Are you a young person between the ages of 18 and 35, passionate about environmental sustainability and looking to gain hands-on work experience? Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), is offering exciting work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). This initiative not only creates job opportunities but also fosters skill development for young individuals interested in fields related to environmental management, conservation, and education.
What is the EPWP Youth Graduate Work Programme?
The Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo EPWP Youth Graduate Work Opportunities are designed to provide temporary work placements for youth in various environmental fields. This four-month programme offers daily stipends of R247,50 while participants gain practical experience in a range of environmental sectors. The positions available are spread across different departments within the Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo and the City of Johannesburg’s Environmental Services.
Key Details:
- Duration: 4 months
- Daily Stipend: R247.50
- Closing Date for Applications: 27 June 2025 (online applications only)
- Minimum Entry Requirements:
- M+3 (Matric plus 3 years of study) or Diploma (NQF Level 6).
- Youth between 18 – 35 years of age are eligible to apply, with people with disabilities encouraged to apply.
- The required documents include an application letter, curriculum vitae (CV), certified copies of qualifications, and proof of residence in the City of Johannesburg.
Fields of Study and Available Positions:
The programme offers 125 work opportunities in total, distributed across various roles within the departments of Johannesburg Zoo, Environmental Education, Protected Areas, Ecological Services, Nursery Management, and more.
Available Positions:
- Johannesburg Zoo:
- Animal Attendant (15 positions)
- Field of Study Required: Environmental Management/Conservation Management.
- Roles & Responsibilities: Cleaning animal enclosures, feeding animals, monitoring animal behavior, and environmental education and awareness.
- Environmental Education (All City Regions):
- Environmental Educator (16 positions)
- Field of Study Required: Environmental Management/Environmental Science/Environmental Education.
- Roles & Responsibilities: Educating and raising awareness about environmental issues, planning educational events, and conducting outreach campaigns to schools and communities.
- Protected Areas (All Regions):
- Nature Conservator/Park Ranger (65 positions)
- Field of Study Required: Environmental Management/Conservation Management.
- Roles & Responsibilities: Conservation maintenance including alien plant control, trail maintenance, wildlife management, and law enforcement compliance.
- Ecological Services:
- Water Monitor/Climate Change Ambassador/Nature Conservator (13 positions)
- Field of Study Required: Environmental Management/Conservation Management/Hydrology.
- Roles & Responsibilities: Managing catchment areas, botanical gardens, and nature reserves, assessing environmental conditions, and promoting sustainable practices.
- Nursery Management:
- Forestry Monitor/Occupational Health Officer (14 positions)
- Field of Study Required: Occupational Health and Safety/Environmental Management.
- Roles & Responsibilities: Assisting with tree census, managing nursery safety issues, and supporting tree planting services across Johannesburg.
- Capital Infrastructure:
- Project Management Officer (2 positions)
- Field of Study Required: Environmental Management/Science.
- Roles & Responsibilities: Scoping and assessing development projects, along with general project and environmental management.
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How to Apply
To apply for one of these exciting EPWP Youth Graduate Work Opportunities, interested individuals should send an email to EPWPYouthProgramme@jhbcityparks.com with the relevant reference number in the subject line. Each available position has a unique reference number, so applicants must make sure to reference the correct one based on the job they are applying for.
Positions and Reference Numbers:
- Animal Attendant/Nature Conservator/Park Ranger/Water Monitor/Climate Change Ambassador/Ecologist: Ref: conservationistepwp
- Project Management Officer/Water Monitor/Ecologist: Ref: environmentalistepwp
- Environmental Educator: Ref: enviroeducationepwp
- Occupational Health Officer: Ref: safetyepwp
- Forest Monitor: Ref: foresterepwp
- Ecologist/Water Monitor: Ref: hydrologistepwp
- Horticulturist: Ref: horticulturistepwp
Enquiries can be directed to Sinah Magolo at 079 8981 761 or via email at smagolo@jhbcityparks.com for more information.
The Benefits of Participating in the EPWP Programme:
- Professional Development: Participants gain valuable work experience in the field of environmental management, which enhances their resumes and opens doors for future career opportunities.
- Skill Building: The programme allows young individuals to build skills in a variety of areas, including conservation, education, project management, and environmental science.
- Community Impact: By participating, you contribute to the sustainability and improvement of Johannesburg’s parks, reserves, and ecological services, benefiting both the environment and the local community.
- Stipend: Participants receive a daily stipend, providing financial support during the four-month duration of the programme.
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The Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo EPWP Youth Graduate Work Opportunities are an excellent way for young South Africans to gain hands-on experience in environmental management and conservation. With 125 positions available, this initiative provides a chance to not only earn a stipend but also gain skills and knowledge that will serve participants well in future careers. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the environment and want to kickstart your career, don’t miss out on this opportunity to apply.
Remember to apply by 27 June 2025 and use the correct reference number when submitting your application!