DFFE Groundsman Vacancy 2026: Grade 9 Applicants Can Earn R144,024 Per Year

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for its Groundsman: Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support Vacancy (1 Post) in the Northern Cape. Applicants with a Grade 9 qualification or an equivalent qualification can apply for this government job. The successful candidate will earn a salary of R144,024 per annum. The closing date for applications is 23 November 2026 at 16:00.

This vacancy offers an opportunity for people who enjoy working outdoors and have an interest in gardening, plants, tree planting and environmental care. The successful applicant will help maintain gardens, grow seedlings, care for trees and support the department’s greening projects.

If you have Grade 9 and are looking for a government job that involves practical work rather than sitting in an office all day, this opportunity may be worth considering.

DFFE Groundsman Vacancy 2026: Job Details

Before applying, take a look at the important information about this position.

• Department: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
• Job Title: Groundsman: Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support
• Reference Number: FOM75/2026
• Number of Posts: 1
• Salary: R144,024 per annum
• Location: Northern Cape, South Africa
• Minimum Qualification: Grade 9 (NQF Level 1) or equivalent
• Employment Sector: Government
• Application Method: Online application
• Closing Date: 23 November 2026
• Closing Time: 16:00

The advertised salary works out to approximately R12,002 per month before deductions. This is the annual salary divided by 12 months. The actual amount paid into the successful applicant’s bank account may be lower after applicable deductions.

Minimum Requirements for the DFFE Groundsman Job

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has set Grade 9 as the minimum educational requirement for this position.

This means applicants do not need a matric certificate to meet the advertised minimum qualification. However, having the required school qualification does not automatically guarantee employment. Candidates must also show that they have the skills and knowledge needed to perform the duties.

To qualify for consideration, applicants should have the following:

• A Grade 9 certificate at NQF Level 1 or an equivalent qualification.
• Knowledge of plants, gardening and general garden maintenance.
• The ability to use basic gardening tools, machinery and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of computer operations.
• Good planning and organisational skills.
• Good verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work well with other people.
• Good teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work under pressure.
• The ability to complete tasks with limited supervision.
• The ability to handle difficult situations and resolve workplace disagreements.
• Willingness to work additional hours voluntarily when required.

Applicants should understand that this is a practical outdoor position. The successful candidate will spend much of their working time maintaining gardens, handling plants, moving materials and assisting with nursery activities.

Is work experience compulsory?

The advertised requirements do not state a specific number of years of work experience. Applicants should therefore pay close attention to the listed qualifications, skills and duties when preparing their applications.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Successful Candidate

The person appointed will support the department’s greening and environmental activities. These projects involve planting trees, growing seedlings and keeping outdoor spaces clean and well maintained.

The job includes several responsibilities, ranging from ordinary gardening activities to working in a nursery and looking after equipment.

1. Garden Maintenance and General Groundskeeping

One of the main responsibilities will be looking after gardens, lawns, flower beds and other outdoor areas.

The successful candidate must help ensure that these spaces remain clean, healthy and properly maintained.

Daily tasks may include:

• Watering plants, trees, lawns and flower beds.
• Operating irrigation systems when required.
• Removing weeds from gardens and outdoor spaces.
• Pruning and trimming trees, shrubs and other plants.
• Cutting grass and mowing lawns.
• Planting seeds and transferring plants to different areas.
• Maintaining flower beds and garden edges.
• Collecting and removing garden waste.
• Preparing compost for gardening activities.
• Maintaining soil conditions to support healthy plant growth.
• Helping with general maintenance of grounds and infrastructure.

These duties require someone who is comfortable working outside and performing physical tasks.

2. Nursery Work and Seedling Production

Another important part of the job involves working in the nursery.

A nursery is a place where seeds, seedlings and young plants are grown and cared for before they are planted in gardens or other outdoor areas.

The Groundsman will assist with different stages of seedling production and plant care.

Responsibilities include:

• Collecting and cleaning seeds before planting.
• Preparing seeds through different treatments.
• Preparing seedling trays.
• Planting seeds in suitable containers.
• Preparing plant cuttings for growing.
• Filling planting bags with the correct soil mixture.
• Preparing nursery beds for seedlings.
• Moving seedlings from trays into planting bags.
• Transferring growing trees into larger planting bags when needed.
• Arranging and packing transplanted trees.
• Mixing sand and compost for planting.
• Watering seedlings and young trees.
• Checking plants for pests and diseases.

