GARDEN WORKER (X1 POST)

This position is for a Garden Worker based at the National Operational Command Centre, a component of the South African Police Service. The role is central to maintaining the appearance, safety, and usability of the facility’s outdoor areas, ensuring that the terrain around the command centre remains clean, orderly, and well-presented at all times. As part of the broader support staff, the incumbent will work alongside other officials to uphold the professional image of the SAPS environment. The post is an OSD-graded entry-level position, meaning the successful candidate will receive a structured salary and will be expected to perform a range of physical and practical duties. The role requires a reliable individual who is willing to work extended hours when necessary, given the operational nature of the centre.

Applicants must be South African citizens and be able to provide documentary proof of their status at the interview stage. The minimum educational requirement is ABET Level 4, Grade 9, Standard 7, or NQF Level 1. Candidates must be proficient in at least English and one other official language, and they must demonstrate basic literacy, numeracy, and communication skills. A sound understanding of how to handle cleaning detergents and familiarity with Occupational Health and Safety protocols are essential. The ability to operate elementary machines and equipment, such as lawnmowers and edge trimmers, is also required, as is the capacity to interact professionally with colleagues and other stakeholders.

The core duties of the Garden Worker involve cultivating garden areas and preparing soil for planting. This includes maintaining flower beds and other planted areas through fertilising, irrigating, weeding, and pruning. The role also involves mowing lawns and cutting edges to keep the grounds neat and presentable. The incumbent will be responsible for irrigating lawns, loading and unloading various articles and equipment needed for ground maintenance, and removing refuse from the terrain. This refuse must be loaded onto trucks for transportation to designated dumps, or otherwise disposed of by burning where appropriate. Maintaining the overall cleanliness and neatness of the unit’s areas forms a continuous part of the daily routine.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to produce original identity documents, educational qualifications, and service certificates from previous employers. The selection process may include a practical exercise to assess technical suitability, as well as an integrity assessment. All appointments are subject to security clearance, fingerprint screening, reference checking, and verification of addresses. Candidates must have no previous criminal convictions or pending departmental cases. In line with relevant legislation, new appointees may be required to provide a buccal sample for DNA profiling, and those whose names appear on the National Register for Sex Offenders or the Child Protection Register will be disqualified. The SAPS is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, with preference given to candidates whose appointment promotes representivity. Persons who retired from the Public Service on severance, early retirement, or medical retirement, as well as those with previous convictions, are excluded from consideration.