General Worker - North West University

General Worker (P000650) – Re-advertisement

North-West University (NWU)

📍 Potchefstroom Campus
🕒 Permanent Position
📅 Published: 2 days ago
✅ EE/AA Opportunity

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About the Position

North-West University, within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences – School of Biological Sciences, is inviting applications for a permanent General Worker position in the Botanical Garden, Department of Botany.

This vacancy became available following the retirement of a staff member. Applicants who previously applied for this position do not need to reapply, as their applications are already on record.

Position Number: P000650
Peromnes Grade: P17
Employment Type: Permanent Appointment

Purpose of the Role

To assist with the maintenance and general upkeep of the Botanical Garden and support related activities within the School of Biological Sciences.

Key Responsibilities

1. Botanical Garden Maintenance

• Trimming, pruning, and removing excess vegetation and fallen trees
• Weeding invasive and exotic plant species
• Watering garden sections regularly
• Fertilising flower beds and lawns
• Monitoring plants for pests and diseases
• Applying mulch to flower beds
• Planting new plants and replacing damaged or dead plants
• Repairing pathways and walkways

2. General Garden Duties

• Maintaining the “Koppie” section of the garden
• Cleaning dams and water features
• Removing rubble and waste materials
• Cleaning braai areas
• Inspecting security fencing
• Maintaining garden furniture, tools, equipment, and storage areas
• Moving gallery tables and chairs to and from storage facilities
• Assisting with environmental education sessions for visiting schools
• Opening and closing Botanical Garden gates daily
• Collecting and preparing practical materials for laboratory use
• Delivering and collecting materials from laboratories
• Cleaning Ecology/Botany greenhouses and Open Tops facilities

3. Occupational Health and Safety

• Assisting in maintaining workplace safety standards

4. Additional Duties

• Supporting the School of Biological Sciences with ad hoc tasks when required

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 10 to Grade 12 qualification (NQF Level 2–4)

Added Advantages

• At least 1 year of experience maintaining botanical gardens
• At least 1 year of experience performing general gardening duties
• At least 1 year of occupational health and safety experience

Required Skills and Competencies

• Basic computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, and internet use
• Knowledge of plant growth and maintenance practices
• Understanding of plant propagation techniques
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong planning, organising, and time-management abilities
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Problem-solving skills
• Customer-service orientation
• Ability to work effectively in multilingual environments
• Valid driver’s licence

Behavioural Competencies

• Professional and ethical conduct
• Confidence and self-motivation

Additional Information

💰 Salary will be aligned with NWU policies and the level of appointment.

📞 Job Content Enquiries:
Mr Chris Van Niekerk – 018 299 2753

📞 Recruitment Process Enquiries:
Prof Lesego Molale-Tom – 018 299 2313

📅 Closing Date: 10 May 2026
📌 Expected Start Date: As soon as possible

Important Notes

• Applications must be submitted online via the official NWU vacancies website
• Incomplete applications or applications submitted through other platforms will not be considered
• NWU supports Employment Equity and transformation initiatives
• Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan
• The University reserves the right not to make an appointment
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• If you do not receive feedback within two months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW