GROUNDSMAN REF NO: 131126/48 Branch: Corporate Support Services CD: Auxiliary Services Dir: Facilities Management

This vacancy is for a Groundsman position based at the Roodeplaat Training Centre in Pretoria, within the Department of Water and Sanitation. The role sits in the Facilities Management directorate under the Corporate Support Services branch, specifically supporting Auxiliary Services. The Groundsman is essentially the hands-on person responsible for keeping the training centre’s outdoor environment neat, safe, functional and presentable. This is an entry-level, OSD-graded post, making it suitable for individuals who are starting their career in horticulture, landscaping or general facilities maintenance and who have a strong interest in practical outdoor work.

To be considered, applicants need an ABET certificate or a relevant equivalent qualification. A certificate for working at heights is an added advantage, as is some exposure to grounds work, although the post accepts candidates with between zero and one year of relevant experience. The department is looking for someone with solid practical knowledge of gardening equipment, lawn care processes, pruning and trimming techniques, and the daily or weekly servicing of garden tools to keep them running efficiently. Basic knowledge of water utilisation and resource management is also required, along with an understanding of health and safety procedures. Familiarity with garden maintenance, planting practices, and even paving, painting and tiling will be useful, since the role involves maintaining more than just lawns. Candidates must be physically fit, able to stand and walk for long periods, and should have a basic understanding of government legislation relevant to public service work.

The duties are varied and physically demanding. The Groundsman will work with gardening chemicals and operate equipment such as lawnmowers, ride-on tractors, hand cutters and brush cutters. Responsibilities include maintaining flower beds through fertilising, irrigating, weeding and pruning, as well as performing general landscape maintenance by cutting lawns and trimming edges. The role also involves cleaning and maintaining the grounds, repairing tools and structures like buildings and benches, and ensuring the proper upkeep of sideways, driveways, parking lots and other ground features. Minor repairs to equipment and related assets are part of the job, and the incumbent may be asked to assist with other maintenance duties from time to time. Strict adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety Act is essential.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is an equal opportunity employer and will apply the Employment Equity imperatives of the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act when filling this post. Women and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to achieving equity targets. Shortlisted candidates will undergo suitability checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate if the candidate is shortlisted. Applicants should note that only online applications are accepted, and all relevant sections of the Z83 form, particularly those dealing with professional or occupational registration, must be completed accurately; failure to do so will result in disqualification. No late applications will be considered, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. The department also reserves the right not to fill the post.