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Specialist: Wildlife Capture Driver

A vacancy currently exists for a Specialist Wildlife Capture Driver within Veterinary Wildlife Services (VWS), Kruger National Park (KNP).

The successful candidate will be based at Kruger National Park and will be required to reside on site. The incumbent may also be required to assist VWS: Kimberley on an ad hoc basis at other national parks.

 

Location

Kruger National Park

Requirements

  • Grade 12 (Matric).
  • Code EC driver’s licence.
  • Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) authorising the transportation of goods (G) and passengers (P).
  • 3–5 years’ experience in the wildlife capture or conservation industry, specifically assisting with wildlife capture operations.
  • An NQF Level 5 qualification in Nature Conservation, Wildlife Management, Animal Welfare or a relevant field would be an advantage.
  • A valid Truck-Mounted and Overhead Crane Certificate and/or Rigging and Slinging Certificate would be an advantage.
  • A PrDP Category D (conveyance of dangerous goods by road) would be an advantage.
  • Knowledge of ethical, safe and effective wildlife capture, transportation and holding practices, as well as wildlife industry standard operating procedures and animal welfare requirements.
  • Knowledge of the safe operation of LDVs, HMVs and tractors, as well as heavy lifting equipment, including truck-mounted and overhead cranes.
  • Knowledge of the correct methods for securing various types of loads on vehicles.
  • An Advanced Driving Certificate (4×4, 6×6 and articulated trucks) would be an advantage.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) Act.
  • OHS/SHE Representative training and/or a First Aid Level 1 Certificate would be an advantage.
  • Experience in performing maintenance tasks on heavy equipment.
  • Experience in setting up capture bomas.
  • Ability to oversee loading, transportation and offloading procedures and direct team members assisting with these tasks.
  • Ability to identify potential risks to people, animals and equipment and implement appropriate remedial measures to prevent injuries or equipment damage.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, as a minimum requirement.

Responsibilities

  • Drive light delivery vehicles (LDVs), articulated heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), tractors and vehicles with trailers, as required.
  • Transport animals, goods and people in compliance with applicable legislation and standard operating procedures.
  • Assist with the physical capture and restraint of wildlife.
  • Manage the loading, transportation and offloading of animals and goods.
  • Monitor and report any perceived concerns relating to the welfare of wildlife being transported.
  • Assist with the handling, loading, weighing and transportation of wildlife during wildlife sales, translocation projects, harvesting operations and research projects implemented by the department.
  • Assist with the offloading and storage of fodder and other stock deliveries.
  • Perform ad hoc loading and transportation duties as required in support of SANParks operations, including the transportation of essential goods and equipment (e.g. generators, containers and civil construction materials), waste and recyclable materials, and people.
  • Prepare vehicles and associated equipment for operations, transport capture equipment to operational sites, and assist with the construction and dismantling of capture bomas and the setting up of cage traps, nets and other equipment.
  • Load and offload wildlife into and from crates and other transportation units.
  • Clean and inspect transportation crates and capture equipment and verify the equipment inventory against the relevant checklist.
  • Ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and clean, and perform maintenance tasks on vehicles, cranes, equipment and facilities managed by the department.
  • Monitor and report any vehicle or equipment damage, malfunctions or safety hazards to supervisors.
  • Conduct routine daily and monthly vehicle inspections and complete the relevant logbooks and inspection reports.
  • Interact with clients and stakeholders, both internal and external, regarding transportation and deliveries.
  • When required, assist with other operational tasks, including the care of wildlife in holding facilities, facility maintenance and upgrades (e.g. fence maintenance), workshop activities and site clearing (e.g. the removal of fallen trees).

Please Note

Remuneration and Benefits:

The total cost-to-employer remuneration package will be based on the salary scale for the Paterson B5 job grade, with allowances and benefits as specified in the SANParks HR Tariff Document and Conditions of Service.

Official accommodation will be provided in Skukuza, Kruger National Park.

SANParks is committed to the principles of employment equity. Preference will be given to Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI) / Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA). Preference will be given to qualifying candidates with disabilities.

SANParks is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Salary

R158 697.35-R178 507.06 Annual Package

How To Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should forward their applications accompanied by the required documentation listed below to the following:

Documents Required

A cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of qualification(s), and Identity Document (certified within 3 three-month period) to the following address:

 

Application will only be completed when you have completed the below steps:

  1. Complete the link below:

Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/u6bX4N8Kqz

  1. Accompanied by a Cover letter, CV, Certified copies of ID, Driver’s License, and relevant qualifications to:

Email: [email protected]

 

No CV’s will be accepted after closing date

Closing Date

13 November 2026