Organisation: Addo Elephant National Park (AENP)
Section: Matyholweni Section
Position: General Worker
Reporting Line: Duty Manager
Paterson Job Grade: A3
Location: Addo Elephant National Park, Matyholweni Section, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Job Overview
A vacancy currently exists for a suitably qualified, hardworking, reliable, and motivated individual to fill the position of General Worker at Addo Elephant National Park (AENP), Matyholweni Section. The successful candidate will report directly to the Duty Manager and will provide essential general support services to ensure the cleanliness, maintenance, safety, and efficient operation of tourism facilities and surrounding areas. The ideal candidate must take pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, be comfortable working in an outdoor environment, and understand the importance of creating a pleasant, safe, and welcoming experience for visitors. The incumbent will support daily operational activities through cleaning, grounds maintenance, basic repairs, waste management, equipment handling, and the preparation of facilities for visitors. The successful candidate must demonstrate professionalism, accountability, initiative, and a willingness to perform a variety of practical duties while respecting the natural environment and complying with organisational policies, environmental requirements, and occupational health and safety standards.
Minimum Requirements and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements and demonstrate the necessary skills and abilities to perform the duties associated with the position:
- Educational Qualification: Grade 12 (Matric), NCV Level 4 certificate, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
- Relevant Work Experience: One to two years of practical work experience in general work, cleaning, hospitality, tourism, grounds maintenance, or a related operational environment.
- Driver’s Licence: A valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage, particularly where duties involve the movement of equipment, supplies, or other operational resources.
- Equipment Operation: Previous experience using chainsaws and brush cutters will be advantageous, subject to appropriate training, authorisation, and compliance with safety requirements.
- Communication Skills: Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to understand instructions, report operational concerns, and communicate effectively with supervisors and colleagues.
- Interpersonal and Customer-Service Skills: The ability to interact professionally, courteously, and respectfully with visitors, colleagues, contractors, and other stakeholders.
- Teamwork and Independence: The ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing positively to a team environment.
- Occupational Health and Safety: Basic knowledge of workplace health and safety principles, hygiene standards, safe working practices, and hazard reporting procedures.
- First Aid Knowledge: Knowledge of First Aid will be an added advantage.
- Landscaping Skills: A short course or relevant training in landscaping, gardening, or grounds maintenance will be beneficial.
- Physical Fitness: The ability to perform manual duties, including lifting, carrying, cleaning, standing for extended periods, handling equipment, and undertaking outdoor maintenance activities.
- Time Management: Good organisational skills, punctuality, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise duties according to operational requirements.
- Reliability and Adaptability: A strong work ethic, willingness to learn, accountability, and the ability to adapt to changing operational needs.
- Availability: Willingness to work weekends, public holidays, and varying shifts as required by the tourism and hospitality environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will perform a variety of general duties to support the effective operation, cleanliness, and maintenance of tourism facilities within the Matyholweni Section. Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to, the following:
- Cleaning and Hygiene: Clean and maintain public areas, ablution facilities, offices, kitchens, chalets, huts, campsites, accommodation units, walkways, and other designated facilities. Duties will include sweeping, mopping, dusting, washing, sanitising surfaces, removing litter, and ensuring that all facilities remain hygienic and presentable.
- Waste Management: Collect, handle, and dispose of refuse in designated areas in accordance with applicable procedures. Keep waste collection points clean and orderly, and report overflowing bins, damaged containers, unpleasant odours, or other waste management concerns.
- Grounds Maintenance: Assist with sweeping outdoor areas, removing weeds, clearing vegetation and debris, collecting litter, maintaining pathways, and supporting landscaping activities to ensure that the surroundings of tourism facilities remain neat, accessible, and safe.
- Use of Tools and Equipment: Assist with the use of gardening and maintenance tools, including brush cutters and chainsaws where appropriately trained and authorised. Ensure that equipment is used responsibly and in accordance with established safety procedures.
- Basic Maintenance and Repairs: Assist with basic maintenance activities, including painting, moving furniture, and undertaking minor repairs where authorised and within the scope of the position. Report damaged infrastructure, leaking fittings, defective equipment, and other maintenance concerns to the relevant supervisor.
- Preparation of Guest Facilities: Assist with preparing accommodation units, public facilities, and other designated areas before guest arrivals. Ensure that facilities are clean, orderly, and ready for use, and assist with cleaning and restoring facilities after guest departures.
- Handling of Equipment and Supplies: Assist with loading, unloading, transporting, distributing, and storing cleaning materials, linen, equipment, stock, and other operational supplies. Ensure that materials are handled carefully and stored in designated areas.
- Facility Setup and Support: Assist with setting up and maintaining facilities for visitors, tourism activities, and other operational requirements. Provide additional support to tourism personnel during busy periods or when operational demands increase.
- Equipment Care: Keep tools, machinery, cleaning equipment, and work materials clean, secure, and in good working condition. Report missing, damaged, defective, or unsafe equipment promptly to the supervisor.
- Stock Handling: Assist with receiving, moving, organising, and distributing supplies when required. Maintain orderly storage areas and use materials responsibly to minimise wastage.
- Visitor Assistance: Provide basic assistance to visitors in a friendly, professional, and respectful manner. Respond to straightforward enquiries where appropriate and refer complex questions, complaints, or requests to the relevant staff member.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Follow all applicable occupational health and safety requirements, organisational policies, and standard operating procedures. Use personal protective equipment where required and apply safe lifting, handling, cleaning, and equipment operating practices.
- Environmental Protection: Perform duties in a manner that supports environmental conservation, minimises waste, and avoids unnecessary disturbance to vegetation, wildlife, and the surrounding natural environment.
- Hazard and Incident Reporting: Identify and report workplace hazards, accidents, incidents, unsafe conditions, damaged infrastructure, and environmental concerns to the supervisor without delay.
- Emergency Support: Follow management instructions during emergencies and assist with reasonable emergency-related duties within the limits of the incumbent’s training and competence.
- General Operational Assistance: Support colleagues and supervisors with routine operational tasks and perform any other reasonable duties associated with the position as assigned by management.
Health, Safety, Environmental and Organisational Compliance
The successful candidate must maintain a responsible and safety-conscious approach to all assigned duties. Compliance with organisational policies, environmental management practices, and occupational health and safety requirements is essential. The incumbent will be expected to:
- Follow established workplace procedures and instructions issued by the supervisor or management.
- Use cleaning products, tools, machinery, and equipment safely and responsibly.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when required.
- Maintain clean, orderly, and hazard-free working areas.
- Report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, accidents, and incidents promptly.
- Handle waste and cleaning materials in accordance with applicable procedures.
- Protect the natural environment and avoid unnecessary disturbance to wildlife and vegetation.
- Demonstrate professionalism, honesty, punctuality, accountability, and respect for colleagues and visitors.
Remuneration and Employment Conditions
The remuneration package for this position will include a basic salary aligned with the Paterson A3 job grade. Applicants are advised to carefully consider the employment conditions before submitting their applications. Please note that official accommodation is not available within the park. The successful candidate will therefore be responsible for arranging and covering the costs of their own accommodation, transport, and related living expenses. Applicants should ensure that they can make the necessary arrangements to meet these requirements if appointed.
Application Procedure and Required Documentation
Interested candidates who meet the stated requirements are invited to apply by completing the prescribed online application form and submitting all required supporting documentation. Appointment will be made in accordance with the applicable Employment Equity (EE) Plan targets. Applicants must ensure that all information provided is accurate, complete, and relevant to the position.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form. Applicants must complete the application form using the following link:
Click here to apply for SANParks general workers
All requested information must be provided accurately, and applicants are encouraged to review their entries before submitting the form.
Step 2: Submit the Required Supporting Documents. Applicants must email the relevant supporting documentation, including the following:
- A detailed and up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) outlining employment history, qualifications, practical experience, skills, and contact details.
- Certified copies of relevant educational qualifications.
- A certified copy of the applicant’s identity document (ID).
- A copy of a valid driver’s licence, where applicable.
- Copies of relevant training certificates, including First Aid, landscaping, equipment operation, or other related courses, where available.
- Any additional supporting documents relevant to the position.
Applicants must ensure that all submitted documents are legible and that certified copies meet the applicable requirements.
Step 3: Use the Correct Application Reference. Applicants must clearly state GENERAL WORKER as the application reference in their email correspondence to ensure that their applications are correctly identified and processed.
Application Contact Details: Applications and supporting documentation must be directed to the attention of Ms Ilze Jonker, Addo Elephant National Park.
Important Application Instruction: Completing the online application form and emailing the required supporting documents are both essential steps in the application process. Applicants should ensure that they have completed both steps before the closing date. Failure to submit the required information or documentation may result in the application not being considered.
Important Notice to Applicants
Applicants are encouraged to check their applications carefully before submission to ensure that all required information and supporting documents have been included. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Only candidates who meet the selection requirements and are shortlisted may be contacted for further assessment or an interview. Applicants who have not received a response within 21 days of the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful. Submission of an application does not guarantee appointment, as the recruitment process will be conducted in accordance with the organisation’s applicable recruitment procedures and Employment Equity Plan targets.
Closing Date
21 October 2026. All interested and suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to complete the online application form and submit their supporting documentation before the closing date. Applicants should allow sufficient time to complete both application steps, verify the accuracy of the information supplied, and ensure that all required documents have been submitted. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
