The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is inviting suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of Driver 2: Heavy Motor Vehicle. This permanent employment opportunity is based at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, Western Cape.
Individuals with experience operating heavy motor vehicles, transporting passengers, handling materials, and supporting maintenance operations are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting garden operations, conservation activities, transportation services, and general logistical functions within one of South Africa’s most recognized botanical gardens.
Position Details
- Position: Driver 2: Heavy Motor Vehicle
- Reference Number: GKBC/2026/002
- Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town
- Division: National Botanical Garden Division
- Salary Level: 4
- Annual Salary: R201,093 per annum
About the Opportunity
This position is ideal for candidates who possess a heavy motor vehicle driver’s licence and practical experience in operating various vehicles and equipment. The role involves transporting staff, passengers, goods, materials, and equipment while ensuring compliance with road safety regulations and SANBI operational requirements.
The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting conservation and maintenance activities across the botanical garden while ensuring that vehicles are properly maintained and operated safely.
The position requires flexibility, as duties may include weekend work, standby responsibilities, sleep-in duties, and participation in emergency response activities when necessary.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following qualification and experience requirements:
Option 1
- Grade 10, Job Specific Qualification, or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 2.
- Four years of relevant work experience.
Option 2
- Grade 12, Job Specific Qualification, or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4.
- Three years of relevant work experience.
Added Advantage
A Higher Education Qualification, Job Specific Qualification, or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 5 will serve as an added advantage during the selection process.
Essential Skills and Competencies
Candidates applying for this position should demonstrate the following competencies and abilities:
- Valid Heavy Motor Vehicle Driver’s Licence (Code C).
- Valid Professional Driving Permit (PDP).
- Ability to safely transport staff and passengers using a 60-seater bus.
- Experience driving heavy vehicles such as trucks and tractors.
- Knowledge of vehicle inspections and routine maintenance procedures.
- Ability to comply with traffic laws and road safety regulations.
- Good communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Physical fitness to perform manual labour and outdoor duties.
- Willingness to work weekends, standby shifts, and sleep-in duties.
- Ability to respond to emergencies and assist with wildfire management activities.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Driver 2: Heavy Motor Vehicle position involves a wide range of operational and logistical duties aimed at supporting the maintenance and development of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Transportation of Staff and Passengers
One of the primary responsibilities of the position is the transportation of staff members to and from work using a 60-seater bus. Safe transportation practices must be followed at all times to ensure passenger safety and compliance with road regulations.
The successful candidate will also transport visitors, personnel, and authorized passengers when required by operational needs.
Transportation of Materials and Equipment
The role requires transporting various materials, supplies, tools, and equipment within and outside the garden premises. This includes collecting ordered materials, delivering supplies to designated locations, and supporting operational activities through reliable transport services.
Loading and offloading plant materials, equipment, and other goods forms an important part of daily operations.
Vehicle Operations
The successful candidate will be expected to operate various SANBI vehicles and machinery, including:
- Heavy motor vehicles
- Trucks
- Refuse removal trucks
- Tractors
- Buses
- TLB machinery
- Other operational vehicles used within SANBI
Vehicle operation may take place both within garden premises and at external locations during exhibitions, displays, fieldwork, and plant collection trips.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection
Daily inspections of assigned vehicles are essential to ensure safe operation and compliance with maintenance requirements.
Responsibilities include:
- Checking warning lights.
- Monitoring oil levels.
- Inspecting water levels.
- Checking fuel levels.
- Identifying mechanical defects.
- Reporting maintenance issues immediately to supervisors.
- Ensuring vehicles are properly garaged and secured.
Accurate reporting of faults and defects helps maintain vehicle reliability and operational efficiency.
Conservation and Garden Maintenance Support
The Driver 2 position extends beyond transportation duties and includes participation in conservation and maintenance activities throughout the estate.
Responsibilities may include:
- Mowing lawns and landscaped areas.
- Assisting machine operators with brush-cutting activities.
- Supporting general garden maintenance projects.
- Assisting with estate upkeep.
- Participating in conservation-related tasks.
These duties contribute to maintaining the beauty, functionality, and environmental integrity of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Recycling and Waste Management
The successful candidate will assist in environmental sustainability initiatives by collecting and sorting recyclable materials from designated collection points.
Responsibilities include:
- Transporting recyclable materials.
- Sorting recyclables at recycling stations.
- Supporting waste management operations.
- Assisting with refuse removal activities.
These tasks contribute to SANBI’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
Compost and Mulch Production Support
Additional responsibilities include assisting with the production of mulch, compost, and wood chips used throughout the botanical garden.
This work supports landscaping, conservation, and gardening operations while contributing to sustainable resource management practices.
Emergency and Wildfire Response
The successful candidate will assist in emergency situations, including wildfire response and other operational emergencies.
Participation in emergency response activities requires adherence to safety procedures and cooperation with relevant teams responsible for incident management.
Pest and Disease Reporting
While performing daily duties, the successful candidate must remain vigilant and report any signs of plant pests or diseases observed throughout the estate.
Early reporting assists conservation teams in protecting plant collections and maintaining biodiversity.
Key Performance Areas
The position focuses on the following key performance areas:
1. Transportation Services
Providing safe, efficient, and reliable transportation of people, goods, and materials.
2. Conservation Maintenance
Supporting conservation and maintenance activities across the botanical garden estate.
3. Resource Management
Ensuring responsible use and management of vehicles, equipment, fuel, and operational resources.
4. Customer Service
Delivering professional and courteous service to staff, visitors, and stakeholders.
5. Health and Safety Support
Promoting safe working practices and complying with health and safety requirements at all times.
Selection Process
Applicants should note that a skills test will form part of the recruitment and selection process.
The assessment will evaluate practical competencies relevant to the position and may include vehicle operation and related job-specific tasks.
Candidates selected for further consideration may also be required to participate in interviews and additional assessments.
Important Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted online and include the following documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter explaining suitability for the position.
- Certified copies of qualifications.
- Supporting documents confirming relevant experience where applicable.
Applications that do not include proof of minimum qualifications and required experience may not be considered.
Applicants must also provide the following referee information:
- Full names of at least three referees.
- Contact telephone numbers.
- Physical addresses.
- Email addresses where available.
Failure to provide the required information or reference number may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.
Employment Equity
Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applications will be considered in accordance with SANBI’s Employment Equity Plan. Preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in line with employment equity objectives.
SANBI reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Personal Information Processing
Personal information submitted during the recruitment process may be used for assessing suitability for employment.
Verification processes may include:
- Qualification verification.
- Reference checks.
- Background screening.
- Competency assessments.
- Criminal record checks.
Authorized service providers and verification agents may access information for these purposes in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official SANBI recruitment portal.
External Applicants
Internal Applicants
Application Email
Closing Date: 24 June 2026
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date. Late applications may not be considered.
Candidates who do not receive feedback within 30 days after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.