The Municipal Youth Graduate Internships at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in 2026 have officially opened for applications, offering 60 internship opportunities to unemployed graduates residing within the City of Johannesburg. The programme is implemented in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) and aims to equip young professionals with structured workplace exposure in environmental management, conservation, project management, and related disciplines.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The application closing date is 18 February 2026.
This six-month internship programme provides practical experience within Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo, a municipal entity of the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. Successful applicants will receive a daily stipend of R271.04 for the duration of the programme.
Importantly, applicants should note that there is no expectation of permanent employment or absorption after the completion of the internship.
Programme Overview: Municipal Youth Graduate Internships at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in 2026
Programme Name: Municipal Youth Graduate Programme
Reference: EDMS 256981
Duration: 6 Months
Number of Positions: 60
Location: City of Johannesburg, Gauteng
Daily Stipend: R271.04
The Municipal Youth Graduate Internships at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in 2026 are designed to provide meaningful, hands-on workplace training to graduates who have completed tertiary qualifications but remain unemployed.
The programme focuses on environmental sustainability, conservation, urban biodiversity management, infrastructure oversight, and community environmental education. Through structured mentorship and supervision, interns will gain industry-relevant skills that strengthen their employability in both the public and private sectors.
Why the Municipal Youth Graduate Internships at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in 2026 Matter
Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. Programmes like the Municipal Youth Graduate Internships at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in 2026 play a critical role in bridging the gap between academic qualifications and workplace readiness.
By offering practical experience in municipal environmental management and conservation services, the City of Johannesburg supports:
- Skills development in scarce environmental fields
- Practical exposure to municipal governance systems
- Professional development for young graduates
- Increased competitiveness in the job market
Interns will work within structured departments, gaining technical, administrative, and project-based experience aligned with their qualifications.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Municipal Youth Graduate Internships at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Matric (Grade 12) plus three years of tertiary study (M + 3)
- A qualification with 360 credits or a Degree/Diploma at NQF Level 6
- Aged between 18 and 35 years
- Must reside within the City of Johannesburg
- Must be currently unemployed
- Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
Only applicants residing within the City of Johannesburg will be considered. Proof of residence is mandatory.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Application letter
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of qualifications
- Proof of residence within the City of Johannesburg
Incomplete applications or applications without required documentation may not be considered.
Available Departments and Positions
The Municipal Youth Graduate Internships at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in 2026 cover multiple departments across environmental management, conservation, infrastructure, and administration.
Below is a breakdown of available positions:
1. Johannesburg Zoo – 15 Positions
Qualification Required: Environmental Management and/or Conservation Management
Key Responsibilities:
- Cleaning and maintenance of animal enclosures
- Animal care and feeding support
- Observing and monitoring animal behaviour
- Environmental awareness and education support
- Administrative documentation
This placement provides direct exposure to wildlife care and conservation management in an urban zoo environment.
2. Environmental Education – 8 Positions
Qualification Required: Science or Environmental Management
Key Responsibilities:
- Environmental education initiatives
- Educational programmes in parks and environmental centres
- Planning environmentally focused events
- School outreach programmes
Interns will support public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.
3. Project Management – 2 Positions
Qualification Required: Project Management / Public Administration / Office Administration
Key Responsibilities:
- Project coordination and tracking
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Reporting and communication
- Reception and administrative support
This opportunity provides valuable exposure to municipal project lifecycle management and reporting systems.
4. Conservation and Protected Areas – 18 Positions
Qualification Required: Conservation Management or Environmental Management
Key Responsibilities:
- Alien plant control
- Fence and trail maintenance
- Riverbank and bird sanctuary management
- Use of fire as a management tool
- Law enforcement compliance and monitoring
This is one of the largest departments in the programme and offers strong technical exposure to ecosystem management and biodiversity protection.
5. Integrated Catchment Management – 5 Positions
Qualification Required: Environmental Management / Conservation / Water Resource Management / Hydrology
Key Responsibilities:
- Ecological management services
- Wildlife management
- Aquatic and terrestrial alien plant control
- Horticulture and arboriculture services
This stream focuses on water systems, biodiversity protection, and sustainable land-use management.
6. Nursery Management – 10 Positions
Qualification Required: Environmental Management / Forestry Management / Occupational Health and Safety
Key Responsibilities:
- Nursery operations and plant propagation
- Tree census management
- Tree planting services
- Health and safety compliance
Interns in this department will gain practical horticulture and forestry management experience, contributing to Johannesburg’s urban greening initiatives.
7. Infrastructure Capital – 2 Positions
Qualification Required: Science or Environmental Management
Key Responsibilities:
- Evaluating development projects
- Supporting environmental management compliance
- Assessing infrastructure impacts
This department provides exposure to environmental compliance within urban infrastructure development projects.
Stipend and Financial Support
Interns selected for the Municipal Youth Graduate Internships at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in 2026 will receive a daily stipend of R271.04.
Over six months, this financial support assists graduates in covering transport and essential living expenses while gaining work experience.
However, applicants must understand that the programme does not guarantee permanent employment upon completion.
How to Apply for the Municipal Youth Graduate Internships at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in 2026
Applications must be submitted via email.
Email address for applications:
graduatep@jhbcityparks.com
Applicants should clearly indicate the programme reference: EDMS 256981 in their application.
Enquiries can be directed to:
Smagolo@jhbcityparks.com
Application Closing Date: 18 February 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Only residents of the City of Johannesburg will be considered.
- Ensure all documents are certified and up to date.
- Double-check that your qualification aligns with the department you are applying for.
- Keep proof of submission for your records.
- No permanent placement is guaranteed after the internship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the closing date for the Municipal Youth Graduate Internships at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in 2026?
The closing date is 18 February 2026.
2. How many positions are available?
A total of 60 internship positions are available across multiple departments.
3. What is the stipend amount?
Successful interns will receive R271.04 per day for six months.
4. Who can apply?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, unemployed, qualified at NQF Level 6 (360 credits), and residing within the City of Johannesburg.
5. Is there permanent employment after the internship?
No. There is no expectation of permanent absorption or placement after completion of the programme.
6. Are persons with disabilities encouraged to apply?
Yes. Disabled applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
7. Where will the internship take place?
The internship will take place within Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo, City of Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Final Thoughts
The Municipal Youth Graduate Internships at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in 2026 present a valuable opportunity for graduates seeking practical experience in environmental management, conservation, project management, and public sector operations.
With 60 positions available and structured exposure to municipal environmental services, this programme offers meaningful professional development within one of South Africa’s largest metropolitan municipalities.
Graduates who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply before 18 February 2026 to avoid missing this opportunity.
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Amina Sechaba is a passionate career writer and employment researcher dedicated to helping South Africans find better job opportunities and prepare for successful careers. With years of experience in content writing and career development, Amina creates informative articles, application guides, and interview tips that empower job seekers to reach their full potential. Through her work with Submit Your CV, she aims to simplify the job application process and provide reliable information on learnerships, internships, and career advice for both students and professionals.