NRF/SARAO Recruiting General Workers – Grade 10 Required

NRF SARAO

The National Research Foundation (NRF), under its facility, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of General Worker (x2) on a permanent basis in Carnarvon, Northern Cape. This opportunity forms part of ongoing efforts to support operations and maintenance at the Karoo site, contributing to the advancement of South Africa’s radio astronomy infrastructure and related scientific programmes.

The NRF promotes and supports research and human capital development through funding, the provision of national research facilities, and science outreach initiatives across multiple disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. SARAO leads South Africa’s involvement in major radio astronomy projects such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and manages key instruments and programmes aimed at strengthening scientific capacity and technological innovation.

  • Position: General Worker x2
  • Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
  • Contract Type: Permanent
  • Job Level: Junior
  • Closing Date: 09 March 2026

A permanent position is available for two (2) General Workers at the National Research Foundation (NRF), under its facility, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). The successful candidates will assist in the operation and maintenance of the Karoo site in Carnarvon, Northern Cape.

The National Research Foundation supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities, and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community across all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Radio Telescope project in engineering, science, and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the NRF and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries, as well as associated human capital development and commercialisation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Inspecting and maintaining existing fences, gates, windmills, dams, and farm roads
  • Operating heavy and light equipment, including the Honey Sucker
  • Assisting with the opening and closing of trenches
  • Removing and trimming trees
  • Performing maintenance and cleaning of vehicles and equipment
  • Assisting in maintaining power lines
  • Collecting and removing waste bins
  • Assisting with fencing of graveyards and maintaining them
  • Assisting in maintaining existing gardens and orchards on farms
  • Performing all other general duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

Qualification

  • Grade 10
  • Driver’s licence (advantageous)
  • Two (2) years working experience as a General Worker

Experience

  • Working in construction and/or on farms
  • Gardening
  • General fencing
  • General construction
  • Painting

Knowledge

  • General Health and Safety procedures
  • Operation of common hand tools (electrical and mechanical)
  • Working at heights
  • Lifting of heavy objects

Additional Notes

  • Ability to follow instructions
  • Must be able to perform other general tasks as assigned by the line manager
  • Physically and mentally fit (must be able to climb on large trucks)
  • Safety orientated
  • Sober habits
  • Trustworthy and reliable
  • Ability to work in a team with minimum supervision

Additional Information

Further details regarding NRF initiatives and activities are available on the official website: www.nrf.ac.za

Applications

Applicants must submit a comprehensive CV by logging into the National Research Foundation (NRF) recruitment portal at https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and completing the online application process. Applications should include all required supporting documents and relevant information to ensure full consideration for the position.

Applications must be accompanied by:

  • A letter of motivation indicating suitability for the position
  • Names and contact details of at least three referees

Closing Date: 09 March 2026

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress. Appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be sent to shortlisted candidates only.

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