Horticulturist, Grade 2

South African National Biodiversity Institute

Location
Cape Town, Western Cape
Minimum qualification
Bachelor's degree
Closing date

First listed . Last checked at source .

In brief

**Overview** This role is for a Horticulturist, Grade 2, at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). The position is based at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (NBG) and is primarily responsible for the management, development, coordination, and maintenance of the Plant Production Nursery and its operational functions. The successful candidate will also play a key role in promoting Kirstenbosch NBG through the conservation and utilization of indigenous plants, focusing on their horticultural potential and educational aspects, in collaboration with the Green Industry, the general public, and the diverse customer base of Kirstenbosch. **What you will do** Key responsibilities for this position include: * Conducting planning, development, and maintenance for the plant production nursery. * Leading the management and development of staff, ensuring high levels of performance. * Identifying, developing, and documenting botanical collections of South African flora, specifically for garden display, mother stock, and production of key flora collections. * Playing a leading role in promoting the sustainable horticultural utilization of South Africa’s flora by evaluating and analysing the needs of the public, horticultural, and landscaping industries, and actively engaging stakeholder groups in the South African Green Trade. * Promoting and participating in horticultural, plant conservation, and research projects. * Co-ordinating, planning, and overseeing all internal and external nursery customer services, office administration, and plant information requirements. * Conducting planning, coordination, and implementation of projects to further the mission of SANBI and Kirstenbosch. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * A degree in Horticulture or equivalent relevant qualification at NQF 7. * 3 years post qualification, relevant working experience in a plant nursery OR 6 years, including relevant working experience in a plant nursery prior to completing a horticultural qualification. * Excellent knowledge and understanding of indigenous horticulture maintenance and conservation. * Knowledge of propagation procedures, protocols, and processes. * Practical experience and knowledge of propagation facilities. * Knowledge of field collecting and plant introduction and care. * Competence in long-term curation and maintenance of living plant collections. * Experience in leading and managing a team of conservation workers in the garden and nursery. * Knowledge 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 verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. * Possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience. * *Advantageous:* A postgraduate qualification in Horticulture or equivalent at NQF 8. * *Advantageous:* Excellent computer literacy with MS tools. **Who should apply** This role is ideal for an experienced Horticulturist with a strong background in indigenous plant horticulture, nursery management, and plant production. The successful candidate will possess leadership skills, particularly in managing teams, and will be adept at engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders including industry professionals, the public, and conservation groups. They should be highly organized, safety-conscious, capable of working under pressure, and have excellent communication and problem-solving abilities, driven by a passion for promoting and conserving South Africa’s flora. **Deadline** Not specified **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/horticulturist-grade-2-south-african-national-biodiversity-institute Source: myjobmag

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At a glance

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    Job description

    * 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 utilization 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.

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    Horticulturist, Grade 2 at South African National Biodiversity Institute | SPANi - South African Jobs