SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE (SANBI)

 

 

 

HORTICULTURIST - GENERAL GARDEN

Cape Town, Western Cape

Permanent

 

Closing Date 22 May 2026

 

Job Details

Division: National Botanical Gardens

Business Unit: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Minimum experience: Associate

Company primary industry: Government Administration

Job functional area: Other

 

Job Description

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town  

National Botanical Gardens Division

Reference Number: GKBC/2026/001

 

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a passionate and self-motivated individual to fulfill a key horticultural and conservation role by leading the development and maintenance of the General Gardens and herbaceous perennials display garden areas and associated living collections at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

 

This position requires a degree in Horticulture or equivalent relevant qualification at NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification in Horticulture or equivalent at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 6 years’ experience in the relevant field of Horticulture, of which 3 years’ must be in a supervisory position(s) as a practicing Horticulturist.

 

The position is responsible for curating and cultivating  a wide range of South African plants and herbaceous perennials with the following key competencies for the candidate to be successful in this position: excellent knowledge and understanding of indigenous horticulture maintenance and conservation are essential; knowledge of propagation procedures, protocols and processes, practical experience and knowledge of propagation facilities, knowledge of field collecting and plant introduction and care, competent in long term curation and maintenance of living plant collections, understanding landscaping using fynbos and natural design elements, leading and managing a team of conservation workers in the garden and nursery collections, knowledgeable and experience with working with conservation stakeholders, advanced planning, organizing, and problem solving skills; ability to work under pressure whilst being safety conscious; excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills; excellent computer literacy with MS tools will be advantageous. The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience.

 

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

  • Conduct garden display and living collections operations planning, maintenance and development;
  • Lead the management of people and maintain high levels of performance
  • Manage the coordination of curation of living collections in both the garden and collections nursery;
  • Promote & participate in horticultural, plant conservation, and research projects; and
  • Conduct planning, coordination and implementation of projects to promote the mission of SANBI and Kirstenbosch.

 

Salary commensurate with a range of inputs and outputs in terms of the SANBI career ladder for horticulturists.

 

 

Please Note: 1) Only online applications will be accepted and applications must be accompanied by a CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered). 2) A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.  3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees. 4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

 

Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorised verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI’s website.

 

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.

 

Contact Ms Glynnis Webb on Tel: +27 (0)21 799 8635/8800 for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via the online portal.

 

Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates must consider their applications unsuccessful.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICE MANAGER: OFFICE OF THE GENERAL MANAGER: HUMAN RESOURCES

Pretoria, Gauteng

Permanent

 

Closing Date 22 May 2026

 

Job Details

Division: Human Resources

Business Unit: HR Operations and Development

Minimum experience: Associate

Company primary industry: Human Resources

Job functional area: Administrative

 

Job Description

Reference Number: HR/001/2026


SANBI offers basic annual salary of R413 001.00

 

SANBI is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, highly motivated, dedicated, professional and responsible individual to provide efficient and effective support to the Office of the General: Human Resources.


This position requires a degree in Office Management/Public Administration/Human Resources Management or equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF 7. Postgraduate qualification or equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 4 years of relevant work experience.


The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: comprehensive knowledge and understanding of office administration and office management principles and practices are essential; extensive experience and understanding of legislation, procedures, processes, and systems related to office administration and office management are essential; advanced planning, organizing, and problem solving skills; ability to work under pressure whilst being able to produce quality work outputs; excellent communication skills (both verbal and written); ability to maintain confidentiality, sound interpersonal relations as well as a passion for working with a diverse team ; excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) is very essential. The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential. 


Key Performance Responsibilities include:

  • Manage the Office of the General Manager: Human Resources;
  • Support the General Manager: Human Resources in all Human Resources functions;
  • Manage finances, budget and track expenditure in the Office of the General Manager: Human Resources;
  • Liaise with Heads of Divisions, SANBI Senior and Top Management;
  • Manage procurement and provide compliance support to the Office of the General Manager: Human Resources; and
  • Provide administrative support in all human resources matters to the Office of the General Manager: Human Resources and its two Directorates.

 

Please note:

  1. Only online applications will be accepted and applications must be accompanied by a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered).
  2. A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.
  3. Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees. 
  4. Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.


Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.


Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates must consider their applications unsuccessful.


Contact Mr Stephen Mahlangu on Tel: +27 (0)12 002 5217 for any queries for purposes of clarity.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE