Are you passionate about gardening and landscaping? Do you have experience in maintaining outdoor spaces and ensuring they remain beautiful and sustainable? The University of Cape Town (UCT) is offering General Workers / Gardeners Job Opportunities within its Grounds and Gardens department. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a prestigious academic environment while contributing to the maintenance and development of the university’s outdoor spaces.
If you have the skills and qualifications listed below, this could be the perfect job for you!
General Workers / Gardeners Job Overview
- Job Title: General Workers / Gardeners
- Employment Type: Permanent (Payclass 03)
- Department: Estates and Custodial Services – Properties and Services Department
- Annual Salary: R202,856 – R338,651 (including benefits)
- Closing Date: 26 March 2025
- Location: University of Cape Town (UCT)
The selected candidates will work under the Garden Supervisor and will be responsible for various landscaping and gardening duties to ensure the overall aesthetic and environmental health of UCT’s campus.
Job Requirements
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Educational & Experience Requirements
- Minimum Grade 8 education.
- At least two years of experience in a landscape maintenance gardener or similar role.
- Experience with grounds maintenance equipment (e.g., trimmers, chainsaws, weed eaters, blowers, irrigation systems).
- Technical Skills
- Knowledge of horticultural techniques for a wide variety of plants.
- Experience in hard and soft landscaping, including soil preparation, planting, and irrigation.
- Ability to operate and maintain gardening equipment safely and efficiently.
- Personal Attributes
- Attention to detail and high standards in gardening and maintenance.
- Positive, collaborative attitude with the ability to work well in a team.
- Strong physical fitness to handle outdoor labor.
Preferred Qualifications (Advantageous)
- Formal qualifications in gardening, landscaping, or a related field.
- Practical experience with heritage trees and invasive alien vegetation.
- Knowledge of sustainability practices, such as composting and organic pest control.
Key Responsibilities
The role involves various duties to maintain and improve the university’s green spaces. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Grounds Maintenance & Development
- Perform general landscaping activities: weeding, watering, lawn mowing, edging, trimming, aeration, and fertilization.
- Sweep stairways and roadways, clear debris, and collect litter.
- Support campus landscaping projects (e.g., soil preparation, planting, renovation of areas).
2. Horticultural & Arboriculture Care
- Care for plants, trees, and shrubs (e.g., cultivation, pruning, growth management).
- Implement plant protection measures (e.g., mulch, fertilizers, pest control).
- Perform tree maintenance and pruning to ensure biodiversity.
3. Health & Safety Compliance
- Follow Health and Safety regulations regarding tools, chemicals, and equipment.
- Conduct equipment checks and report maintenance or safety issues.
4. Team Collaboration & University Engagement
- Work as part of the Gardens and Grounds team.
- Engage with the wider UCT community (including staff and students) to maintain campus landscaping.
5. Waste & Sustainability Management
- Participate in composting, responsible waste disposal, and sustainability initiatives.
- Help reduce invasive alien vegetation and promote biodiversity.
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How to Apply
To apply for this exciting opportunity, you need to submit the following documents in a single PDF file:
- UCT Application Form (Download: UCT HR201 Form)
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Submit Your Application to:
Email: grounds&gardens.recruit@uct.ac.za
Important Notes:
- Ensure the title and reference number (E25309) are included in the subject line.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- A competency test may be required.
Also check: PSV Circular 09 of 2025: Available Government Vacancies in South Africa 2025
Employment Equity Considerations
UCT is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, as per UCT’s Employment Equity Plan.
Why Work at UCT?
- Competitive salary & benefits.
- Work in a prestigious institution.
- Contribute to environmental conservation.
- Be part of a collaborative and inclusive team.
- Opportunity for career growth in gardening and landscaping.
If you have a passion for gardening, landscaping, and environmental conservation, this General Workers / Gardeners job opportunity at UCT could be your next career move. Don’t miss the deadline—apply before 26 March 2025 and become part of a dynamic team maintaining one of South Africa’s most beautiful university campuses!
