South African National Parks (SANParks) is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for a General Worker position within its Socio Economic Transformation Department at Marakele National Park in Limpopo.
The position is offered on a fixed-term employment basis and is based at the park’s nursery. The successful candidate will assist with nursery operations, gardening, landscaping and the maintenance of indigenous plants.
This opportunity is suitable for individuals with a Grade 12 qualification and practical experience in garden maintenance, landscaping or nursery work. Candidates should be physically fit, self-motivated and comfortable working outdoors.
The role offers a monthly salary ranging from R10,624.76 to R14,216.72, based on the Paterson A3 job grade.
SANParks has indicated that preference will be given to applicants from the local community. South African citizens will also receive priority, while qualifying candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applications close on 23 November 2026.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
What is the General Worker opportunity?
The General Worker position is based in the Socio Economic Transformation Department at the nursery in Marakele National Park.
The position exists to support the daily operations of the nursery, where plants are cultivated, maintained and prepared for landscaping and conservation projects within the park.
The successful employee will contribute to maintaining healthy indigenous plants, managing nursery resources and ensuring that the surrounding environment remains clean and properly maintained.
The role also supports SANParks’ broader conservation responsibilities by helping maintain indigenous vegetation and removing invasive alien plant species.
Why could this opportunity be valuable?
Working as a General Worker at SANParks could provide valuable practical experience in environmental management, horticulture, landscaping and conservation support.
Employees can develop transferable skills in:
- Nursery management and plant cultivation.
- Garden maintenance and landscaping.
- Identification and removal of invasive alien plants.
- Safe handling and maintenance of gardening equipment.
- Stock control and basic inventory management.
- Workplace health and safety practices.
- Environmental waste management and recycling.
This experience may be useful when pursuing future opportunities in national parks, botanical gardens, landscaping companies, environmental organisations, horticulture businesses and conservation projects.
Employers in these industries value workers who understand plant care, outdoor maintenance, equipment safety and environmental protection.
Quick Overview
Item Details Opportunity General Worker Company South African National Parks (SANParks) Location Marakele National Park, Limpopo Closing Date 23 November 2026 Salary/Stipend R10,624.76 – R14,216.72 per month Employment Type Fixed Term Industry Conservation and Environmental Management Target Group Qualified candidates, with preference for the local community Application Method Email
What will successful candidates do?
The successful candidate will assist with the daily running and maintenance of the nursery at Marakele National Park. This includes looking after plants, maintaining nursery facilities and ensuring that gardening activities are completed according to the required standards.
The employee will also support landscaping and conservation projects by preparing plants for use around park camps and other designated areas. Proper plant care and the removal of invasive alien species will form an important part of the work.
In addition, the General Worker will help maintain gardening equipment, manage nursery supplies and follow workplace health and safety procedures.
Main responsibilities include:
- Planting trees, vegetables, indigenous plants and herbs according to approved layouts.
- Watering plants, shrubs and lawns using appropriate watering equipment.
- Monitoring irrigation systems and reporting any problems.
- Ensuring that only indigenous plants are cultivated in the nursery.
- Identifying and removing invasive alien plant species.
- Potting, transplanting, labelling and organising nursery plants.
- Maintaining nursery shade nets, benches and irrigation lines.
- Assisting with stocktaking and keeping records of nursery tools and plants.
- Preparing plants for landscaping and conservation projects.
- Cleaning and maintaining gardening equipment, including mowers, brush cutters and chainsaws.
- Reporting damaged infrastructure and maintenance issues to supervisors.
- Supporting waste management and recycling activities.
- Following Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
- Performing additional duties assigned by the supervisor or line manager.
Who should apply?
This opportunity is suitable for individuals who have an interest in gardening, plant cultivation, landscaping and environmental conservation.
Candidates with previous practical experience working in nurseries, gardens, landscaping environments or similar outdoor settings may be well suited to the position.
Applicants should be physically capable of performing manual work and comfortable working outdoors in different weather conditions.
The ideal candidate should also be responsible, disciplined, self-motivated and able to work independently while following instructions from supervisors.
Individuals with knowledge of indigenous plants, invasive alien species, gardening equipment and workplace safety practices will find their experience relevant to the position.
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
- Grade 12 certificate (Matric) or an equivalent qualification.
- At least 1 to 2 years or more of practical experience in garden maintenance, landscaping or nursery work.
- Ability to work outdoors under changing weather conditions.
- Ability to perform physical labour for extended periods.
- Understanding of plant care, watering and pruning.
- Knowledge of indigenous and alien plant species removal.
- Knowledge of tool handling, maintenance and the safe operation of garden machinery.
- Self-motivated, responsible and disciplined.
- Ability to manage time effectively.
- Willingness to work weekends and public holidays.
- Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Salary or Stipend
The General Worker position offers a monthly salary ranging from:
Monthly salary
R10,624.76 – R14,216.72
Paterson A3 job grade
The advertisement confirms that remuneration is based on the Paterson A3 job grade.
No additional employee benefits were listed in the advert.
Important Working Conditions
Applicants should take note of the following working conditions:
- The position is based at the nursery in Marakele National Park.
- The appointment is on a fixed-term basis.
- The work involves outdoor activities and physical labour.
- Employees must be prepared to work in changing weather conditions.
- Weekend and public holiday work may be required.
- The role involves handling and maintaining gardening machinery and tools.
- Employees must comply with Occupational Health and Safety practices.
SANParks has also indicated that preference will be given to candidates from the local community.
South African citizens will receive priority unless otherwise specified. Qualifying candidates with disabilities will also receive preference.
Insider Tip
Insider Tip: When applying for this position, make sure your CV clearly highlights any practical experience in gardening, landscaping, plant maintenance or nursery operations. Include examples of equipment you have used, such as lawnmowers, brush cutters or irrigation systems. If you have experience working with indigenous plants or removing invasive alien species, make this easy for the recruitment team to identify. Keep your CV clear, professional and relevant to the duties of a General Worker.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the requirements must submit their applications by email to SANParks.
Application details:
Employer: South African National Parks (SANParks)
Attention: Colisile Nkosi
Department: Marakele National Park
Email address:
MarakeleVacancies@sanparks.org
Copy
Email subject line:
General Worker – Socio Economic Transformation
Copy
Postal address:
Colisile Nkosi
Marakele National Park
P.O. Box 800
Thabazimbi
0380
Telephone: 014 777 6929
Closing date: 23 November 2026
Documents required:
Applicants must include the following documents with their applications:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of qualifications.
- Certified copy of South African ID.
Before sending your application, check that all required documents are attached and that your email has the correct subject line.
Applicants should submit their applications before the closing date to avoid missing the opportunity.
Final Thoughts
The SANParks General Worker vacancy is worth considering for individuals with Matric and practical experience in gardening, landscaping or nursery operations. It offers an opportunity to gain experience in a national park environment while contributing to plant maintenance and conservation activities.
Candidates from the Marakele local community are particularly encouraged to apply, as SANParks has indicated that preference will be given to local applicants.
Remember that applications close on 23 November 2026. Prepare your CV and supporting documents early to ensure your application is submitted on time.
Applicants who meet the requirements should submit their application before the closing date.