Horticulturist, Grade 2 Cape Town

📌 OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW:-South African National Biodiversity Institute is actively recruiting for a Horticulturist, Grade 2 position in Cape Town. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the Agriculture / Agro / Allied sector looking to advance their careers.

🎯 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE:-We are seeking talented individuals with the following profile:• Experience Level: 3 - 5 years • Educational Background: Bachelor or equivalent• Industry Focus: Agriculture / Agro / Allied• Location Preference: in Cape Town

💼 WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS:-The Horticulturist, Grade 2 position is an important role within the Agriculture / Agro / Allied sector, offering meaningful career development and professional growth opportunities.

📈 CAREER DEVELOPMENT INSIGHTS:-This role in Agriculture / Agro / Allied offers valuable career progression opportunities aligned with your experience level and professional aspirations.

📋 APPLICATION GUIDANCE:-When applying for this Horticulturist, Grade 2 position, ensure your CV highlights:• Relevant experience matching the 3 - 5 years requirement• Educational qualifications in line with Bachelor• Specific achievements in the Agriculture / Agro / Allied field• Any certifications or specialized training

🌍 SOUTH AFRICA JOB MARKET CONTEXT:-The Agriculture / Agro / Allied sector in South Africa continues to show strong demand for skilled professionals. This position represents a valuable opportunity in the current job market.

Job Title: Horticulturist, Grade 2 Company: South African National Biodiversity Institute

Job Type: Permanent Sectors: Government & Parastatals General Reference: 206016

Vacancy Details Employer: South African National Biodiversity Institute Reference Number: GKBC/2026/008 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town National Botanical Gardens Division

This position with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) requires a passionate and self-motivated individual to lead the development, management, coordination, and maintenance of the Plant Production Nursery and all its operational functions at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Key responsibilities include promoting Kirstenbosch NBG through the utilization and conservation of indigenous plants, focusing on horticultural potential and educational aspects. Candidates must have a degree in Horticulture or equivalent relevant qualification at NQF 7, with a postgraduate qualification in Horticulture or equivalent at NQF 8 being an advantage. Three years post-qualification, relevant working experience in plant nursery is required, or six years including relevant working experience prior to completing a horticultural qualification.

Responsibilities include managing, developing, coordinating, and maintaining the Plant Production Nursery, leading the management and development of people, identifying, developing, and documenting botanical collections of South African flora, promoting the sustainable horticultural utilization of South Africa's flora through engaging stakeholder groups, and conducting planning, coordination, and implementation of projects to promote the mission of SANBI and Kirstenbosch.

The successful candidate should demonstrate excellent knowledge and understanding of indigenous horticulture maintenance and conservation, knowledge of propagation procedures, protocols, and processes, practical experience and knowledge of propagation facilities, knowledge of field collecting and plant introduction and care, competent in long-term curation and maintenance of living plant collections. Ability to work under pressure while being safety conscious, excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, excellent computer literacy with MS tools, and a valid driver’s license with at least one-year practical driving experience are essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include conducting nursery planning, development, and maintenance of the plant production nursery, leading the management and development of people, identifying, developing, and documenting botanical collections of South African flora, playing a leading role in promoting the sustainable horticultural utilization of South Africa’s flora, promoting horticultural, plant conservation, and research projects, coordinating, planning, and overseeing all internal and external nursery customer’s services, office administration, and plant information requirements, and conducting planning, coordination, and implementation of projects to promote the mission of SANBI and Kirstenbosch.

Salary will be commensurate with a range of inputs and outputs in terms of the SANBI career ladder for horticulturists. Only online applications will be accepted, and applications must be accompanied by a CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met. A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process, and applicants must provide the full names, addresses, and telephone numbers (if possible, e-mail addresses) of at least three referees. Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in the application not being considered.

Personal information will be processed by SANBI for assessing suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may share your personal information with service providers or third parties to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. By virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorized verification agents and service providers will access your personal information for these purposes. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered, with preference given to candidates from designated groups in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan. Closing date for applications is 20 October 2026. Contact Ms. Glynnis Webb at Tel: +27 (0)21 799 8635/8800 or email [Email hidden - Login to reveal] for any queries.