Jobs in Hermanus

“The tourist economy sustained the town for at least six decades during the 20^th century and is still the primary source of revenue now.”

Being the largest industry in Hermanus, it’s no surprise that tourism offers numerous job opportunities. With its breathtaking beaches, scenic mountains, and thriving marine life, Hermanus attracts thousands of tourists every year. This creates a demand for skilled workers in various fields such as hospitality management, tour guiding, and customer service.

Tourism makes up to over 50% of the economy in and around Hermanus, contributing to thousands of jobs. Tourism opportunities include:

• More than 100 restaurants and over 250 accommodation providers. Hermanus area was awarded the UNESCO Gastronomic Town of Africa in 2019.
• The Overstrand Tourism Indaba highlights over 50 agri-tourism routes, close to 1 000 wine cellars, 575 festivals, horse trails, shark diving, tours and activities. Agri-tourism is the new gold for the area and is utilized to draw investments and tourists.
• Multiple tour operators and tour guides provide activities and excursions inland or on sea.
• Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
• Exciting microbreweries and distillers.
• The South African National Space Agency’s Space Science facility encourages scientists from around the world. They do fascinating work, and you can find out more by doing a tour – every Wednesday at 11:00, free of charge!
• An additional 300 activities which include - whale watching, shark cage diving in Walker Bay, abseiling, treetop tours, quad biking, golfing, wine routes, art route and reserves.

The fertile land surrounding Hermanus has made agriculture another important industry in the region. Apart from grapes for the wineries, the mild climate and nutrient-rich soil allow farmers to grow various crops including wheat, barley, oranges, prickly pears, angora goats and dairy farms.

The growth of tourism has also led to an increase in retail stores offering souvenirs, gifts, and fashion items from local designers as well as international brands. Though hospitality is the major industry, the spin off from tourism also feeds the retails sector.  This is also shown by the growth in retail outlets like:

• Whale Coast Mall
• The Hermanus Station Mall
• Ipic Shopping Centre Hermanus
• Hermanus Waterfront
• Gateway Shopping Centre
• Royal Centre
• Station Square
• The Carriages Centre
• De Stasie Retail (PTY) LTD

With the growing population and increasing demand for housing, according to Greeff Properties there are 5 existing world class residential developments and 7 new residential developments to be built in the near future. There are many construction jobs available in these sectors including property development, architecture and engineering.

Being part of the Western Cape province means that Hermanus operates under the jurisdiction of the local Overberg government district. This creates job opportunities for government workers such as municipal employees, law enforcement officers, and healthcare professionals.

The artistic community in Hermanus is thriving and drawing more creative people to the area.  These talented individuals are creating unique handcrafted items such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics and textiles. Local markets provide an opportunity for artists to sell their work and there are also job opportunities available in the more than 18 galleries and art organisations.

For example, Pure South and Nosy Rosy are great places to browse and buy local art to show off.

Technology is growing worldwide, including Hermanus, which has various companies like Geekish, CIA Technologies and Wyred IT, that offer services such as web development, software engineering, digital marketing, and e-commerce solutions.

This new wealth hotspot, Hermanus, has become a key remote working location, or ‘Zoom Town’, for professionals wanting to explore the Whale Coast.  “The town is now a hot spot for remote workers and semigrating families who can enjoy a cosmopolitan coastal lifestyle,” access to the beautiful wine farms, sea and top class facilities and great schools.

The beautiful area, cosmopolitan experience and laid-back atmosphere is drawing many remote workers to Hermanus.

Whale Watching: As mentioned earlier, Hermanus is considered one of the best places in the world for land-based whale watching. Every year from June to November, Southern Right Whales visit the coast of Hermanus to mate and give birth. Visitors can take a boat ride or simply walk along the cliff paths to witness these majestic creatures up close.

Beaches: Hermanus is blessed with numerous beautiful beaches that offer plenty of activities such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, and sunbathing. Grotto Beach and Voëlklip Beach are popular among tourists and locals for their calm waters and golden sands.

Hiking: For nature lovers and adventure seekers, there are several hiking trails in Hermanus with breathtaking views of the coastline and fynbos-covered mountains. The Fernkloof Nature Reserve boasts over 60km of well-maintained hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels.

