Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) invites applications from suitably qualified and unemployed graduates to participate in the Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme, a twenty-four (24) month workplace-based training programme within the Directorate on Biodiversity Evidence (DBE).

The programme forms part of SANBI's work to strengthen national capacity in the detection, monitoring, research and management of biological invasions and is funded through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). It aims to provide graduates with workplace experience, technical mentorship and professional development while contributing to the implementation of SANBIs Biological Invasions programme of work.

Successful candidates will be placed within multidisciplinary teams across DBE offices in the various botanical gardens, where they will work alongside experienced professionals. Participants will contribute to important programmes of work such as early detection and rapid response, invasive species risk analysis, biodiversity research, science communication and project coordination.

SANBI is therefore pleased to invite applications for graduate placement opportunities in the following fields across various locations:

Field	Minimum Qualification	Location	Monthly Stipend value
Para-Ecologists (x2)	National or Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, Horticulture, Environmental Management or Biodiversity-related field	Free State NBG (Bloemfontein)	R6 233
Para-Ecologists (x2)	National or Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, Horticulture, Environmental Management or Biodiversity-related field	East London (DBE Offices in Vincent)	R6 233
Para-Ecologists (x3)	National or Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, Horticulture, Environmental Management or Biodiversity-related field	Lowveld NBG (Mbombela)	R6 233
Para-Ecologists (x2)	National or Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, Horticulture, Environmental Management or Biodiversity-related field	Thohoyandou NBG	R6 233
Para-Ecologists (x3)	National or Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, Horticulture, Environmental Management or Biodiversity-related field	Pretoria NBG	R6 233
Para-Ecologists (x2)	National or Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, Horticulture, Environmental Management or Biodiversity-related field	Kirstenbosch NBG	R6 233
Para-Ecologists (x2)	National or Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, Horticulture, Environmental Management or Biodiversity-related field	KZN Herbarium (Durban)	R6 233
Communications  and advocacy (x1)	National or Advanced Diploma in Communications, Public Relations or Marketing	Kirstenbosch NBG	R6 233
Project Administration and Coordination (x1)	National / Advanced Diploma or bachelor’s degree in business administration, office/ project management, or related fields	Pretoria NBG	R6 233
Biological Invasions Research (x2)	Honours/MSc in Biological Invasions, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science or related field	East London (DBE Offices in Vincent)	R8 050
Biological Invasions Research (x1)	Honours/MSc in Biological Invasions, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science or related field	Free State NBG (Bloemfontein)	R8 050
Biological Invasions Research (x2)	Honours/MSc in Biological Invasions, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science or related field	Thohoyandou NBG	R8 050
Biological Invasions Research (x2)	Honours/MSc in Biological Invasions, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, GIS or related field	Pretoria NBG	R8 050
Biological Invasions Research (x2)	MSc in Biological Invasions, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science or related field	Pretoria NBG	R8 050
Biological Invasions Research (x1)	Honours/MSc in Biological Invasions, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, or related field	Kirstenbosch NBG	R8 050
Biological Invasions Research (x1)	MSc in Biological Invasions, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, or related field	KZN Herbarium (Durban)	R8 050
Biological Invasions Research (x1)	MSc in Biological Invasions, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, or related field	KZN Herbarium (Durban)	R8 050
Risk Analysis of Biological Invasions (x2)	MSc in Biological Invasions	KZN Herbarium (Durban)	R8 050

Requirements:

Candidates must be enthusiastic, meticulous with good analytical and research skills and have a keen interest in biological invasions. Communication skills (verbal and written), fieldwork exposure, ability to analyse scientific data and computer skills. No prior working experience is required but a strong academic record at university will be an advantage. A driving license with at least one year’s driving experience will be an added advantage. These internships are only available to South African citizens and will be awarded in line with national equity targets.

The shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a skills test to demonstrate the above-listed requirements.

Conditions:

• Applicants must be South African citizens
• Applicants must not be enrolled for higher degrees for the 2026/2027 academic years

Application procedure:

Complete the following application form

Applications are to include:

• a letter indicating skills and interests relevant to the internship;
• full CV;
• certified copies of academic record or transcript;
• certified copies of highest qualification;
• certified copy of ID;
• one letter of academic reference.

Contact details:

For queries about the application process, contact René du Toit r.dutoit@sanbi.org.za  

SANBI reserves the right not to fill these internships. If no response has been received within 60 days of the closing date, candidates may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.