Are you looking for a government job in Cape Town and have experience in gardening, irrigation, plumbing, horticulture or construction maintenance? The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for a Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer position at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
This is a permanent employment opportunity within SANBI’s National Botanical Gardens Division. The position is suitable for candidates with either Grade 10 or Grade 12, provided they also meet the relevant work-experience requirements.
The successful candidate will assist the general garden and estate teams with maintenance projects, irrigation work, garden maintenance, infrastructure support and other operational duties at Kirstenbosch.
The advertised salary is R144,024 per annum, and the closing date for applications is 26 August 2026.
SANBI Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer Vacancy 2026 – Quick Overview
| Job Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) |
| Position | Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer |
| Salary Level | Level 2 |
| Salary | R144,024 per annum |
| Location | Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town |
| Division | National Botanical Gardens |
| Employment Type | Permanent |
| Reference Number | GKBC/2026/004 |
| Minimum Experience | Relevant experience required |
| Closing Date | 26 August 2026 |
About the SANBI Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer Job
The Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer will provide practical support to the garden and estate teams at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
The successful candidate will assist with various maintenance activities and help ensure that projects and maintenance requests are completed according to the required specifications and quality standards.
The position involves hands-on work in a botanical garden and estate environment. Employees may work on irrigation systems, infrastructure, garden sections, paths, roads, drains, ponds and streams.
The role also requires employees to follow health and safety procedures and contribute to maintaining a safe working environment.
This opportunity could be suitable for candidates who enjoy practical outdoor work and have experience in horticulture, irrigation, plumbing, construction maintenance or general garden maintenance.
SANBI Salary
The advertised salary for the Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer position is:
R144,024 per annum
The position is advertised at Salary Level 2.
Applicants should note that government and public-sector positions are subject to the applicable employment policies, conditions and regulations.
Minimum Requirements
SANBI has provided two qualification and experience routes for applicants.
Option 1: Grade 10
Applicants may qualify with:
- Grade 10 or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 2; and
- Two years’ work experience in the relevant field.
Option 2: Grade 12
Alternatively, applicants may have:
- Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4; and
- One year’s relevant experience in irrigation, horticultural or construction maintenance.
Candidates should carefully assess which qualification and experience route applies to them.
Relevant Experience for the SANBI Vacancy
The position requires practical experience related to the work performed at the garden and estate.
Relevant areas may include:
- Irrigation.
- Horticulture.
- Garden maintenance.
- Plumbing.
- Construction maintenance.
- Infrastructure maintenance.
- Water services.
- General estate maintenance.
If you have experience in one or more of these areas, make sure that it is clearly explained in your CV.
Simply listing an employer’s name may not be enough. Where possible, describe the duties you performed and the practical skills you gained.
Higher Education Qualification Advantage
A Higher Education qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 5 will be an added advantage.
However, applicants should not confuse an advantage with the minimum requirement. Candidates must still meet the stated minimum qualification and relevant experience requirements.
Skills and Competencies Required
SANBI is looking for candidates who can demonstrate a range of practical and interpersonal skills.
Teamwork
The successful candidate will work alongside garden and estate teams. Applicants should therefore be able to cooperate with colleagues and contribute to team projects.
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Garden maintenance and infrastructure projects may involve deadlines and changing priorities. Candidates should be able to remain productive when working under pressure.
Reliability
Reliability is important in a maintenance environment. Employees need to complete assigned duties and take responsibility for the quality of their work.
Initiative
Applicants should be able to show initiative and identify tasks or problems that require attention while still following instructions and established procedures.
Communication Skills
Good communication and interpersonal skills are required when working with supervisors, colleagues and other relevant personnel.
Planning and Execution
The successful candidate should be able to plan and execute work against specific goals and requirements.
Knowledge and Practical Skills
Knowledge of garden-related maintenance work will be beneficial.
Experience or training in the following areas may strengthen an application:
- Irrigation systems.
- Construction maintenance.
- Plumbing.
- Garden maintenance.
- Water-related services.
- Infrastructure maintenance.
- Use of garden maintenance equipment.
Knowledge or experience involving pesticides and insecticides will also be an advantage.
Applicants should only claim skills and experience that they genuinely possess.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer will support various maintenance and operational activities at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Water and Construction Services
The employee will assist teams with water and construction-related services.
This may involve practical maintenance activities and supporting specialised personnel.
Irrigation Maintenance
The successful candidate will assist teams with repairing irrigation infrastructure.
Duties may include practical activities such as digging and trenching to support irrigation maintenance work.
Garden Maintenance
The position involves assisting in different garden sections and estate areas.
Tasks may include:
- Weeding.
- General garden maintenance.
- Pollution control.
- Supporting garden teams.
- Maintaining designated areas.
Paths, Trails and Roads
Employees will also assist with maintaining infrastructure throughout the garden and estate.
This may include:
- Paths.
- Trails.
- Roads.
- Drains.
- Ponds.
- Streams.
