Heavy Motor Vehicle Driver at South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

Driver 2: Heavy Motor Vehicle

Reference Number: GKBC/2026/002
Organisation: South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Division: National Botanical Gardens
Business Unit: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Position Type: Permanent
Salary Level: 4
Annual Salary: R201,093.00
Closing Date: 24 June 2026

Position Overview

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is seeking a dedicated and self-driven individual to fill the position of Driver 2: Heavy Motor Vehicle at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The successful candidate will provide transportation, logistical, maintenance, and operational support services that contribute to the upkeep, development, and conservation of the Garden and its surrounding estate.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must possess one of the following:

• Grade 10, a job-specific qualification, or an equivalent NQF Level 2 qualification, together with at least four years of relevant work experience; or
• Grade 12, a job-specific qualification, or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification, together with at least three years of relevant work experience.

Added Advantage

• A Higher Education qualification, job-specific qualification, or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 5.

Required Competencies and Skills

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

• A valid Code C Heavy Motor Vehicle Driver’s Licence.
• A valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP/PDP).
• Ability to transport staff using a 60-seater bus.
• Willingness to work weekends, standby shifts, and sleep-in duties when required.
• Knowledge of vehicle safety procedures and preventative maintenance.
• Ability to operate heavy vehicles, including trucks, tractors, and TLB machinery.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental conservation practices.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and customer service skills.

Key Responsibilities

Transport and Logistics Support

• Transport employees, visitors, equipment, and materials safely and efficiently.
• Operate buses, trucks, tractors, and other SANBI vehicles both on-site and off-site.
• Collect and deliver goods, supplies, and materials as required.
• Assist with loading and offloading plant material, equipment, and other cargo.
• Support exhibitions, displays, plant collection trips, and other external activities.

Vehicle Maintenance and Compliance

• Conduct daily vehicle inspections, including checks on fuel, oil, water levels, warning indicators, and overall roadworthiness.
• Perform routine vehicle maintenance and ensure vehicles are properly stored and secured.
• Report all vehicle faults, damages, and maintenance requirements to the supervisor promptly.
• Adhere to all traffic regulations and safe driving practices.
• Ensure compliance with SANBI safety, security, and vehicle usage policies.

Estate and Conservation Support

• Operate refuse removal vehicles and assist with waste management activities.
• Collect, sort, and transport recyclable materials to designated recycling stations.
• Assist with lawn mowing, brush-cutting, and general estate maintenance activities.
• Support the production of compost, mulch, and wood chips.
• Monitor and report pest infestations and plant diseases identified during daily operations.
• Participate in conservation and environmental maintenance initiatives.

Emergency and Operational Support

• Assist with wildfire suppression efforts and other emergency response activities.
• Provide standby and sleep-in support according to operational rosters.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe and well-managed estate environment.

Key Performance Areas

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing transportation services for people, goods, and materials.
• Supporting conservation and maintenance activities across the estate.
• Managing and safeguarding allocated resources.
• Delivering quality customer service.
• Supporting occupational health and safety initiatives.

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted online and include the following:

• A completed application form.
• A concise and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A motivation letter explaining why the applicant is suitable for the position.
• Certified copies of qualifications confirming compliance with the minimum requirements.

Applicants who fail to provide proof of qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered.

Additional Requirements

• A practical skills assessment will form part of the recruitment process.
• Applicants must provide contact details for at least three professional referees, including full names, telephone numbers, physical addresses, and email addresses where available.
• Applications that do not include the required reference number or supporting documentation may be disqualified.

Employment Equity and Screening

SANBI is committed to Employment Equity and encourages applications from persons with disabilities.

Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in accordance with SANBI’s Employment Equity Plan.

The organisation reserves the right not to fill the advertised position.

Applicants should note that personal information submitted during the recruitment process may be used for:

• Qualification verification
• Employment history verification
• Reference checks
• Competency assessments
• Criminal record screening
• Other background verification processes

Enquiries

For further information regarding the position, applicants may contact:

Mr Veli Ngobese
Telephone: +27 (0)21 799 8636
Email: V.Ngobese@sanbi.org.za

Closing Date

24 June 2026

Apply now