Practitioner: Learning and Development (Conservation)

Sanparks; Roodewal Bush Lodge; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

SANParks is seeking a Practitioner: Learning and Development – Conservation based in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, reporting to the Manager: Learning and Development: KNP. The role focuses on developing firearm qualification shoots and conservation training programs to enhance biodiversity conservation capacity across SANParks staff and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate holds an NQF Level 6+ in conservation, SAPS firearms competencies, and is registered as a Range Officer with PFTC,

Qualifications

• Conservation-related qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher.
• SAPS handgun, shotgun, manual loading and self-loading rifle competencies.
• Range Officer registration with PFTC.
• VPDA certificate/qualification.
• Valid driver’s license (Code B) and willingness to travel and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement conservation knowledge and training plans.
• Facilitate technical training in firearm handling, safety and guide/ranger training.
• Coordinate learnerships, internships and workplace-based training 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.
• Ensure compliance with Skills Development Act, NQF and 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.

Skills

SAPS handgun competency

SAPS shotgun competency

Rifle proficiency - manual loading

Rifle proficiency - self-loading

VPDA certificate

PFTC Range Officer

Education

NQF Level 6+ in conservation related qualifications

Job description

Practitioner: Learning and Development (Conservation)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals for the position of a Practitioner: Learning and Development – Conservation based in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, reporting to the Manager: Learning and Development: KNP. This is a park-based position, and it involves transportation and in possession of SANParks firearms and ammunition.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

To develop internal firearm qualification shoots for all SANParks personnel issued with a firearm. To identify firearm handling and shooting skill shortages and provide training programs to enhance and improve these skills to ensure compliance with the relevant qualification shoots.

To 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.

To 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. The role ensures alignment with SANParks’ strategic objectives for conservation and human capital.

• 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.

Requirements that will be an added advantage:

• PFTC Accredited firearms training instructor and assessor.
• Assessor for: NQF 2 — guiding qualification and VPDA (View potentially dangerous animals for guides, game guards and field rangers).
• A registered Assessor and Facilitator.

Experience:

• 3–5 years in conservation activities, training, skills development, or capacity-building programs.
• Familiar and to have the 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 handgun, shotgun, manual-loading & self-loading rifles.

Other:

• Valid driver’s license (Code B), willingness to travel and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• 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 (Skills Development Act, NQF, Firearms Control Act, etc.) and SANParks policies.
• Maintain accurate records of training interventions and learner progress.
• Promote transformation and employment equity through targeted skills development initiatives.
• To identify the need and develop new firearm handling, safety measures, training to shoot and qualification in departments where this may be lacking.
• To keep up to date with new policies, procedures, regulations and regulation bodies regarding firearms, proficiencies and qualifications.

Please Note

An appointment will be made using SANParks’ employment equity plan.

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

Paterson Grade

C5