Health and Safety
The successful candidate must participate in the implementation and adherence to Health and Safety risk controls.
Employees are expected to follow workplace safety procedures and instructions while performing maintenance duties.
What Type of Candidate Is SANBI Looking For?
This position may suit a practical, reliable and self-motivated person who enjoys working outdoors.
A suitable candidate should be comfortable performing physical tasks and working as part of a team.
The job may be particularly relevant to someone with a background in:
- Gardening.
- Horticulture.
- Irrigation.
- Plumbing.
- Construction.
- Maintenance.
- Landscaping.
- Estate maintenance.
Candidates should also be willing to learn and take responsibility for completing work to the required standard.
Is Grade 12 Required for This SANBI Job?
Grade 12 is one of the qualification routes, but it is not the only route listed.
Applicants with Grade 12 or equivalent NQF Level 4 require at least one year of relevant experience in irrigation, horticultural or construction maintenance.
Applicants with Grade 10 or equivalent NQF Level 2 require two years of relevant experience in the relevant field.
Therefore, candidates should carefully compare their qualifications and experience with SANBI’s requirements.
How to Apply for the SANBI Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer Vacancy
SANBI states that only online applications will be accepted.
Applicants must submit the required information and documentation through SANBI’s online recruitment portal.
The application should include:
- A completed application form.
- A motivation letter explaining why you should be considered for the position.
- A concise CV.
- Certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met.
- Details of at least three referees.
Applicants should provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers of their referees and, where possible, their email addresses.
The relevant reference number must also be included:
GKBC/2026/004
Failure to provide the requested information or reference number may result in the application not being considered.
SANBI Application Requirements
Job seekers should prepare their documents before starting the online application.
Make sure your application includes evidence of the required qualifications and relevant work experience.
SANBI specifically states that applicants who do not provide evidence showing that they meet the minimum qualifications and relevant experience requirements will not be considered.
This makes it particularly important to ensure that your CV and supporting documentation accurately demonstrate your eligibility.
Skills Test and Selection Process
Applicants should be aware that the recruitment process does not necessarily end with the submission of an application.
SANBI states that a skills test will be conducted as part of the selection process.
Candidates should therefore be prepared to demonstrate their practical knowledge and skills relevant to the position.
Applicants selected for interviews are expected to be available on the date and time determined by SANBI.
Referees
Applicants are required to provide details of at least three referees.
Where possible, provide:
- Full name.
- Address.
- Telephone number.
- Email address.
Choose referees who can appropriately confirm your work experience, skills or professional conduct.
Make sure the information provided is accurate and up to date.
Employment Equity and Persons With Disabilities
SANBI encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
The organisation also states that applications will be considered in line with its Employment Equity Plan, with preference given to candidates from designated groups.
SANBI reserves the right not to fill the advertised position.
Enquiries
For queries relating to the vacancy, applicants can contact:
Ms Z Appollis
Telephone: +27 (0)21 799 8647 / 8800
Applicants should use the contact details provided for genuine vacancy-related enquiries.
Closing Date
The closing date for the SANBI Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer vacancy is:
26 August 2026
This means interested applicants should submit their applications as soon as possible.
Do not wait until the final hours of the closing date, especially because the vacancy requires several supporting documents.
Important Application Tips
Before submitting your SANBI application, consider the following:
1. Check Your Qualification
Determine whether you qualify through the Grade 10 or Grade 12 route.
2. Confirm Your Experience
Make sure you have the required relevant work experience.
3. Update Your CV
Clearly list your practical experience in irrigation, horticulture, construction maintenance, plumbing or garden maintenance.
4. Prepare a Motivation Letter
Explain why your qualifications, experience and skills make you suitable for the position.
5. Certify Your Qualifications
SANBI requires certified qualifications as evidence that applicants meet the minimum requirements.
6. Prepare Three Referees
Ensure you have accurate contact details for at least three referees.
7. Use the Correct Reference Number
Include GKBC/2026/004 in your application as required.
8. Apply Online
SANBI states that only online applications will be accepted.
Final Thoughts
The SANBI Candidate Auxiliary Service Officer vacancy 2026 provides an opportunity for suitably qualified job seekers to work at the well-known Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town.
The position offers a salary of R144,024 per annum and is a permanent opportunity within SANBI’s National Botanical Gardens Division.
Applicants can qualify through either the Grade 10 plus two years’ relevant experience route or the Grade 12 plus one year’s relevant experience route. Relevant experience includes areas such as irrigation, horticulture and construction maintenance.
The successful candidate will assist with garden maintenance, irrigation repairs, water and construction services, infrastructure maintenance, weeding, pollution control, paths, trails, roads, drains, ponds and streams.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your CV, motivation letter, certified qualifications and details of three referees, then submit your application through SANBI’s online recruitment portal before 26 August 2026.
Important: Always verify the vacancy details and application instructions on SANBI’s official recruitment platform before submitting your personal information. SANBI states that applications lacking evidence of the minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered.
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