Herbicide Operator post level 18): Facilities Management

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

Closing Date 28/7/2026 Description How to apply:

Hard copy applications may be submitted at:

• The University of the Free State Bloemfontein Campus, George du Toit Building, Human Resources Department, 2nd Floor, Reception.

OR

• Online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll 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.
• 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:

• Operate relevant equipment and perform other general work as requested by line management.
• Ensure equipment and poison are signed out and returned to the store daily.
• Complete and maintain the herbicide (poison) register accurately.
• Complete an inspection report on equipment.
• Ensure the report is signed off and submitted to line management.
• Ensure equipment is cleaned daily before returning to the store.
• Maintain equipment and ensure compliancewith Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards.
• Report any breakages, and lost or ineffective equipment to management.
• Adhere to the daily program schedule or as instructed by the line manager.
• Complete schedules according to Unit for Environmental (UE) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols.
• Report any work-related concerns to line manager, such as faulty equipment, not being able to enter premises, etc.
• Assist in ensuring the campus is kept neat and clean.
• Attend scheduled OHS toolbox talks or meetings on time as arranged by line management.
• Address any health and safety risk or operational concerns on site to line manager.
• Ensure clean, tidy workspaces, storage areas, service quarters.
• Report to the supervisor daily.
• Maintain maintenance checklist and program sign off.
• Ensure all grounds/terrain are maintained in accordance with standard procedures and specifications.
• Ensure cleaning of equipment and workspace.
• Ensure safe working procedures with equipment and products.
• Ensure compliance with PPE – wearing of uniform, safety shoes and other job-specific wear before continuing with the work schedule.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• Grade 10 on NQF level 2 (attach proof).
• Experience in grounds maintenance, herbicide application or other duties and responsibilities set out above.

Recommendations:

• Grade 12 or national vocational certificate on NQF Level 4 (attach a copy).
• Minimum of one (1) year’s relevant experience.
• Experience in operating gardening equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of herbicide and pesticide application.

Competencies Key Competencies Required:

• Results Orientated:

• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.

• 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 maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.

• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

• Building Coalitions:

• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

28 July 2026

Salary:

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 127,080.97 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 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za . Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 / 2558 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.

ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf

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.