The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Candidate Technical Assistant at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town. The position is available within the National Botanical Gardens Division and is suited to candidates with relevant experience in infrastructure maintenance, general technical work and solid waste collection.
The successful candidate will assist with projects and small infrastructure maintenance activities at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Duties will include fence repairs, signage maintenance, painting, minor construction work and the collection of solid waste. The successful applicant will be expected to complete assigned tasks according to specifications, within the required budget and timeframes, while maintaining applicable quality assurance standards.
The position is classified as Salary Level 3, with a basic annual salary of R170,226.00.
Job Details
Position: Candidate Technical Assistant
Reference Number: GKBC/2026/004
Salary Level: 3
Basic Salary: R170,226.00 per annum
Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town
Division: National Botanical Gardens Division
Employer: South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Closing Date: 16 September 2026
About the Position
The Candidate Technical Assistant will provide practical assistance with operational activities, infrastructure maintenance projects and general technical tasks at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
The position is suited to an individual who is self-motivated, willing to learn and able to follow instructions. The successful candidate must be comfortable performing practical duties and working as part of a team, while also being capable of completing assigned tasks independently.
The work may involve a range of maintenance and general technical activities. These include assisting with fence repairs, maintaining signage, painting, minor construction work and collecting, sorting and disposing of solid waste.
The successful candidate will also be required to use different hand tools, equipment and machinery safely and appropriately. Attention to detail, good communication and a willingness to comply with workplace health and safety requirements will be important aspects of the role.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet the minimum educational and experience requirements specified by SANBI.
One of the following qualification and experience combinations is required:
- Grade 10 with a job-specific qualification, or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 2, together with at least three years of relevant experience; or
- Grade 12 with a job-specific qualification, or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4, together with at least two years of relevant experience in infrastructure maintenance and/or solid waste collection.
A Higher Education Qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 5 will be considered an added advantage.
Applicants should ensure that evidence of the required qualification and relevant work experience is available when submitting the application. Candidates who cannot provide evidence confirming that the minimum qualifications and relevant experience have been met will not be considered.
Required Skills and Competencies
SANBI is looking for a candidate who can demonstrate practical skills, reliability and the ability to work effectively with others.
The following competencies are required:
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Ability to communicate in English, including reading and writing.
- Willingness to learn new skills.
- Ability to follow instructions.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to work independently when required.
- Training in bricklaying and painting.
- Knowledge of solid waste collection, sorting and disposal.
- Ability to use various hand tools.
- Ability to operate relevant equipment and machinery.
- Understanding of basic workplace health and safety requirements.
Applicants should be able to perform practical and physically oriented duties associated with infrastructure maintenance and general technical support.
Driver’s Licence Requirement
A valid Code C1 driver’s licence is required for this position.
Applicants must also have at least one year of practical driving experience.
Candidates should ensure that a copy of the valid driver’s licence is included with the application documentation where required.
Key Performance Responsibilities
The appointed Candidate Technical Assistant will be responsible for assisting with various operational and maintenance activities at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Key responsibilities include:
Assist With Operational Functions and Projects
The successful candidate will assist with operational functions and projects carried out within the National Botanical Gardens Division. This may include practical maintenance activities and project-related tasks assigned by supervisors.
Assist With Generalist Tasks
The position involves assisting with general technical and maintenance tasks. Duties may include fence repairs, signage maintenance, painting, minor construction work and other activities required to maintain facilities and infrastructure.
Assist With Administration
The successful candidate will also provide assistance with basic administrative duties associated with operational activities and projects.
Comply With Health and Safety Requirements
All assigned duties must be performed in accordance with applicable health and safety requirements. Candidates will be expected to use tools, equipment and machinery responsibly and follow workplace safety instructions.
Application Requirements
SANBI has specified several documents that must accompany an application.
Applicants must submit a completed SANBI application form, which is available from the SANBI website.
The application must also include:
- A motivation letter explaining why the applicant should be favourably considered for the position.
- A concise CV.
- Certified copies of relevant qualifications confirming that the minimum qualification requirements are met.
- A copy of the applicant’s ID.
- A copy of the valid driver’s licence.
- Full names and contact details of at least three referees.
- Addresses and telephone numbers of referees.
- Email addresses of referees, where possible.
The reference number GKBC/2026/004 must be included when applying.
Failure to provide the requested information or reference number may result in the application not being considered.
Applicants should carefully check all documents before submitting the application to ensure that the required information has been included.
Selection Process
A skills test may form part of the recruitment and selection process. Candidates should therefore be prepared to demonstrate relevant practical skills and knowledge if requested by SANBI.
Candidates are also expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and at a time determined by SANBI.
The recruitment process may include verification of qualifications and other submitted documents, reference checks, competency assessments and background screening.
Employment Equity and Disability
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
SANBI reserves the right not to fill the advertised position.
Applications will be considered in accordance with SANBI’s Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with the applicable employment equity requirements.
The closing date is 16 September 2026.
Candidates are advised not to wait until the final day to submit an application. All required documents should be prepared and checked before submission.
Enquiries
For enquiries regarding the vacancy and clarification of the advertised requirements, applicants can contact Ms Zena Appollis.
Telephone: +27 (0)21 799 8800 / 8647
Email: [email protected]
Enquiries should be directed to the contact person for purposes of obtaining clarity about the position.
Important Notice to Applicants
Applicants should carefully review the full vacancy requirements before applying. Meeting the minimum qualifications and experience requirements is important because candidates who cannot provide evidence of the required qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered.
Applicants should also ensure that the application clearly identifies the position and reference number GKBC/2026/004.
If no response has been received within 30 days after the closing date, applicants should consider their applications unsuccessful.
SANBI Candidate Technical Assistant Vacancy Summary
- Job Title: Candidate Technical Assistant
- Reference: GKBC/2026/004
- Salary: R170,226 per annum
- Salary Level: 3
- Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town
- Division: National Botanical Gardens Division
- Minimum Education: Grade 10 or Grade 12 with relevant job-specific qualification, depending on the experience route
- Experience: Two to three years, depending on qualification level
- Driver’s Licence: Valid Code C1 with at least one year practical driving experience
- Closing Date: 16 September 2026
- Application: SANBI online portal or email
- Reference Number: GKBC/2026/004
This vacancy may be suitable for candidates with practical experience in infrastructure maintenance, painting, bricklaying, general technical work, solid waste collection or related operational activities. Applicants who meet the specified requirements should submit a complete application before the closing date.
How to Apply
Applications for the Candidate Technical Assistant position can be submitted through the SANBI online application portal or by email.
Applicants should submit the completed application form, motivation letter, concise CV, certified qualifications, ID and driver’s licence as specified in the vacancy advertisement.
Applications can be submitted through the following channels:
- Internal applicants: https://sanbi-employee.simplify.hr/vacancy/7oiyia
- External applicants: https://sanbi.simplify.hr/vacancy/7oiyia
- Email: [email protected]