Horticultural Services Manager

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) requires the services of a self-motivated, innovative and results-driven individual to provide strategic leadership and oversight on horticultural and conservation services to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

The successful candidate must be in possession of a minimum required qualification of a B-Tech degree in Horticulture enhanced by at least 10 years post qualification working experience in botanical horticulture management and administration.

The incumbent must have at least three (3) years’ in the management of staff and have good management, coordination and administrative skills. The incumbent must demonstrate strong leadership, analytical thinking, technical, planning and organizing skills.  The successful candidate should have excellent spoken and written command of English and be experienced in MS Office. Possession of a valid Code EB driver's license with at least one year's driving experience is compulsory. This position also requires the candidate to be willing to travel nationally.

The responsibilities include:

• Living Collections Development and Management: Lead and guide the strategic development and management of Living Plant Collections at two nurseries;
• Plant Conservation Program Implementation, coordination and monitoring: Lead, coordinate and guide the delivery of strategic conservation objectives and targets collectively identified and agreed upon by Kirstenbosch Horticulturist in collaboration with relevant stakeholders;
• Financial Management: Manage financial resources (project management) purposed for horticultural developments, garden developments, nursery developments and plant conservation activities;
• Human Capital Development and People Management: Manage all relevant Horticulturist responsible for plant collections and conservation initiatives, as well as staff responsible for managing the Seed Department and Plant Records Database. Promote the development of Horticulturists and support staff for careers in SANBI gardens through mentorship and training;
• Promotion of Kirstenbosch and SANBI: Promote Kirstenbosch and SANBI through its exceptional collections, horticulture, conservation and restoration programs by writing popular and scientific articles, publications (books or book chapters), promotional and newspaper articles, regular public presentation and talks and by ensuring that Horticulturists do the same;
• Risk and Safety Management: Participate and respond to all relevant areas of risk identification, avoidance and mitigation.

SANBI offers an annual salary package of R826 053.00.

Please do not apply online online for this position. Send your applications to recruitmentct@sanbi.org.za

Please Note:
1) An application form must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating 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 competency assessment 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 Glynnis Webb on (021) 799 8635/8800 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.