Career Opportunities at South African National Biodiversity Institute

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for self-motivated individual to care for the National Zoological Garden animals according to the required global standards of animal husbandry and welfare, as well as maintenance and management of their enclosures in which they live.

This position requires a Grade 10, job specific qualification, or equivalent qualification with NQF 2 with 5 years of work experience in the relevant field, or a Grade 12, job specific qualification, or equivalent qualification with NQF 4 with 4 years of work experience in the relevant field. Higher certificate in Nature Conservation or equivalent qualification at NQF 5 will be an added advantage.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: a passion for animals and knowledge of captive animal husbandry; be able to operate and function under pressure and after hours whilst being quality, cost, and safety conscious; proven ability to work with a diverse team and independently; be able to operate within the framework of the approved standard operating procedures; good planning, organizing, interpersonal, time management, and problem solving skills; excellent communication skills (both verbal and written); computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, Internet and Outlook) will be advantageous. This position requires the applicant to conduct physical labour and work outdoors in inclement weather. Applicants must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Assist with animal display, breeding and capture;
• Perform general animal care, cleaning, & feeding;
• Implement environmental enrichment and animal conditioning training plans;
• Perform pest control and enclosure infrastructure maintenance;
• Perform tool and equipment care; and
• Perform administration, human resources, and stakeholder relations responsibilities.

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The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated and meticulous individual to manage employee relations within SANBI and ensure that legislation, policies and procedures are understood, adhere to and applied consistently and timeously by all employees

This position requires a degree in Employee Relations, or equivalent qualification at NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification in Employee Relations or equivalent degree at NQF 8 will be an added advantage.  This position also requires 8 years’ experience in relevant field, 4 years of which should be in first line management position(s).

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: In-depth understanding of employee relations and employee wellness imperatives, policies and procedures: Extensive Knowledge about legislation pertaining to employee relations and employee wellness. Outstanding experience and understanding of governance, compliance, risk, and legal. Excellent Project management skills and proven ability to work under pressure and with a diverse team, whilst being quality and safety conscious is essential; advanced planning, organizing, interpersonal, problem solving, project and  excellent communication skills (both verbal and written); excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) will be advantageous. The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Provide strategic support on the development and implementation Human Resource Management Strategy.
• Manage and coordinate Employee Relations Matters.
• Manage the implementation of Employee Wellness programme
• Facilitate, Coordinate and implement SANBIs Employment Equity portfolio

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The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for self-motivated individual to prepare food for restaurants and other outlets of the National Zoological Gardens by maintaining highest professional food quality and sanitation standards, support the conferencing and banqueting division, and lead a team of cooks.

This position requires a grade 12 or equivalent qualification with NQF 4 with 5 years of work experience in the relevant field, or national diploma in Cooking (as Chef) or equivalent qualification with NQF 6 with 3 years of work experience in the relevant field. Advance diploma, or equivalent qualification at NQF 7 will be an added advantage.

The following competencies are required for the candidates to be successful in this position: hands-on experience with various kitchen equipment, for example, grillers and pasta makers; proven ability to work with diverse team and under pressure whilst being quality, cost, and safety conscious; advanced knowledge of culinary, baking, and pastry techniques; leadership skills; ability to remain calm and undertake various tasks; excellent time management abilities; up-to-date knowledge of cooking techniques, recipes and Food Safety Management System. The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential. 

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Perform menu design and ensure appealing plate presentation.
• Attend to menu costing and regular monitoring of food stock and placing of orders in consultation supervisors.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations within the kitchen area; and
• Perform supervision of food preparation.

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The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) requires an enthusiastic, dedicated, professional and responsible person to manage the Animal Kitchen operations and staff including developing and implementing scientifically researched diets for animal species; evaluating the dietary requirements of all animals at the National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria and Mokopane campuses; ensuring that food is prepared as per diet sheets and feed quality and quantity is monitored; ensuring that animal food is prepared to approved hygiene standards; conducting budget management and procurement for the Animal kitchen; and providing advice and information on animal nutrition to stakeholders.

The successful candidate must be in a possession of a degree in Animal Nutrition, Animal Sciences, Animal Health, Zoology or equivalent qualification with NQF Level 7. A postgraduate degree in Animal Nutrition, Animal Sciences, Animal Health, Zoology or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 6 years of work experience in the relevant field, 3 years of which should be at supervisory level.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: Advanced knowledge on the management of organisational finance; must have a good understanding of animal welfare and ethics; must have a good understanding of health and safety in the work place; must have a good understanding of food preparation hygiene; must have excellent customer service knowledge and experience and be able to work with diverse team and under pressure whilst being quality, cost, and safety conscious; must have strong leadership and management skills; extensive knowledge and experience of legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, and frameworks related to wildlife nutrition, managing animal food preparation, human resources, financial management, and corporate governance are essential; advanced planning, organizing, interpersonal, and problem solving skills; excellent communication skills (both verbal and written); excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) will be advantageous. The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential. 

 Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Conduct research and evaluate nutritional needs of captive wildlife;
• Direct diet development and monitoring consumption;
• Manage procurement, storage and preparation of food;
• Conduct education awareness initiatives;
• Manage budget and compiling reports
• Execute supervisory responsibilities and manage risk; and
• Attend to staff development and team performance matters within the unit.