Practitioner: Learning and Development (Conservation)

In brief

**Overview** The South African National Parks (SANParks) is seeking a Practitioner: Learning and Development (Conservation). This park-based position, located in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, reports to the Manager: Learning and Development: KNP. The role requires the individual to be in possession of SANParks firearms and ammunition, and involves transportation. The primary purpose is to develop and implement firearm qualification shoots and training programs for SANParks personnel, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and enhancing firearm handling and shooting skills. Additionally, the role involves designing, implementing, and monitoring broader conservation skills development programs for employees and community stakeholders, aligning with SANParks’ strategic objectives in biodiversity conservation, ecological management, and sustainable resource use. **What you will do** * Develop and implement conservation knowledge and training plans. * Facilitate technical training in areas such as handling of firearm, safety with firearms, shooting, and guide/ranger training. * Coordinate learnerships, internships, and workplace-based training programs in conservation disciplines. * Monitor and evaluate training impact and report on skills development outcomes. * Collaborate with internal departments, SETAs, and external partners to secure funding and accreditation for programs. * Ensure compliance with relevant legislation (e.g., Skills Development Act, NQF, Firearms Control Act) and SANParks policies. * Maintain accurate records of training interventions and learner progress. * Promote transformation and employment equity through targeted skills development initiatives. * Identify the need and develop new firearm handling, safety measures, training to shoot, and qualification in departments where this may be lacking. * Keep up to date with new policies, procedures, regulations, and regulatory bodies regarding firearms, proficiencies, and qualifications. * Develop internal firearm qualification shoots for all SANParks personnel issued with a firearm. * Identify firearm handling and shooting skill shortages and provide training programs to enhance and improve these skills to ensure compliance with relevant qualification shoots. * Implement a system to ensure that all personnel have the correct firearm proficiencies, SAPS competencies, and other compliant shoots (like regulation 79) up to date to ensure compliance with the firearm act. * Design, implement, and monitor conservation skills development programs that enhance the capacity of SANParks employees and community stakeholders in biodiversity conservation, ecological management, and sustainable resource use. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * **Qualification:** * Grade 12 * NQF Level 6 or higher in conservation related qualifications * SAPS competency for Handgun, Shotgun, manually operated Rifle and Self-loading Rifle * Range Officer registered with PFTC * Viewing Potentially Dangerous Animals VPDA certificate/qualification * **Experience:** * 3–5 years in conservation activities, training, skills development, or capacity-building programs * Familiarity and required expertise and skills for working with handguns, shotguns, manual-loading rifles, and self-loading rifles, operating them safely in a big five environment * Minimum of 3 years’ experience conducting firearm shoot qualifications on a range as a range officer * Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a walking guide in dangerous game areas * Basic fault identification in malfunctioning firearms and ammunition * Experience in developing and drafting conservation training modules and standards for handguns, shotguns, manual-loading & self-loading rifles * **Other:** * Valid driver’s license Code B * Willingness to travel and work flexible hours * **Requirements that will be an added advantage:** * PFTC Accredited firearms training instructor and assessor * An Environmental Management Inspectorate EMI qualification * Assessor for: NQF 2 — guiding qualification and VPDA View potentially dangerous animals for guides, game guards and field rangers * A registered Assessor and Facilitator **Who should apply** This role is suitable for individuals with a strong background in conservation, training, and skills development, particularly with expertise in firearm handling, safety, and qualification within a conservation context. The ideal candidate will have practical experience as a range officer and walking guide in dangerous game areas, along with a comprehensive understanding of firearm regulations and conservation skills development. They should be proficient in developing and delivering training programs, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, and capable of working in a park-based 'big five' environment in possession of firearms. **Deadline** 30 October 2026 **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/practitioner-learning-and-development-conservation-south-african-national-parks-sanparks Source: myjobmag

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At a glance

• At least 3 years of experience.

• Driver's licence

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