Looking for a real job that lets you work with nature, learn new skills, and earn a paycheck? Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has a fresh opportunity for young people in the City of Johannesburg. The Municipal Youth Graduate Programme will give you hands‑on experience over six months, and it’s open to anyone who has finished university or a college course and lives in Johannesburg. The program has 60 spots and ends on 18 February 2026.
What the Programme Is All About
This is a half‑year internship that pays a daily stipend of R271,04. It’s a chance to see how city parks and wildlife management work, but there’s no promise that you’ll get a permanent job after it ends. The aim is to give unemployed graduates a taste of the job market and help you build a professional network.
Key facts at a glance:
- Duration: 6 months
- Location: City of Johannesburg
- Positions: 60
- Daily stipend: R271,04
- Reference: EDMS 256981
Who Can Apply?
If you’re between 18 and 35, have a university qualification or a diploma that carries 360 credits (or a Level 6 qualification), and live inside Johannesburg, you’re eligible. The programme also encourages people with disabilities to apply. You need to be a graduate, which means you should have finished at least three years of tertiary study after high school.
What You Need to Send In
Send these items by email:
- A short application letter that tells the team why you want to join.
- Your most recent CV or résumé.
- A certified copy of your degree or diploma.
- A proof that you live in Johannesburg (for example, a utility bill or lease agreement).
Only applicants who live in the City of Johannesburg will be considered.
Departments and Positions You Can Join
Johannesburg Zoo – 15 Spots
Want to work with animals? The zoo team looks for people with a background in Environmental or Conservation Management. You could help clean enclosures, feed animals, keep an eye on their behaviour, teach visitors about wildlife, or handle paperwork.
Environmental Education – 8 Spots
Got a degree in Environmental Management or Sciences? This team runs awareness campaigns, educational programmes at nature centres, theme day events, and school outreach. You’ll learn how to spread the word about protecting the planet.
Project Management – 2 Spots
If you like keeping projects on track, this role involves coordinating projects, measuring progress, writing reports, and managing office tasks. A background in Project Management or Public Administration helps.
Protected Areas and Conservation – 18 Spots
Help keep nature safe by working on alien plant control, trail upkeep, bird sanctuaries, riverbank maintenance, or law‑enforcement monitoring. You’ll need a degree in Environmental or Conservation Management.
Integrated Catchment Management – 5 Spots
Learn how water and land interact. This team handles ecological services, wildlife protection, alien plant management, and horticulture. A background in Environmental, Conservation, or Water Resource Management works well.
Nursery Management – 10 Spots
Work in a plant nursery, manage tree planting, keep track of tree populations, and make sure everyone follows health and safety rules. Qualifications in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Management or Forestry Management are useful.
Capital Infrastructure – 2 Spots
Get involved in big projects. You’ll help scope developments, assess their impact, and support environmental management for construction sites. A science or environmental background is helpful.
How to Send Your Application
When you’re ready, email your application to graduatep@jhbcityparks.com. Make sure to include all the documents listed above. A clear subject line like “Municipal Youth Graduate Programme Application – Your Name” helps the team find your email quickly.
If you have questions, email smagolo@jhbcityparks.com. The deadline for submitting your application is 18 February 2026.
Take this chance to jump into a real job, get paid, and learn a lot about how Johannesburg’s parks and wildlife are cared for. Good luck!