Estate Manager

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) requires the services of an organized and dedicated person to manage the estate, facility and support service functions of the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden which includes estate, buildings, workshop, machinery and fleet management at the Garden.

The successful candidate must be in possession of a diploma or degree in Nature Conservation or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. Degree or equivalent degree at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. The incumbent must have 3 years’ experience in Conservation and Estate Management environment. The successful candidate must have:

• Extensive experience in the supervision of staff and have good management, coordination and administrative skills.
• Time to perform weekend, public holiday and standby duties as well as firefighting as and when required.
• Ability to maintain sound interpersonal relations/communications with both internal and external stakeholders, and have an excellent spoken and written command of English.
• Proficiency in MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint).
• A valid Code B drivers’ license with (1) one year’s practical driving experience.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the Garden’s invasive alien plant and bush encroachment control plan;
• Implement and annually review the Environmental Management Plan for the estate;
• Develop and implement the veld fire management plan; and develop and maintain trails and the perimeter of the Garden;
• Ensure sufficient compost and mulch is produced for use in the Garden; and manage vehicles, horticultural machinery, equipment, tools and the Garden’s assets;
• Monitor the Garden’s building maintenance projects and associated budgets; manage staff; and ensure compliance of the Garden with OHSA; and
• Develop and implement the Garden’s approved infrastructure and maintenance projects and plans (benches, roof gutters, garden signs etc.).

Please Note:
1) An application form must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating and supporting document why the applicant should be favourably considered for the position and confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of relevant experience will not be considered).

2) A skills test will be conducted as part of the selection process.

3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees.

4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number may result in your application not being considered.

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 currently be given to candidates from the designated groups.

Contact Ms Zena Appollis on (021) 799 8647/8800 or preferably, or forward the completed application form, a letter and concise CV via e-mail to recruitmentct@sanbi.org.za  or fax 0865899569. Postal applications are to be addressed to the Deputy Director: Human Resources, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont, 7735.

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 may consider their applications unsuccessful.