HOUSEKEEPING EXECUTIVE REFERENCE

The Housekeeping Executive position is a support-level role within the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, based in Cape Town. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and welcoming environment across the department’s offices and shared facilities. This includes offices, boardrooms, kitchens, and passages, as well as providing practical support for meetings and daily operations. Working as part of the broader administrative and facilities team, the Housekeeping Executive plays a vital role in ensuring that staff and visitors experience a hygienic and well-organised workplace, and that meeting venues are prepared and cleared efficiently.

To be eligible for this role, applicants must hold at least a Grade 9 certificate or an ABET Level 1 or 2 qualification. While formal experience is not strictly required, prior experience in rendering cleaning services will be considered an added advantage. Candidates must be able to understand one of the official languages used within the department and should demonstrate the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The role calls for good interpersonal relations, effective communication, sound organising and planning skills, a strong sense of responsibility and loyalty, and a willingness to work long hours voluntarily when the need arises.

The duties are hands-on and varied. The Housekeeping Executive will provide cleaning services throughout the department, including cleaning offices, boardrooms, kitchens, and passages, as well as computer printers and cabinets. The role also involves removing waste and disposing of the main dustbin, handling cleaning materials, and using cleaning equipment in the prescribed manner. In support of meetings, the incumbent will prepare tea and water, wash cups after meetings, and fill water bottles. Stock management is another key responsibility: maintaining and updating stock levels, keeping lists of cutlery, crockery, cleaning equipment, and beverage refills, receiving and packing stock, and reporting any faults, loss, or breakage of utensils and equipment.

The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in line with the department’s equity plan, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of their qualifications, identity document, and driver’s licence before the interview, and will be subjected to screening and security vetting, which may include criminal record checks, citizenship status verification, credit worthiness, reference checks, and qualification verification. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. Correspondence will be limited to successful candidates, and applicants who have not been contacted within three months of the closing date should assume their application was unsuccessful. By submitting the application, candidates consent to the processing of their personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act. Applications must be submitted online through the department’s e-recruitment system, with the online Z83 form fully completed and a detailed CV attached, including at least three contactable references. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment.