance
Workers must maintain high safety standards by:
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Following OHS procedures.
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Conducting daily inspections.
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Reporting hazards immediately.
Equipment Maintenance
Responsibilities include:
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Cleaning tools and machinery.
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Reporting equipment faults.
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Maintaining operational readiness.
Remuneration
The position offers:
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Salary aligned with Paterson Grade A3.
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Applicable allowances and benefits according to SANParks employment conditions.
Application Process
Golden Gate Highlands National Park Application
Applicants must submit:
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Detailed CV.
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Cover letter.
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Certified copies of ID and qualifications (not older than 3 months).
Submission Options
Email:
relebohile.mofokeng@sanparks.org
Postal Address:
Human Resources
Golden Gate National Park
Private Bag X3
Clarens
9707
Hand Delivery:
HR Offices at Golden Gate Highlands National Park
(08:00 – 15:30)
Subject line must state: General Worker (Tourism)
Accommodation is provided inside the park.
Addo Elephant National Park Application
Applicants must complete the following steps:
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Use reference number: AENP/A082
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Complete the online application form.
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Submit supporting documents.
Required Documents
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CV
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Cover letter
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Certified ID copy
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Driver’s licence
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Relevant qualifications
Email submissions:
addovacancies@sanparks.org
Late applications will not be accepted.
Why Work for SANParks?
Working for SANParks offers more than employment — it provides meaningful work that contributes to environmental conservation and national heritage preservation.
Key Benefits
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Stable government employment.
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Opportunities for skills development.
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Exposure to tourism and conservation industries.
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Work in world-renowned natural environments.
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Contribution to wildlife protection and sustainability.
Skills You Will Develop
Employees gain practical experience in:
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Hospitality operations
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Environmental conservation
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Maintenance and infrastructure support
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Occupational safety practices
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Team collaboration
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Customer service
These transferable skills open doors to long-term career opportunities.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Successful candidates are likely to be:
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Physically fit and hardworking.
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Responsible and dependable.
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Passionate about nature and conservation.
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Team-oriented.
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Safety-conscious.
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Willing to learn new skills.
Closing Date
Applications close in March 2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as positions may be filled quickly.
These General Worker opportunities at Golden Gate Highlands National Park and Addo Elephant National Park represent excellent entry points into South Africa’s tourism and conservation sectors. Whether supporting hospitality services or assisting with environmental preservation, successful applicants will contribute to maintaining the beauty and functionality of South Africa’s national parks.
If you are eager to work in a natural environment, gain valuable experience, and become part of a respected organisation committed to conservation excellence, now is the time to apply.
Take the next step toward a meaningful and rewarding career with SANParks today.