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 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 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 (SANBI)

**Salary:** Market‑Related **Job Type:** Permanent **Sector:** Government & Parastatals **General Reference:** 206016

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

SANBI seeks an enthusiastic, self‑driven professional to spearhead the development, management, coordination, and upkeep of the Plant Production Nursery and its associated operations. The role focuses on garden propagation and provides inspirational leadership to advance SANBI’s mission of promoting the sustainable use and conservation of South African flora within Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

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### Qualifications & Experience

• **Academic Requirement:** - Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or an equivalent NQF 7 qualification. - Preferred: Post‑graduate degree in Horticulture or an equivalent NQF 8 qualification.


• **Professional Experience:** - Three (3) years of post‑qualification experience in a plant nursery, **or** - Six (6) years of experience in a plant nursery prior to completing a horticultural qualification.


• **Additional Skills:** - Valid driver’s licence with at least one year of practical driving experience. - Advanced computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Office tools, is advantageous.

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### Key Responsibilities

1. **Nursery Leadership** – Plan, develop, and maintain the plant production nursery, ensuring operational excellence. 2. **Team Management** – Lead, develop, and sustain high‑performance teams of conservation workers in both the garden and nursery settings. 3. **Botanical Collection Development** – Identify, document, and cultivate South African flora, prioritising garden displays, mother‑stock, and essential collection production. 4. **Sustainable Utilisation Advocacy** – Champion the responsible use of native plants by assessing public, horticultural, and landscaping industry needs and engaging stakeholders in the South African Green Trade. 5. **Research & Conservation Participation** – Promote and contribute to horticultural, plant conservation, and research initiatives. 6. **Customer & Service Coordination** – Oversee all internal and external nursery client services, office administration, and plant information requirements. 7. **Project Implementation** – Plan, coordinate, and execute projects that further SANBI’s mission and the goals of Kirstenbosch.

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### Salary Compensation will be aligned with SANBI’s horticulturist career ladder, reflecting a range of inputs and outputs.

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### Application Process

1. **Submission** – Only online applications will be accepted. Provide a CV, a motivation letter detailing why you are the ideal candidate, and certified copies of your qualifications. Applicants lacking proof of meeting the minimum criteria and relevant experience will not be considered. 2. **Competency Test** – A competency assessment will be part of the selection procedure. 3. **References** – Include full names, addresses, telephone numbers, and, if possible, e‑mail addresses for at least three referees. 4. **Reference Number** – Failure to provide the required reference number will result in disqualification.

Personal data will be processed by SANBI for suitability assessment. SANBI may share personal information, including special personal data, with authorised verification agents and third‑party service providers for qualification verification, background checks, competency tests, and criminal record checks. By applying, you acknowledge this data sharing.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applicants will be considered under the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, with preference for candidates from designated groups.

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### Contact & Closing

**Contact:** Ms Glynnis Webb **Phone:** +27 (0)21 799 8635 / 8800 **Email:** [Email hidden - Login to reveal]

**Closing Date:** 20 October 2026

Candidates must be available for selection interviews on dates and times set by SANBI. If no response is received within 30 days after the closing date, applicants should regard their applications as unsuccessful.