Job Description

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated, efficient, and enthusiastic person to provide physical and scientific curation support in the Compton Herbarium. The incumbent will be required to provide scientific and technical support services in herbarium collections, including data capture, quality control, imaging, mounting and repair of herbarium specimens, physical curation activities, as well as co-ordination and supervision of herbarium volunteers and interns.

The successful candidate must be in possession of a Grade 12, (with Biology as a subject), Job Specific Qualification, or equivalent qualification with NQF 4 with 5 years of work experience in the relevant field, OR a National Diploma or Higher Certificate or equivalent qualification with NQF 6 with 3 years of work experience in the relevant field. A Higher Education Qualification/Advanced Diploma at NQF 7 will be an added advantage.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: comprehensive knowledge and understanding of biodiversity conservation and taxonomic principles; proven ability to provide support to managerial activities, herbarium curation techniques, and database operation; proven ability to work under pressure with diverse team whilst being quality, cost, and safety conscious; ability to plan, solve problems, and implement solutions; good planning, organizing, interpersonal, time management, and problem solving skills; excellent report writing and communication skills (both verbal and written); computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) will be advantageous; experience in the use of Botanical Record and Herbarium Management System (BRAHMS) software will be an added advantage.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Perform physical curation duties;
• Attend to mounting and renovation of specimens;
• Execute specimen data processing duties;
• Perform data curation duties;
• Contribute to digitisation activities;
• Render general scientific and support services; and
• Co-ordination of herbarium volunteers and interns.

Application procedure:

1) An application form must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered).

2) A competency test may be conducted as part of the selection process.

3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees.

4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI's authorized verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI's website.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.

Contact Ms Innocent Maswanganyi on Tel: +27 (0)21 7998651/8800 for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via an e-mail to

Postal applications must be addressed to:

Deputy Director: Human Resources Operations
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Private Bag X7
Claremont
7700

Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates must consider their applications unsuccessful.

Closes: Friday, 1 December 2023
Job type: Permanent
Salary: R241 485.00
Location: Cape Town

ABOUT SANBI

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) contributes to South Africa's sustainable development by facilitating access to biodiversity data, generating information and knowledge, building capacity, providing policy advice, showcasing and conserving biodiversity in its national botanical and zoological gardens.

SANBI