The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for the Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer position at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, Western Cape. The position is suitable for candidates with experience in gardening, irrigation, horticulture, construction maintenance or related fields.
The position is a permanent government opportunity and offers a basic annual salary of R144 024.00 at Salary Level 2.
Applications close on 26 August 2026, giving interested candidates limited time to submit their applications.
Job Details
Position: Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer
Reference Number: GKBC/2026/004
Division: National Botanical Gardens Division
Workplace: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, Western Cape
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: R144 024.00 per annum
Salary Level: 2
Minimum Experience: Entry Level
Closing Date: 26 August 2026
About the Position
SANBI is looking for a self-motivated and reliable person to support the general garden and estate teams at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
The successful candidate will assist with various maintenance activities and ensure that projects and maintenance requests are completed according to the required specifications and quality standards. The position also involves supporting garden teams with daily maintenance operations and providing general support services to customers at the botanical garden.
This is a practical position that may require physical work and the ability to work outdoors. Candidates should be comfortable working as part of a team, following instructions and completing assigned tasks within specified timeframes.
The successful candidate may be required to work on different areas of the garden and estate, depending on operational requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates must meet one of the following minimum qualification and experience requirements:
- Grade 10 or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 2, together with at least 2 years of relevant work experience; or
- Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4, together with at least 1 year of relevant experience in irrigation, horticultural or construction maintenance.
A Higher Education Qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 5 will be an added advantage.
Candidates should ensure that proof of the required qualifications is included with the application. Applicants who do not provide evidence showing that the minimum qualification and relevant experience requirements have been met may not be considered.
Experience and Skills
The position requires a practical understanding of garden and estate maintenance. Candidates with experience in irrigation, construction maintenance or plumbing-related work may have an advantage.
The following skills and competencies are important for the position:
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Reliability and a strong sense of responsibility.
- Ability to take responsibility for the quality of completed work.
- Experience working with irrigation systems.
- Experience in construction or plumbing-related maintenance.
- Knowledge of general garden maintenance.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to show initiative.
- Ability to plan and complete work according to specific goals.
- Ability to follow health and safety requirements.
- Practical approach to maintenance and support duties.
Knowledge or experience in the use of pesticides and insecticides will be an advantage.
Candidates should be prepared to perform a range of practical duties rather than focusing on one specific maintenance activity.
Key Performance Responsibilities
The appointed Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer will assist with a variety of duties related to the maintenance of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and its estate.
Water and Construction Services
The successful candidate will assist teams with water and construction-related services. This may include practical maintenance activities and assisting experienced staff with projects and repairs.
Irrigation Maintenance
The position includes assisting teams with the repair and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure. Duties may involve digging, trenching and other practical activities required to maintain irrigation systems.
Candidates with previous exposure to irrigation work may find this aspect of the position particularly relevant.
Garden Maintenance
The successful candidate will assist in different garden sections and estate areas with general maintenance tasks. Duties may include weeding, cleaning and pollution control.
Garden maintenance requires attention to detail and the ability to complete tasks according to the required standards.
Paths, Trails, Roads and Drains
The role also involves assisting with the maintenance of infrastructure throughout the garden and estate.
This may include work involving:
- Paths
- Trails
- Roads
- Drains
- Ponds
- Streams
The candidate may be required to assist teams with keeping these areas properly maintained and safe for use.
Health and Safety
Health and safety is an important part of the position. The successful candidate will participate in the adherence to and execution of health and safety risk controls.
Candidates must be willing to follow workplace safety procedures and instructions while carrying out maintenance duties.
What Type of Candidate Is Suitable?
This vacancy may be suitable for job seekers who have practical experience in gardening, horticulture, irrigation, construction maintenance or plumbing-related work.
Candidates with Grade 12 and at least one year of relevant experience may meet the minimum requirements. Those with Grade 10 and two years of relevant experience may also qualify.
The position may appeal to candidates who prefer practical and outdoor work and who enjoy working with maintenance teams.
Reliability is important because the position involves completing maintenance tasks within specific timeframes. Candidates must also be able to work with other employees and follow instructions from supervisors or team leaders.
Documents Required
SANBI has stated that applications must include the required supporting documents.
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form.
- Motivation letter explaining why the applicant should be favourably considered.
- Concise CV.
- Certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualification requirements are met.
- Details of at least three referees.
For each referee, applicants should provide the person’s:
- Full name.
- Address.
- Telephone number.
- Email address, where possible.
Applicants should make sure that the reference number GKBC/2026/004 is included as required.
Failure to provide requested information or the correct reference number may result in the application not being considered.
Selection Process
Applicants should be aware that the recruitment process includes a skills test. Candidates who progress through the selection process may therefore be required to demonstrate practical knowledge or skills relevant to the position.
Candidates are also expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time determined by SANBI.
Applicants should make sure that the contact details provided in the application are correct and active so that communication regarding the recruitment process can be received.
Important Information for Applicants
SANBI will process personal information provided by applicants for purposes related to assessing suitability for the advertised position.
The organisation may also use authorised service providers or third parties to conduct verification and screening processes. These processes may include qualification verification, document verification, reference checks, competency assessment tests and criminal record checks.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
SANBI also reserves the right not to fill the position. Applications will be considered in line with the organisation’s Employment Equity Plan, with preference given to candidates from designated groups where applicable.
Closing Date
The closing date for this vacancy is 26 August 2026.
Job seekers who meet the minimum requirements should submit their applications before the closing date. Waiting until the final day may create unnecessary problems if there are technical difficulties with the online application portal or if supporting documents are incomplete.
Applicants should carefully check all documents before submitting the application.
How to Apply
Applications for the Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer position must be submitted online through the SANBI application portal.
The application must include the completed application form, motivation letter, concise CV and certified qualifications.
Applicants should ensure that the documents clearly demonstrate how their qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the position.
For queries relating to the vacancy, candidates can contact Ms Z Appollis on +27 (0)21 799 8647/8800.
Candidates should use the correct reference number, GKBC/2026/004, when applying for this vacancy.
If no response has been received within 30 days after the closing date, applicants should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Final Reminder
The Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer vacancy provides an opportunity for suitably qualified job seekers to work at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town.
The position requires practical maintenance skills and experience in areas such as gardening, irrigation, horticulture, construction maintenance or plumbing. Candidates must meet the stated qualification and experience requirements and submit all requested documents.
The basic annual salary is R144 024.00, and the position is permanent.
Interested candidates should review the requirements carefully and submit a complete online application before 26 August 2026.
Position: Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer
Reference: GKBC/2026/004
Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town
Salary: R144 024.00 per annum
Employment: Permanent
Closing Date: 26 August 2026