Horticulturist

Hashtag Nonprofit NPC; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization in Cape Town seeks a Horticulturist to lead the development and maintenance of botanical garden areas. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Horticulture, at least six years of experience with three in supervision, and knowledge of indigenous horticulture. Responsibilities include managing garden operations, curating collections, and inspiring a team. This full-time position offers an opportunity to contribute to plant conservation and community education initiatives.

Qualifications

• A degree in Horticulture or equivalent relevant qualification at NQF 7.
• Six years’ experience in horticulture, including three years in a supervisory position.

Responsibilities

• Conduct garden display operations planning and development.
• Lead the management of people and maintain performance levels.
• Manage curation coordination of living collections.

Skills

Team management

Communication skills

Indigenous horticulture knowledge

Problem-solving

Computer literacy (MS Office)

Education

Degree in Horticulture

Postgraduate qualification in Horticulture

Job description

Horticulturist at South African National Biodiversity Institute

Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town

• Region: Cape Town
• Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Type of employment: Full time
• Deadline: 22 December 2025
• Reference Number: GKBC/2025/016

Job Description

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a passionate and self‑motivated individual to lead the development and maintenance of the Proteaceae and Restionaceae display garden areas and associated living collections at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Responsibilities

• Conduct garden display and living collections operations planning, maintenance & 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.
• Conduct planning, coordination and implementation of projects to promote the mission of SANBI and Kirstenbosch.
• Curate and cultivate a wide range of Protea and Restio genera.
• Apply knowledge of indigenous horticulture and conservation.
• Manage propagation procedures, protocols and processes.
• Operate propagation facilities.
• Collect plants and introduce and care for them.
• Maintain long‑term curation of living plant collections.
• Understand landscaping using fynbos and natural design elements.
• Lead and manage a team of conservation workers in the garden and nursery collections.
• Work with conservation stakeholders.
• Plan, organise and solve problems.
• Work under pressure while being safety conscious.
• Communicate effectively (verbal & written) and possess interpersonal skills.
• Be computer literate and familiar with software tools (MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook).
• Hold a valid driver’s licence with at least one‑year practical driving experience.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A degree in Horticulture or equivalent relevant qualification at NQF 7.
• Postgraduate qualification in Horticulture or equivalent at NQF 8 is an added advantage.
• Six years’ experience in horticulture, including three years in a supervisory position.

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

• Apply online only; submit a CV, motivation letter, and certified qualifications confirming minimum qualifications.
• Provide a competency test as part of the selection process.
• Provide full names, addresses, telephone numbers, and if possible email addresses for at least three referees.
• Failure to submit requested information and reference number will result in application not being considered.

Personal information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing suitability for the advertised position. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI’s website.

Contact Ms G Webb on Tel: [phone]/8800 for any queries for clarity.

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