Apply for the SANParks Field Guiding Skills Programme 2026 at Addo Elephant National Park. Unemployed youth earn R2 695 per month.

South African National Parks (SANParks), the leading conservation authority managing over 3.7 million hectares across 20 national parks, invites applications from unemployed youth residing in communities adjacent to national parks to apply for the Field Guiding Skills Programme 2026 at Addo Elephant National Park.

This programme is offered in partnership with CATHSSETA and aims to equip young people with practical field guiding skills to support a career in conservation and eco-tourism.

Programme Overview

The Field Guiding Skills Programme runs for a 6-month training period with a monthly stipend, followed by a fixed-term contract of one (1) year. SANParks is under no obligation to offer permanent employment upon completion of the programme.

Location

Addo Elephant National Park
Eastern Cape

Programme Duration and Stipend

• Training Period: 6 Months
• Additional Contract: 12 Months (Fixed Term)
• Monthly Stipend: R2 695.00 per month

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Must reside within 1–100 km of Addo Elephant National Park
• Be under the age of 35
• Be a South African citizen
• Have a Grade 12 (Matric) qualification
• Have a clear criminal record
• Must not have participated in any previous SANParks skills programme, learnership, or internship
• Be physically fit

Important Training Requirement

Successful applicants must be willing to attend training away from their hometown for a period of at least four (4) months.
All training-related expenses will be covered by SANParks.

Employment Equity

SANParks is committed to the principles of Employment Equity.
Preference will be given to Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI) and Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA) in line with the organisation’s EE Plan.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the requirements must:

1. Complete the Field Guiding Skills Programme 2026/27 application form (via the official link or QR code), AND
2. Email all required supporting documents to:

addovacancies@sanparks.org

Required Documents

Applicants must submit certified copies of the following:

• Detailed CV
• South African ID document
• Matric / Grade 12 certificate
• Academic qualifications with academic transcripts (record)
• Proof of residence

Applications will only be considered complete once both the form and email documents have been submitted.

Reference Number

Use Reference: Field Guiding/2026
(Include this reference in your email subject line)

Closing Date

02 February 2026

If you do not receive feedback within 14 days after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Apply Now for the SANParks Field Guiding Skills Programme 2026

This is an excellent opportunity for young South Africans to gain hands-on conservation and field guiding experience at one of South Africa’s most iconic national parks.

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