These activities help ensure that seedlings and young trees grow properly before they are moved to their final planting locations.

Applicants who enjoy gardening and learning more about plants may find this part of the job interesting.

3. General Nursery Duties and Support

The successful applicant will also assist with the everyday running of the nursery.

This includes keeping the working area clean, helping with stock control and making sure that plants are correctly identified.

Other duties include:

• Performing general labour within the nursery.
• Controlling weeds using manual and chemical methods.
• Assisting with nursery stocktaking.
• Placing identification tags on plants.
• Helping customers who visit the nursery to buy trees.
• Reporting damaged items and other problems to the Foreman.
• Keeping nursery equipment and workspaces clean.
• Ensuring that plants and materials are stored properly.

The employee must also follow instructions from supervisors and report problems that may affect the daily work of the nursery.

4. Using and Maintaining Machinery and Equipment

The Groundsman will be expected to use different tools and equipment when carrying out gardening and nursery duties.

The department needs someone who can handle equipment carefully and help keep it in good working condition.

Responsibilities include:

• Operating tractors and dumpers when required.
• Cleaning machinery after use.
• Performing basic equipment maintenance.
• Moving sand and compost to planting tables and nursery beds.
• Transporting seedlings, crates and trees.
• Looking after tools and equipment assigned to the employee.
• Reporting broken or damaged machinery to the relevant supervisor.

Applicants should be willing to learn how to use the equipment safely and follow workplace instructions.

How to Apply for the DFFE Groundsman Vacancy 2026

Applications for this position must be submitted online through the official Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment recruitment website.

Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Visit the official DFFE eRecruitment website:

Apply through the DFFE eRecruitment Portal

Step 2: Search for the position titled Groundsman: Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support.

Step 3: Check that the vacancy reference number is FOM75/2026 to ensure that you are applying for the correct position.

Step 4: Complete all the required sections of the online Z83 application form. Make sure that your personal information, qualifications and other details are correct.

Step 5: Prepare and upload your detailed CV. Your CV must include at least three contactable references.

Step 6: Review your application before submitting it. Check that you have completed all the required sections and attached the correct documents.

Step 7: Submit your application online before 23 November 2026 at 16:00.

Do not wait until the last day to apply. Submitting your application early gives you enough time to deal with possible internet or website problems.

Important Documents and Application Conditions

Applicants must follow the department’s application instructions carefully. Failure to provide the required information may result in your application being disqualified.

Take note of the following conditions:

• All sections of the online Z83 application form must be completed.
• Applicants must attach a detailed and updated CV.
• Your CV must include at least three contactable references.
• Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide certified copies of their qualifications and identity documents.
• A certified copy of a driver’s licence must also be provided where applicable to the interview documentation requirements.
• Applicants with qualifications obtained outside South Africa must have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• Required certified documents must be submitted on or before the interview date.
• Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
• Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

It is important to understand that shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide supporting documents at a later stage. Applicants should therefore keep their original certificates and other important documents safe.

Enquiries and Contact Details

If you have questions about the Groundsman vacancy or need more information about the application process, you can contact the department using the details below.

• Contact Person: Ms S. Lubanga
• Telephone Number: 060 973 1792
• Department: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
• For Attention: Human Resource Management

Applicants are encouraged to use the official recruitment portal and the provided contact details when seeking information about the position.

Closing Date for DFFE Groundsman Applications

The closing date for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Groundsman vacancy is 23 November 2026 at 16:00.

Interested applicants should make sure that their online applications are submitted before the deadline.

Late applications will not be accepted. It is also important to check that your application has been successfully submitted through the official recruitment website.

Is the DFFE Groundsman Vacancy Worth Applying For?

For someone with Grade 9 who is looking for employment in the public sector, this vacancy is an opportunity worth considering.

The position offers an annual salary of R144,024, which is approximately R12,002 per month before deductions. It also provides an opportunity to work in gardening, tree planting, nursery management and environmental greening activities.

Unlike many office-based jobs, this position involves practical work. You will be expected to water plants, maintain gardens, prepare seedlings, move materials and assist with the care of trees.

The job may be suitable for people who enjoy working outdoors, are physically active and are willing to learn new skills.

Another important point is that the advertised minimum qualification is Grade 9. This makes the vacancy worth looking at for job seekers who did not complete matric but meet the other requirements.

However, remember that there is only one position available, so applicants should take time to prepare complete and accurate applications.

If you meet the requirements and are interested in this opportunity, visit the official DFFE recruitment portal and submit your application before the closing date.