SANParks General Worker Jobs 2025 – Golden Gate Highlands National Park (Gladstone Stables)

The South African National Parks (SANParks) is proud to announce exciting employment opportunities for motivated and qualified candidates to join its Conservation Department at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, specifically within the Gladstone Stables section.

SANParks, as the custodian of South Africa’s protected areas, is committed to environmental stewardship, conservation, and providing meaningful career opportunities that contribute to sustainable development and the preservation of natural heritage.

This announcement is aimed at individuals who are physically fit, passionate about wildlife and conservation, and equipped with the skills necessary to perform duties in a challenging but rewarding environment.

The positions are two (2) General Worker vacancies, offering the successful applicants the opportunity to work in a dynamic and professional team dedicated to maintaining the park’s unique ecosystems.

About SANParks and Golden Gate Highlands National Park

South African National Parks (SANParks) is a world-renowned organisation responsible for managing South Africa’s network of protected areas. Its mandate is to conserve biodiversity, promote environmental education, and provide sustainable tourism experiences while ensuring that communities benefit from the economic opportunities generated by the parks.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park, located in the scenic Free State province, is one of SANParks’ premier parks, known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, rich biodiversity, and historical significance. The Gladstone Stables section is integral to the park’s operations, including horse riding, visitor experiences, and conservation support activities.

Working at the stables provides staff with the chance to engage in hands-on conservation work, manage animal welfare, and contribute to the maintenance of park infrastructure.

Available Positions: General Worker x2 – Gladstone Stables

• Paterson Grade: A3
• Location: Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Gladstone Section
• Vacancies: 2 Positions
• Closing Date: 10 December 2025

The successful candidates will report directly to the Field Ranger Corporal at the stables and will be expected to support a variety of daily tasks essential for the smooth functioning of the conservation and stable operations.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the role:

• Educational Qualification:

• Grade 12 certificate (Std 10) or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
• Language Proficiency:

• Proficiency in English (spoken, read, and written) is required. Knowledge of additional languages is advantageous.
• Physical Fitness:

• Must be physically fit to perform tasks including horse riding, manual labor, maintenance work, and field operations. A fitness test will be conducted during the selection process.
• Relevant Skills:

• Experience in stable management, horse riding, and saddling horses.
• Competency in using chainsaws and brushcutters (certificates or proof of competency required).

Added Advantages

Candidates with the following additional qualifications or experience will be given preference:

• Exposure to nature conservation work, including wildfire suppression, prescribed burns, and firebreak maintenance.
• Basic Firefighting Certificate.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.
• Basic First Aid Certificate.
• Understanding of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and standards in conservation management.

Key Responsibilities

As a General Worker at Gladstone Stables, your daily tasks will include, but are not limited to:

Horse Care and Stable Management

• Assist in identifying and reporting horse-related ailments to the Stable Supervisors or Horse Handlers.
• Support horse vaccinations, feeding, grooming, and medical care as needed.
• Maintain riding equipment including saddles, bridles, and other tack.
• Assist staff with visitor outrides, ensuring safety and quality experiences.

Conservation and Terrain Maintenance

• Perform general maintenance of terrain, gardens, and paddocks.
• Clear grass, weeds, and brush around stables and offices.
• Assist in erecting and maintaining fences and other infrastructure.
• Conduct invasive plant control, soil erosion prevention, and wildfire suppression tasks.
• Participate in prescribed burns and the preparation of firebreaks.

Infrastructure and Equipment Maintenance

• Support maintenance and cleaning of stables, offices, hiking trails, and signage.
• Report broken or malfunctioning equipment.
• Ensure high standards of occupational health and safety practices are followed.

Administrative and Reporting Duties

• Record daily work performed, incidents, or maintenance requirements.
• Collaborate with team members and management to improve operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all activities for internal reporting and compliance purposes.

Required Skills and Competencies

Applicants should demonstrate a combination of technical, physical, and soft skills, including:

Technical Skills
• Chainsaw and brushcutter operation.
• Horse riding and stable management.
• Basic firefighting and first aid knowledge.
• Knowledge of OHS and conservation-related protocols.

Soft Skills
• Strong communication skills, including English proficiency.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• High attention to detail and reliability.
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays, and extended hours as required.
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities in dynamic environments.

Benefits and Remuneration

• Salary: As per Paterson Grade A3 salary scale.
• Accommodation: Official accommodation provided within the park.
• Work Environment: Opportunity to work in a world-class conservation area, hands-on experience in wildlife management, and engagement with community initiatives.
• Career Development: Potential for internal SANParks training, skills development, and career progression.

Application Process

SANParks has designed a structured application process to ensure fairness, compliance, and alignment with its recruitment standards. The process is detailed below:

Step 1: Review Eligibility
Before applying, verify that you meet all minimum requirements and possess the relevant competencies. Ensure your documentation is complete and current.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) including all relevant experience.
• Cover letter highlighting your interest in the role, key competencies, and career goals.
• Certified copies of all qualifications and competency certificates (Chainsaw, Brushcutter, First Aid, Firefighting, etc.).
• Certified copy of ID.
• Letters of reference or proof of relevant experience (if available).

Step 3: Submit Application
Applications can be submitted via email, hand delivery, or postal mail:
Email:
• Send all documents to: Hamilton.Shirindza@sanparks.org
• Use subject line: “General Worker – Gladstone Stables”

Hand Delivery:
• HR offices at Golden Gate Highlands National Park, 08:00 – 15:30.
Postal Mail:
South African National Parks
Attention: Hamilton Shirindza
Private Bag X3
Clarens
9707

• Envelope must clearly state: “General Worker – Gladstone Stables”

Step 4: Screening and Shortlisting
• Applications will be screened for eligibility, qualifications, experience, and competency alignment.
• Only candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be shortlisted.

Step 5: Fitness and Competency Assessments
• Shortlisted applicants may undergo a fitness test and competency evaluation for chainsaw, brushcutter, and horse riding abilities.

Step 6: Interviews
• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by SANParks HR and the Field Ranger Corporal.
• Interviews may include scenario-based questions on conservation management, emergency response, and stable operations.

Step 7: Reference Checks
• Employment reference checks will be conducted to validate experience and performance.

Step 8: Appointment and Reporting
• Successful applicants will be notified and provided with reporting instructions, accommodation details, and orientation schedules.
• Orientation includes training on SANParks policies, safety, conservation practices, and stable management.

Step 9: Compliance and Confidentiality
• All applicants must adhere to SANParks’ confidentiality and compliance policies throughout the application process.
• Personal information will be handled with strict confidentiality and used solely for recruitment purposes.

Contact Information

For enquiries regarding the application process or the position itself:

HR Contact: Hamilton Shirindza
• Email: Hamilton.Shirindza@sanparks.org
Telephone Contacts:
• Mr Lukheli TV – 081 535 3675
• Mr Ramaru TE – 067 873 7345
• Mr Molope KS – 081 660 3991
• Ms Mmowa LS – 081 532 6059
• Ms Phasiwe N – 081 550 2664
• Ms Maupi MJ – 081 530 8921
Candidates are encouraged to reach out during office hours for clarification.

Final Notes

• The closing date for applications is 10 December 2025.
• Only complete applications will be considered.
• Applicants must be physically fit, willing to work flexible hours, and prepared to engage in conservation activities, stable management, and infrastructure maintenance.
• This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s conservation efforts while gaining valuable practical experience in a world-class protected area.

Other Opportunities 

• Apply for customer service centre agents x38 at SANRAL 

• Apply for cleaners x68 at Department of Education 

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