Johannesburg, South Africa – Okay, so here’s the scoop: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (yeah, those are the folks keeping your parks green and running the city’s zoo) just dropped some big news. They’re rolling out 125 graduate internships for 2025 as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme. Basically, they’re throwing a lifeline to all those young South African grads who are sick of getting ghosted by the job market.
Thinking About Your Next Move?
If you’ve slogged your way through a diploma or degree—especially in something that actually vibes with city or environmental stuff—this one’s got your name on it. It’s a paid gig, lasts a year, and you’ll actually get your hands dirty with real work, not just filing papers or making coffee runs. You’ll bounce around different departments at JCPZ, so by the end, you might even have a clue what you want to do with your life. Not bad, right?
Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the EPWP Youth Graduate Work Programme 2025.
Programme Overview
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) provides young graduates aged 18–35 with a unique 4-month opportunity to gain meaningful work experience in various environmental and conservation-related fields. Participants will receive a daily stipend of R247.50.
Total Positions Available: 125
Duration: 4 months
Eligibility: Only residents of the City of Johannesburg
Minimum Requirements
- Matric + 3 years of study (360 credits qualification or Diploma – NQF Level 6)
- Age: 18–35 years
- Must be unemployed and not participating in other learnerships or internships
- Must submit:
- Application letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copy of qualifications
- Proof of residence (City of Johannesburg)
Available Opportunities
Animal Attendant – 15 Posts
- Field of Study: Environmental/Conservation Management
- Duties: Feed animals, clean enclosures, monitor behaviour, promote awareness
Environmental Educator – 16 Posts
- Field of Study: Environmental Management/Science/Education
- Duties: Conduct awareness campaigns, school outreach, and event coordination
Nature Conservator / Park Ranger – 65 Posts
- Field of Study: Environmental Management/Science/Conservation
- Fields:
- Conservation Maintenance
- Law Enforcement & Compliance
- Ecotourism & Community Engagement
- Research and Development
Water Monitor / Climate Change Ambassador / Ecologist / Horticulturist – 13 Posts
- Field of Study: Water Resource Management, Ecology, Conservation, Horticulture
- Duties: Catchment and reserve management, plant control, wildlife and habitat monitoring
Forestry Monitor / Occupational Health Officer / Climate Change Ambassador – 14 Posts
- Field of Study: OHS, Forestry Management, Environmental Science
- Duties: Nursery operations, health & safety, tree census and greening services
Project Management Officer – 2 Posts
- Field of Study: Environmental Management/Science
- Duties: Project scoping, environmental impact assessments, general infrastructure project management
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online via email to:
Email: EPWPYouthProgramme@jhbcityparks.com
Use the correct reference in the subject line depending on your qualification:
| Qualification | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conservation Management | conservationistepwp |
| Environmental Management/Science | environmentalistepwp |
| Environmental Education | enviroeducationepwp |
| Occupational Health & Safety | safetyepwp |
| Forestry Management | foresterepwp |
| Ecology/Hydrology/Water Services | hydrologistepwp |
| Horticulture | horticulturistepwp |
