SANBI Skilled Labour and Supervisor Garden Maintenance Jobs X58 Posts (National Botanical Gardens Programme 2026)

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has opened applications for Skilled Labourers and Supervisors to participate in a short-term environmental support and garden maintenance programme across several National Botanical Gardens in South Africa.

This opportunity is especially valuable for unemployed youth and community members living near SANBI botanical garden sites because it provides paid work experience, environmental exposure, and participation in national conservation programmes under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) framework.

Successful candidates will work on garden maintenance, environmental support services, construction assistance, and conservation-related operational tasks, while supervisors will help manage teams and coordinate workflows.

The contracts run until 31 March 2027, making this a meaningful medium-term income opportunity rather than a short seasonal placement.

Quick Overview

Programme: SANBI Skilled Labour and Supervisor Programme
Organisation: South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Contract duration: Fixed-term until 31 March 2027
Division: National Botanical Gardens Division
Skilled Labour stipend: R200 per day
Supervisor stipend: R250 per day
Closing date: 30 April 2026 at 16:00
Locations: Multiple SANBI National Botanical Gardens nationwide
Target groups: Youth, women, and persons with disabilities encouraged to apply
Programme focus: Garden maintenance and environmental support

What This SANBI Programme Is About

SANBI is recruiting participants for a short-term environmental support and garden maintenance programme implemented across several National Botanical Gardens.

The programme focuses on:

maintaining botanical garden infrastructure
supporting environmental conservation activities
assisting with operational maintenance
strengthening community participation in biodiversity protection

These roles involve physical outdoor work, teamwork, and site-based operations.

Available Positions

Two categories of opportunities are available:

Skilled Labour Positions

Remuneration: R200 per day
Contract: Fixed-term until 31 March 2027

Duties include:

Chain saw operation
Brush cutter operation
Herbicide application
Construction support tasks such as paving and bricklaying
Garden maintenance activities
Environmental support services

These roles are ideal for candidates with basic technical labour experience or willingness to work in outdoor environments.

Supervisor Positions

Remuneration: R250 per day
Contract: Fixed-term until 31 March 2027

Supervisor responsibilities include:

Supervising skilled and unskilled labour teams
Managing daily workflows
Monitoring project progress
Ensuring safety compliance
Resolving team coordination challenges
Reporting on operational performance

These roles are suitable for applicants with team leadership or project coordination experience.

Locations and Number of Posts Available

Skilled Labour Posts (R200 per day)

Total: 34 posts

Breakdown per garden:

Pretoria National Botanical Garden — 5
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden — 7
KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden — 5
Lowveld National Botanical Garden — 4
Free State National Botanical Garden — 4
Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden — 5
Mphaphuli Cycad Nature Reserve (with Thohoyandou NBG) — 4

Subtotal: 34 Skilled Labour positions

Supervisor Posts (R250 per day)

Total: 24 posts

Breakdown per garden:

Pretoria National Botanical Garden — 6
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden — 3
KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden — 3
Lowveld National Botanical Garden — 3
Free State National Botanical Garden — 3
Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden — 3
Mphaphuli Cycad Nature Reserve — 3

Subtotal: 24 Supervisor positions

Total SANBI Posts Available

34 Skilled Labour + 24 Supervisors = 58 total posts

Who Should Apply

SANBI is specifically targeting applicants who:

are South African citizens
live within the municipality where the garden is located
are unemployed
are physically fit for manual labour
can work independently and in teams
are willing to participate in environmental maintenance activities

Proof of residence is required.

Acceptable proof includes:

ward committee letter
traditional authority letter
municipal utility bill

Key Skills That Strengthen Your Application

Applicants with the following experience will have an advantage:

brush cutter operation
chainsaw handling
herbicide application
paving and bricklaying
construction support work
environmental maintenance
landscaping experience
team leadership (for supervisors)

However, previous formal employment is not always required.

Motivation and willingness to work remain important selection factors.

How to Apply for the SANBI Programme

Applicants must complete the official SANBI application form available here:

https://www.sanbi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SANBI-Application-Form.doc

Your application must include:

completed SANBI application form
two-page CV
correct reference number for chosen garden

Applications may be submitted:

via email to epwp@sanbi.org.za
or delivered by hand to the relevant botanical garden office

Applications submitted without the correct reference number may not be considered.

Documents You Should Prepare Before Applying

Prepare these early to avoid delays:

certified copy of ID
updated CV (maximum two pages)
proof of residence
SANBI application form
relevant experience references if available

Being document-ready increases your success rate when applying for multiple EPWP-style opportunities.

Edupstairs Advice for Applicants

Because SANBI opportunities receive strong application volumes, improve your chances by:

applying early
using the correct reference number
submitting a clean two-page CV
including proof of residence
highlighting any outdoor or construction experience
mentioning teamwork experience
following delivery instructions carefully

Many unsuccessful applications are rejected due to missing documentation rather than lack of eligibility.

Treat your application like a formal job submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need previous work experience to apply?

Not always. Experience is helpful but not mandatory for Skilled Labour roles.

Supervisor roles usually require coordination experience.

Can I apply if I live outside the garden municipality?

No. Applicants must live within the local municipality of the botanical garden.

Is this a permanent job?

No. This is a fixed-term programme ending 31 March 2027.

Is this part of EPWP?

Yes. This programme aligns with EPWP employment support initiatives.

Can persons with disabilities apply?

Yes. SANBI encourages applications from persons with disabilities.

Can I apply to more than one garden?

Yes. But you must submit separate applications with correct reference numbers.

CLOSING DATE: 30 APRIL 2026

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.

Have you applied for this opportunity?

Total responses: 0

Disclaimer

SANBI recruitment processes are managed directly by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Edupstairs shares verified public opportunity information to support youth employment access. Always confirm application details through SANBI official communication channels before submission.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY