General Ground Assistant at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

Job Description

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation’s health and quality of life by funding and conducting relevant and leading health research.  It further aims to promote equity, career development and progression.  The organisation prides itself on three core values: being pioneering, striving for excellence and working collaboratively.

The South African Medical Research Council seeks to appoint two General Grounds Assistants to attend to and maintain the gardens and grounds of its Delft Animal Facility.  The site is an animal holding and breeding facility located adjacent to Brentwood Park.  The successful incumbents will assist a dedicated team to manage the high standards of maintenance required for the grounds and gardens.

Outdoor responsibilities include, but not limited to the following:

• Clearing of electric fence, all compound and horse camp perimeters
• Maintain fire perimeters, clean drains and gullies
• Maintain grounds and garden by removing unwanted shrubs, vegetation and sand and carry out other garden duties such as plating, pruning, lawn mowing etc. in varying weather conditions
• Maintain garden equipment
• Collect and remove refuge. 

Core Requirements:

• Grade 8
• Proven track record of gardening or ground maintenance experience
• Driver’s license.

NOTE: Incumbents will be subject to a required tuberculosis test.  A negative test result is required to work in the facility.

Added advantage:

• Tractor driving experience is an advantage
• The incumbent must be a self-motivated individual with sober habits
• Good organization ability and be able to work independently of supervision
• Competence in English and Afrikaans communication.

A salary in the region of ZAR 61 500.00 per annum cost-to-company will be negotiated in consideration of experience and qualifications.


In accordance with the SAMRC’s Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups. For this reason, we require race, gender and disability status to be specified. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply.

PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R34A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOUR SUBMISSION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED SHOULD YOUR APPLICATION NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION.

The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment.

Closing date: 31 March 2017