Wine Tasting: The Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven on Earth) valley is home to some of South Africa's finest wineries and vineyards. Visitors can book wine tours and tastings at estates like Hamilton Russell Vineyards or Bouchard Finlayson Winery.

County Life and City Life: Hermanus is still viewed as a laid-back town with a relaxing atmosphere but is still close enough (about 100km) from Cape Town to enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Salon Jobs

Optometry Jobs

Tourism Jobs

Real Estate Jobs

Teaching Jobs

Restaurant Jobs

If you're someone who wants to be close to all the action, then central Hermanus might be the perfect place for you. This area is situated along the famous cliffs overlooking Walker Bay and boasts a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes lining the streets. It's also home to some of the town's main attractions like the Old Harbour Museum and Whale Watching Pier. Living in central Hermanus puts you within walking distance of everything you need while still being able to enjoy breathtaking ocean views.

Located just outside of town towards Cape Town, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is a tranquil and serene suburb surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. This area offers a more rural feel compared to central Hermanus but still has easy access to amenities such as grocery stores and schools. If you're someone who enjoys nature and prefers a quieter lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, then Hemel-en-Aarde is the place to be.

Sandbaai is a small residential area just 5km away from central Hermanus. It's known for its relaxed beach lifestyle and affordable property prices, making it an attractive option for families and retirees. The area has its own shopping centre, schools, and medical facilities, as well as easy access to the R43 highway, which connects you to other parts of Hermanus and the nearby towns of Onrus and Vermont.

Voëlklip is a sought-after suburb of Hermanus located on the outskirts of town. This area offers stunning sea views, excellent surfing spots, and access to many hiking trails in the nearby Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Its proximity to the town centre makes it a popular choice for those who want to be close enough to amenities but still enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle.

Onrus is another coastal suburb located just 10 minutes away from central Hermanus. Known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular spot for holiday homes and permanent residences alike. Onrus also has its own small village centre with shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as access to outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing in the lagoon.

Hermanus Heights

Hermanus Heights is a prestigious neighborhood situated on the slopes of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. It offers some of the best views in Hermanus and has mostly large, luxurious homes with well-manicured gardens. This area is perfect for those who want a more upscale lifestyle and don't mind paying a premium for it.

Northcliff is a newer development located on the outskirts of Hermanus, offering modern homes and apartments with stunning views of popular Walker Bay. This area has its own shopping centre, schools, and medical facilities, as well as easy access to the N2 highway for commuting to other parts of the Western Cape.

For avid golfers, the Fernkloof Golf Estate is a prime location to consider. This gated community offers luxury homes and apartments surrounding the prestigious 27-hole golf course. It also offers access to various amenities such as a clubhouse, restaurant, and spa.

Ultimately, the best place to live in Hermanus will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle. You can find the neighourhood that suits your needs, whether you're looking for a busy seaside town or a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature.

Being a popular tourist destination, the majority of jobs available are in the hospitality and tourism industry. This includes positions in hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and activities such as whale watching or shark cage diving. There are also opportunities in retail, healthcare, education, and construction sectors.

Yes, there are many seasonal job opportunities available in Hermanus during peak tourist seasons. These include summer holiday jobs at resorts or restaurants. You can also find work related to specific events such as the Whale Festival which takes place annually.

There are several ways to find job vacancies in Hermanus. You can check local newspapers, recruitment agencies or online job portals such as Executive Placements for listings specific to the area. Networking is also a great way to learn about potential job openings - attend community events or join local professional groups to expand your network.

If you are not a South African citizen, you will need a valid work permit to legally work in Hermanus. This allows you to reside and work within the country for a specified period and can be obtained through your nearest South African embassy or consulate. With the help of a company sponsor, the process is made much easier.

This depends on the position you are applying for and company requirements, but having previous experience in a similar role may give you an advantage when applying for jobs in Hermanus. It is always worth highlighting any relevant experience or skills on your CV.

If you are already working remotely, Hermanus is a wonderful, serene place to stay with lots to do.

While most jobs in Hermanus will require you to be physically present, there are many opportunities for remote work depending on your skills and industry. It is best to research specific companies or industries that offer remote work options.

Finding accommodation in Hermanus can be challenging during peak tourist seasons, but there are usually options available for temporary workers such as short-term rentals or rooms for rent. It is best to start your search early and consider staying outside of the town centre for more affordable options.