The KwaZulu-Natal Museum invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for a range of permanent and fixed-term positions across various professional, technical and administrative disciplines. As one of South Africa’s leading heritage institutions, the Museum is committed to collecting, preserving, interpreting and exhibiting the cultural and natural heritage of the country, while delivering high-quality public services, education programmes and research outputs.
These opportunities are aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and supporting the Museum’s strategic objectives through skilled and dedicated personnel. Positions offer competitive, negotiable remuneration packages with additional benefits, subject to the post. Applications are open to individuals who meet the specified requirements, including relevant qualifications, experience and valid driver’s licences where applicable, with a strong emphasis on professionalism, service excellence and compliance with applicable legislation.
Available Positions:
- Chief Human Resource Officer
- Chief Librarian
- Research Technician: Mollusc Collections
- Education Officer
- Information Officer
- Technical Officer: Technical
- Maintenance Officer: Cleaning (3 Posts)
- Finance and Projects Officer (Three-Year Fixed-Term Contract)
- Administrative Support Officer (Three-Year Fixed-Term Contract)
- Communications Officer (Three-Year Fixed-Term Contract)
- Heritage Symbols and Cultural History Assistant (Three-Year Fixed-Term Contract)
The KwaZulu-Natal Museum is one of the largest and leading heritage institutions in South Africa. It is dedicated to serving the people of South Africa by collecting, interpreting, and exhibiting material evidence of the cultural and natural world in order to increase knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the nation’s rich heritage.
To effectively drive its strategic objectives, the KwaZulu-Natal Museum invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the following positions:
Chief Human Resource Officer
Salary: Negotiable between R507 708 – R594 744 per annum
Benefits: 15% pension contribution, optional medical aid contribution, service bonus and housing allowance
Key Responsibilities:
- Formulation of a strategic plan for Human Resources Management
- Research and monitoring of labour legislation, labour law trends and HR best practices
- Ensure effective implementation and monitoring of recruitment policies
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and continuous policy improvement
- Efficient management of remuneration and benefits, including risk management
- Manage conflict and minimise labour relations issues
- Manage learning and development processes
- Manage performance management to ensure service excellence
- Ensure effective and efficient overall HR management
Requirements:
A Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Labour Relations, Human Resources Management or Law. At least 3–5 years relevant experience. Knowledge of the Cultural Institutions Act, Public Service Amendment Act, Public Service Regulations, Labour Relations Act and other relevant legislation. Good verbal and written communication skills. Computer literacy in MS Office. Conflict resolution, planning, organising, monitoring and reporting skills. Valid driver’s license (Code B).
Chief Librarian
Salary: Negotiable between R507 708 – R594 744 per annum
Benefits: 15% pension contribution, optional medical aid contribution, service bonus and housing allowance
Key Responsibilities:
- Collection development through acquisition of new library materials
- Preservation and monitoring of collections, including disaster management planning
- Staff management, training and development
- User training on library services and systems
- Accessioning, cataloguing, classification and subject indexing
- Library promotion and development of library web pages
- Management of library computer systems and Sabinet link
Requirements:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Studies. An Honours qualification will be an advantage. Computer literacy and understanding of budgeting and financial management. Planning, project management, communication, organising and conflict resolution skills. Valid driver’s license (Code B).
Research Technician: Mollusc Collections
Salary: Negotiable between R336 951 – R393 612 per annum
Benefits: 15% pension contribution, optional medical aid contribution, service bonus and housing allowance
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain and expand mollusc collections
- Manage loan requests and loans
- Assist with budgeting and procurement of curatorial materials
- Assist curatorial staff with field research and exhibitions
- Support training and supervision of assistants
- Assist researchers and outreach programmes
Requirements:
A Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology or a related natural sciences field. Knowledge of collection management and curation procedures. Good working knowledge of zoological diversity, particularly molluscs of southern Africa. Experience in collection management and databases will be an advantage. Valid driver’s license (Code B).
