Groundsman Foreman (EPWP Program) (Permanent position)

This permanent position offers an opportunity to serve as a Groundsman Foreman within the Expanded Public Works Programme at a hospital, operating under the Directorate of Engineering and Technical Services. The role is central to maintaining the facility’s external environment and supporting the EPWP’s broader employment and skills development goals. As foreman, you will be responsible for overseeing EPWP candidates and subordinate staff, ensuring that all gardening, grounds maintenance, gutter cleaning, and window cleaning duties are carried out to the required standard. You will act as the link between the workforce and the EPWP Project Manager, providing feedback on completed tasks and helping to plan and prioritise work based on urgency.

To be considered, candidates must have a General Education and Training Certificate, equivalent to Grade 9 or Std 7, along with appropriate experience in maintaining hospital gardens and grounds. Experience with cleaning gutters, windows, and related duties is also required. A valid Code B or EB driver’s licence is an inherent requirement, as is the ability to operate and use garden tools and equipment skilfully and safely. The job demands heavy physical labour, so physical fitness is essential. Strong supervisory and management skills are expected, together with computer literacy in MS Office and MS Excel. Sound problem-solving ability, good interpersonal and communication skills, and a working knowledge of gardening practices are all important. You should also have basic knowledge of handling garden tools and equipment, as well as a clear understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 and its relevant regulations.

The duties are varied and hands-on. You will assist in managing EPWP candidates within designated work areas, supervise subordinate staff, and ensure adherence to the code of conduct. You will control and manage tools, materials, and equipment, and maintain hospital gardens and grounds, including cleaning gutters and windows. You will execute and monitor maintenance schedules, conduct job assessments, and identify material and tool requirements. After tasks are completed, you must ensure work areas are clean and provide feedback to the EPWP Project Manager. Planning and prioritising projects based on urgency is a key part of the role, as is ensuring the availability of required tools and materials before work begins. You will also arrange weekly transport for EPWP candidates and project needs, optimise the use of materials, and requisition supplies as necessary. Training forms part of the job too: you will provide in-house training on gardening equipment and tools and are expected to stay updated on new techniques and materials.

This post is graded with annual salary plus service benefits, including a thirteenth cheque, pension fund contributions, and housing and medical aid allowances. Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to a practical test, and no payment of any kind is required when applying. This is a permanent position, ideal for someone with supervisory experience in grounds maintenance who is ready to lead a team within a public health facility.