📍 Job Overview
- Institution: University of Johannesburg
- Position: General Assistant I: Gardener (P15) – Gardens & Grounds
- Campus: Soweto Campus (Devland)
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Industry: Education & Training
- Job Level: Skilled
- Application Reference: uj_002366
- Apply By: 5 June 2026
📌 About the Role
University of Johannesburg is seeking a General Assistant I: Gardener to support the maintenance and development of campus gardens, sports fields, and outdoor facilities at the Soweto Campus (Devland).
The role involves hands-on outdoor work focused on landscaping, irrigation, plant care, and general grounds maintenance to ensure a clean, safe, and well-maintained campus environment.
🌿 Key Responsibilities
🌱 Gardens & Grounds Maintenance
- Remove weeds manually or using tools
- Dig and prepare soil for planting trees, shrubs, and plants
- Water gardens, lawns, and sports fields
- Apply fertilizers and top dressing
- Spray insecticides and weed control chemicals
- Prune plants and shrubs
- Load and offload garden waste and compost
- Handle pesticides and chemicals safely
⚙️ Tools & Equipment Use
- Use and maintain basic gardening tools
- Operate lawnmowers and edge trimmers
- Assist with irrigation systems (sprinklers, boreholes, tanks)
- Report faulty equipment or maintenance issues
🧹 Health & Safety Duties
- Maintain clean and safe working areas
- Follow health, safety, and environmental procedures
- Wear protective clothing and equipment
- Handle tools and chemicals responsibly
- Work safely in outdoor and hazardous conditions
🎓 Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 10 (NQF Level 2)
- At least 1 year gardening or grounds experience
- Proof of residence in Devland (mandatory requirement)
🌟 Recommendations
- Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) is an advantage
- Valid Code 8 driver’s license
- Additional gardening experience (1+ year preferred)
- Basic knowledge of gardening practices
🧠 Skills & Competencies
- Knowledge of soil fertilisation and pruning
- Ability to perform physical outdoor work
- Experience with lawn care and maintenance
- Understanding of irrigation systems
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Initiative and reliability
- Basic communication skills in English (Afrikaans advantageous)
- Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or after hours
⚠️ Working Conditions
- Outdoor physical work in varying weather conditions
- Exposure to chemicals, tools, and environmental hazards
- Requires physical strength, bending, lifting, and walking on uneven surfaces
- Use of protective gear is mandatory
📅 Application Deadline
Closing Date: 5 June 2026
⚠️ Additional Information
University of Johannesburg may conduct background checks, including verification against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO), as required by law.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within 8 weeks after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.