Gardening Site Manager post level 12)

Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations -> Facilities Management -> University Estates Contract Type Permanent Occupational Level Semi-Skilled Location Qwaqwa Campus - Qwaqwa, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date 2/7/2026 Description KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll ***- Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.***The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee and monitor gardening staff to ensure work schedules and programmes are completed.
• Inspect completed work and sign off on programme progress and completion.
• Communicate with staff and assist in resolving day-to-day operational matters.
• Ensure compliance with PPE requirements, safety standards, and work procedures.
• Monitor work quality and ensure inspection standards are met.
• Transport personnel, equipment, and materials as required.
• Ensure the effective use and care of gardening equipment and tools.
• Report operational matters, progress, and challenges to the line manager.
• Carry out ad hoc tasks and instructions as directed by line management.
• Assist with refuse removal and general grounds maintenance activities.
• Ensure that all work is performed in accordance with established procedures and protocols.

Inherent requirements:

• Grade 12 or National Vocational Certificate on NQF Level 4 (attach a copy).
• Valid code EB/B driver’s license (attach a copy).
• One (1) year experience relating to the duties and responsibilities set out above.

Recommendations:

• Experience in supervising and managing gardening personnel, including allocating work, monitoring performance, and ensuring the completion of scheduled activities.
• Sound knowledge of gardening and grounds maintenance practices
• Experience in the safe operation and basic maintenance of mechanical gardening equipment.

Competencies Required competencies:

• Results Orientated:
• The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

• Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• The ability to plan work and to follow plans.

• Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

• Leading:

• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

• Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

1 August 2026

Closing Date:

2 July 2026

Salary:

The salary is available on request.

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 307 639,50 - R 387 404,25 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

Fringe benefits

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2876 or email [email protected] or [email protected]. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558 /2979 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities.

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.