Overview
Horticulturist: General Garden Jobs in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa at Hashtag Nonprofit NPC
Title: Horticulturist: General Garden
Company: Hashtag Nonprofit NPC
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Horticulturist: General Garden at the South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Deadline:
22 May 2026
- Region:
Cape Town
- Type of employment:
Full time
Job Description
Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town
Reference Number: GKBC/2026/001
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Commensurate with a range of inputs and outputs in terms of the SANBI career ladder for horticulturists.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a passionate and self-motivated individual to fulfill a key horticultural and conservation role by leading the development and maintenance of the General Gardens and herbaceous perennials display garden areas and associated living collections at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Conduct garden display and living collections operations planning, maintenance and development;
- Lead the management of people and maintain high levels of performance
- Manage the coordination of curation of living collections in both the garden and collections nursery;
- Promote & participate in horticultural, plant conservation, and research projects; and
- Conduct planning, coordination and implementation of projects to promote the mission of SANBI and Kirstenbosch.
Qualifications And Requirements
This position requires:
- A degree in Horticulture or equivalent relevant qualification at NQF 7.
- A postgraduate qualification in Horticulture or equivalent at NQF 8 will be an added advantage.
- This position also requires 6 years’ experience in the relevant field of Horticulture, of which 3 years’ must be in a supervisory position(s) as a practicing Horticulturist.
Responsibilities
The position is responsible for curating and cultivating a wide range of South African plants and herbaceous perennials with the following key competencies for the candidate to be successful in this position:
- excellent knowledge and understanding of indigenous horticulture maintenance and conservation are essential;
- 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,
- understanding landscaping using fynbos and natural design elements,
- leading and managing a team of conservation workers in the garden and nursery collections,
- knowledgeable and experience with working with conservation stakeholders,
- advanced planning, organizing, and problem solving skills;
- ability to work under pressure whilst being safety conscious; excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills;
- excellent computer literacy with MS tools will be advantageous.
- The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.
How to apply
Please Note
- Only online applications will be accepted accompanied by a CV with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered).
- A skills test and competency assessment will be conducted as part of the selection process.
- Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees.
- Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.
Contact Ms Glynnis Webb on Tel: +27 (0)21 799 8635/8800 for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via the online portal.
Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates must consider their applications unsuccessful.
Apply here
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More about this vacancy
- Date posted:
08 May 2026
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