Education Officer
Salary: Negotiable between R292 083 – R336 951 per annum
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement museum-based educational programmes aligned with CAPS
- Conduct after-school and outreach programmes
- Develop new audiences through holiday and in-house programmes
- Promote the use of technology in education
- Collaborate with other institutions and museum departments
- Assist with departmental administration, guiding and special activities
Requirements:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Education or similar field (NQF Level 7) with relevant experience. Understanding of CAPS and museum education. Lesson planning, presentation, communication and organisational skills. Computer literacy. Valid driver’s license (Code B).
Information Officer
Salary: Negotiable between R275 196 – R331 971 per annum
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide visitors with information about the Museum and its displays
- Monitor security in public areas
- Report maintenance issues
- Handle admissions, shop sales and visitor statistics
- Assist with museum education programmes and guided tours
Requirements:
A National Diploma in Tourism, Cultural History or Nature Conservation. At least one year experience in the tourism or heritage sector. Training in hospitality or tour guiding will be an advantage. Valid driver’s license (Code B).
Technical Officer: Technical
Salary: Negotiable between R216 417 – R254 928 per annum
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintenance and repairs of museum infrastructure
- Provide technical support to departments
- Manage technical workshop safety and organisation
- Assist with health and safety compliance
- Liaise with contractors and stakeholders
- Work after hours when required
Requirements:
Matric. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a technical or maintenance environment. Experience in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, painting, welding and metalwork. Ability to use workshop machinery. Valid driver’s license (Code B).
Maintenance Officer: Cleaning (3 Posts)
Salary: Negotiable between R122 958 – R133 236 per annum
Purpose of the Position:
To ensure museum facilities are clean, hygienic and well maintained.
Requirements:
Matric. Ability to communicate in basic English and isiZulu. Knowledge of health and safety procedures. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Heritage conservation cleaning skills will be an advantage.
Finance and Projects Officer
Three-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Salary: Negotiable between R336 951 – R393 612 per annum
Benefits: Service bonus and housing allowance
Requirements:
BCom, B Accounting or Diploma in Financial Management. At least 5–10 years’ experience in project management. Knowledge of GRAP, PFMA, Treasury Regulations and accounting systems. Experience in budgeting, strategic planning and preparation of Annual Financial Statements. Valid driver’s license (Code B).
Administrative Support Officer
Three-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Salary: Negotiable between R212 703 – R240 189 per annum
Benefits: Service bonus and housing allowance
Requirements:
NQF Level 6 qualification in Office Administration or equivalent. Computer literacy, minute-taking and administrative skills. Good organisational, time management and communication skills. Attention to detail and ability to work in a team.
Communications Officer
Three-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Salary: Negotiable between R137 262 – R155 148 per annum
Benefits: Service bonus and housing allowance
Requirements:
National Diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism or related field. Minimum of three years’ experience. Strong writing and editing skills. Experience in social media management, photography and video content creation. Ability to manage multiple tasks. Interest in heritage or museums will be an advantage. Valid driver’s license (Code B).
Heritage Symbols and Cultural History Assistant
Three-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Salary: Negotiable between R137 262 – R155 148 per annum
Benefits: Service bonus and housing allowance
Requirements:
Minimum of an NQF Level 5 qualification in Tour Guiding or related field. Experience in storytelling, poetry and cultural heritage will be an advantage. Valid driver’s license (Code B).
How to Apply
Applications must be directed to the Human Resources Officer, KwaZulu-Natal Museum.
Hand deliver to:
237 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Or post to:
Private Bag 9070, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Closing Date: Monday, 26 January 2026 at 12:00 PM
Late applications will not be accepted.
Please submit a signed covering letter indicating the position applied for, a detailed CV with references, and copies of your identity document, driver’s license (where applicable) and qualifications. Shortlisted candidates will be required to bring certified copies on the interview date.
Enquiries:
Ms Lindiwe Molefe – Human Resources Officer
Tel: 033 345 1404
If you do not hear from the Museum within two months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
The KwaZulu-Natal Museum is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and reserves the right not to make an appointment.