Horticulturist, Grade 2

South African National Biodiversity Institute; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town seeks a senior horticultural leader to head the Plant Production Nursery and its operations, ensuring effective propagation, planning and stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate will have a horticultural degree, postgrad qualification preferred, and substantial nursery management experience, with strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in Horticulture or equivalent (NQF 7)
• Postgraduate in Horticulture (NQF 8) advantageous
• 3 years post-qualification in plant nursery or 6 years with nursery experience

Responsibilities

• Lead development, coordination and maintenance of the Plant Production Nursery.
• Manage people and ensure high performance.
• Collaborate with Green Industry and the public to promote Kirstenbosch flora.
• Plan and oversee internal and external nursery services.

Skills

Horticulture

Propagation

Team leadership

Project planning

Communication

Driving

Education

Degree in Horticulture (NQF7)

Postgraduate qualification in Horticulture (NQF8)

Tools

MS Excel

MS Office

Job description

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town

National Botanical Gardens Division

Reference Number: GKBC/2026/008

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for passionate and self-motivated individuals to fulfill a key horticultural and conservation role by leading the development, management, coordination and maintenance of the Plant Production Nursery and all its operational functions with particular focus on co-ordinating garden propagation while providing leadership and inspiration to meet SANBI's mission to promote the sustainable use and conservation of the entire flora of South African flora at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

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 3 years post qualification, relevant working experience in plant nursery OR 6 years, including relevant working experience in plant nursery prior to completing a horticultural qualification.

The position is responsible for managing, developing, coordinating and maintenance of the Plant Production Nursery and all its operational functions. Take the lead in promoting Kirstenbosch NBG through the utilisation and conservation of indigenous plants, with a strong focus on the horticultural potential and educational aspects, through collaboration with the Green Industry, the general public and the wide customer base of Kirstenbosch. 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, leading and managing a team of conservation workers in the garden and nursery, knowledgeable and experience with working with plant production and 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.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Conduct nursery planning, development and maintenance of the plant production nursery;
• Lead the management and development of people and maintain high levels of performance;
• Identify, develop and document botanical collections of South African flora, with a focus on garden display, mother stock and production of key flora collections;
• Play a leading role in promoting the sustainable horticultural utilisation of South Africa’s flora through evaluating and analysing the needs of the general public, horticultural and landscaping industries and by actively engaging stakeholder groups in the South African Green Trade;
• Promote & participate in horticultural, plant conservation, and research projects;
• Co-ordinate, plan and oversee all internal and external nursery customer’s services, office administration and plant information requirements, and
• Conduct planning, coordination and implementation of projects to promote the mission of SANBI and Kirstenbosch.

Salary commensurate with a range of inputs and outputs in terms of the SANBI career ladder for horticulturists.

Contact Ms Glynnis Webb on Tel: [phone]/8800 or email – [e-mail] for any queries for purposes of clarity.

Closing Date: 20 October 2026

Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorised verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI’s website. 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.

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.