Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo is inviting young graduates to apply for its Internship Opportunities 2026, offered in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). This internship programme is aimed at empowering youth with practical workplace exposure in key environmental and conservation-related fields, while supporting the City of Johannesburg’s ongoing work in urban greening, biodiversity protection, park management, and sustainable municipal services.
If you are passionate about conservation, environmental education, project coordination, or nature reserve management, this programme provides an excellent platform to gain experience in a professional municipal environment, Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo Internships 2026.
Internship Provider
Company: Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Closing Date: 18 February 2026
About Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo
Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo is a municipal entity responsible for managing and maintaining the city’s parks, cemeteries, nature reserves, and the Johannesburg Zoo. The organisation plays a major role in promoting biodiversity conservation, improving the quality of life through safe recreational spaces, and driving sustainable environmental practices across Johannesburg. Through its various units, Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo supports ecological restoration, environmental awareness, and community-based conservation initiatives that contribute to a greener, healthier city.
Internship Overview
The internships are offered under the Municipal Youth Graduate Programme, designed to provide young graduates with real-world exposure to environmental and conservation projects. Interns will support operational activities in parks and reserves, assist with education programmes, contribute to biodiversity management initiatives, and participate in projects that strengthen sustainable environmental practices.
This is a valuable opportunity for graduates who want hands-on learning while building relevant experience for future careers in environmental management, conservation, and municipal development.
Programme Details
Programme Title: Municipal Youth Graduate Programme
Reference No: REF EDMS 256981
Minimum Entry Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the following:
- Matric plus 3 years of study
- A qualification at NQF Level 6/7 (Degree or Diploma) with 360 credits
- Must be between 18 and 35 years of age
- Must reside in the City of Johannesburg (proof required)
NB: People living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Available Internship Opportunities (Departments / Units)
Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo has internship placements available in the following departments:
1) Johannesburg Zoo
Key Duties:
- Cleaning animal enclosures
- Feeding animals
- Monitoring and observing animal behaviour
- Completing paperwork and reporting
- Supporting environmental education and awareness activities
Required Qualification (National Diploma or Degree) in:
- Environmental Management
- Conservation Management
- Environmental Education
2) Environmental Education and Awareness
Key Duties:
- Educate communities on environmental issues
- Plan and coordinate commemorative events for environmental theme days
- Conduct outreach campaigns to schools and Johannesburg residents
- Implement educational curricula in education centres and nature reserves
Required Qualification (National Diploma or Degree) in:
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Sciences
3) Project Management, Administration, Monitoring & Evaluation
Key Duties:
- Support project management activities
- Assist with communication, reporting, monitoring and evaluation
- Provide reception and office administration services
- Coordinate documentation and stakeholder engagement
Required Qualification (National Diploma or Degree) in:
- Project Management
- Public Administration
- Office Administration
4) Protected Areas and Conservation
Key Duties:
- Alien plant control and conservation maintenance
- Trail maintenance and fence monitoring
- Monitoring koppies, ridges, bird sanctuaries, dams and riverbanks
- Apply fire as a conservation management tool
- Support law enforcement and compliance monitoring
- Reporting and environmental inspections
Required Qualification (National Diploma or Degree) in:
- Environmental Management
- Conservation Management
- Integrated Catchment Management
5) Catchment Areas, Botanical Gardens and Nature Reserves
Key Duties:
- Conservation and management of catchment areas, nature reserves and botanical gardens
- Ecological management services including determining carrying capacity
- Wildlife management support
- Control of aquatic and terrestrial alien plants
- Arboriculture and horticultural support
- Integrated herbarium services
Required Qualification (National Diploma or Degree) in:
- Environmental Management / Conservation
- Water Resource Management
- Hydrology
6) Nursery Management and Tree Planting Services
Key Duties:
- Nursery management and plant propagation
- Tree census support
- Assist with safety and health compliance in nursery operations
- Support tree planting and greening services across Johannesburg
Required Qualification (National Diploma or Degree) in:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Environmental Management
- Forestry Management
7) Capital Infrastructure (Environmental and Project Support)
Key Duties:
- Scoping and assessing development projects
- Supporting environmental and project management services
- Assisting in planning and implementation of infrastructure-related environmental projects
Required Qualification (National Diploma or Degree) in:
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Science
Required Documents (Must Be Attached)
Applicants must submit the following:
- Application letter
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Proof of residence in the City of Johannesburg
Important: Only youth residing within the City of Johannesburg will be considered.
How to Apply
All applications and supporting documents must be submitted via email. Email Address: graduatep@jhbcityparks.com, Reference No to Quote in Subject Line: REF EDMS 256981, Make sure your email subject line includes the reference number, and ensure all required documents are attached before submitting. Closing Date:18 February 2026, Late applications may not be considered, so it is recommended to apply as early as possible.
Final Note
The Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo Internships 2026 offer an excellent opportunity for young graduates to gain practical experience while contributing to meaningful environmental work in one of South Africa’s most important urban centres. Whether your interest lies in conservation, education, project management, or nursery operations, this programme provides a strong foundation for building a professional career in environmental and municipal development. If you meet the requirements, prepare your documents and submit your application before the closing date.
