Career guide

Nature Conservation Officer

Realistic

Protects wildlife and habitats in reserves and parks - patrols, monitoring, anti-poaching, visitor management and community work. Physically demanding and often remote.

School subjects

Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is generally accepted; Life Sciences and Geography help.

How you qualify

A National Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation (NQF 6), including practical placement. Employers are mostly SANParks, provincial conservation agencies and private reserves, so entry depends on vacancies as well as qualifications. Entry requirements differ by institution - confirm directly with the institution.

Where to study

Universities of Technology and nature conservation colleges; SANParks and provincial agencies as main employers

Before you decide. Entry requirements change every year and differ between institutions. We do not publish admission point scores here, because a number that is right for one university in one year is wrong for another. Confirm the requirements directly with the institution before your subject selection form is signed. In KwaZulu-Natal, applications go through the Central Applications Office (cao.ac.za).

Last verified: 2026-08

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