SANParks Wildlife Capture Driver Job 2026: R158,697–R178,507/Year

South African National Parks (SANParks) is inviting applications for a Wildlife Capture Driver position at Kruger National Park. The successful candidate will join the Veterinary Wildlife Services (VWS) team.

The position offers an annual salary package between R158,697.35 and R178,507.06. Applicants need Matric, a Code EC driver’s licence and a valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).

Candidates must also have 3–5 years of relevant wildlife capture or conservation experience. The closing date for applications is 13 November 2026.

SANParks Wildlife Capture Driver Job 2026: Position Overview

The successful candidate will support wildlife capture, transportation and conservation operations. The position involves operating heavy vehicles and specialised equipment.

Here are the key vacancy details:

The successful applicant must reside at Kruger National Park. SANParks will provide official accommodation in Skukuza.

The employee may also assist Veterinary Wildlife Services in Kimberley. This support may involve operations at other national parks.

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Wildlife Capture Driver Job 2026: Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the essential requirements before submitting their applications. SANParks also lists several additional qualifications and skills as advantages.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must have the following:

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• A valid Code EC driver’s licence.
• A Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) for goods (G) and passengers (P).
• Three to five years of experience in wildlife capture or conservation.
• Specific experience assisting with wildlife capture operations.
• Knowledge of ethical wildlife capture and transportation practices.
• Understanding of animal welfare requirements and industry procedures.
• Knowledge of operating light delivery vehicles, heavy motor vehicles and tractors.
• Knowledge of securing different types of vehicle loads.
• Understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Knowledge of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) Act.
• Experience maintaining heavy equipment.
• Experience setting up wildlife capture bomas.
• Good English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Applicants must also demonstrate practical experience overseeing loading, transportation and offloading procedures.

They should identify operational risks and implement suitable safety measures. These measures must protect people, wildlife and equipment.

Additional Qualifications That Will Be an Advantage

SANParks identifies the following qualifications and experience as advantageous:

• An NQF Level 5 qualification in Nature Conservation, Wildlife Management, Animal Welfare or a related field.
• A valid Truck-Mounted Crane Certificate.
• An Overhead Crane Certificate.
• A Rigging and Slinging Certificate.
• A PrDP Category D for transporting dangerous goods.
• An Advanced Driving Certificate covering 4×4, 6×6 and articulated trucks.
• OHS/SHE Representative training.
• A First Aid Level 1 Certificate.

These additional qualifications could strengthen an application. However, applicants must still meet the essential requirements.

What Are the Responsibilities of a SANParks Wildlife Capture Driver?

The Wildlife Capture Driver will support daily veterinary wildlife operations. The role combines professional driving, animal handling and equipment maintenance.

The successful candidate will perform several duties.

1. Wildlife Capture and Transportation

The employee will assist with physical wildlife capture and restraint. They will also oversee the loading and transportation of animals.

Other responsibilities include:

• Loading and offloading wildlife from transportation crates.
• Assisting with wildlife weighing and handling.
• Supporting wildlife sales and translocation projects.
• Assisting with harvesting and research operations.
• Monitoring animal welfare during transportation.
• Reporting concerns about animals to the relevant supervisors.

2. Vehicle and Equipment Operations

The successful candidate will operate different vehicles and transportation equipment. These include:

• Light delivery vehicles (LDVs).
• Heavy motor vehicles (HMVs).
• Articulated trucks.
• Tractors and vehicles with trailers.
• Truck-mounted and overhead cranes.

The employee must prepare vehicles and equipment before operations. They will also transport capture equipment to operational sites.

3. Equipment Maintenance and Safety

The position includes regular inspections and maintenance responsibilities.

The employee must:

• Conduct daily and monthly vehicle inspections.
• Keep vehicles roadworthy and clean.
• Maintain vehicles, cranes and operational equipment.
• Clean and inspect wildlife transportation crates.
• Check equipment inventories against relevant checklists.
• Complete vehicle logbooks and inspection reports.
• Report equipment damage, malfunctions and safety hazards.

4. Additional Operational Support

The successful candidate may assist with other SANParks operations when required.

These duties include:

• Constructing and dismantling wildlife capture bomas.
• Setting up cage traps, nets and other capture equipment.
• Offloading and storing fodder and stock deliveries.
• Transporting essential goods and equipment.
• Assisting with wildlife care in holding facilities.
• Supporting fence maintenance and facility upgrades.
• Participating in workshop activities and site clearing.

The employee will also interact with internal and external stakeholders. This includes coordinating transportation and deliveries.

SANParks Wildlife Capture Driver Salary and Benefits

The Wildlife Capture Driver position offers an annual remuneration package between R158,697.35 and R178,507.06.

SANParks bases the total cost-to-employer package on the Paterson B5 job grade. The package includes applicable allowances and benefits.

These benefits follow the SANParks HR Tariff Document and Conditions of Service.

Additionally, successful candidates will receive official accommodation in Skukuza, Kruger National Park.

Applicants should review the official vacancy advertisement for further employment conditions.

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How to Apply for the SANParks Wildlife Capture Driver Job 2026

Interested candidates must complete the prescribed application process before the closing date.

SANParks requires applicants to complete an online form. They must also email their supporting documents to the recruitment contact.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form

Applicants must complete the official Microsoft Forms application.

Click here to complete the SANParks application form.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

Prepare the following supporting documents:

• A detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A cover letter.
• Certified copies of relevant qualifications.
• A certified copy of your South African ID.
• A certified copy of your driver’s licence.

Ensure that your ID certification is not older than three months.

Step 3: Email Your Application Documents

Send your supporting documents to the following recruitment contact:

Email: Cherity.Moloi@sanparks.org

Ensure that your application includes all the required documents. Incomplete applications may affect your consideration.

Closing Date: 13 November 2026

SANParks will not accept CVs submitted after the closing date. Applicants should therefore submit their documents before the deadline.

Employment Equity and Selection

SANParks is an equal opportunity employer. The organisation follows employment equity principles during recruitment.

Preference will be given to Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI) and Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA).

Qualifying candidates with disabilities will also receive preference.

However, SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About SANParks Jobs 2026