Hiring Now | Groundsman (3 Vacancies Available) | Naval Base Durban | Salisbury Island, KwaZulu-Natal | Permanent Public Sector Positions

The South African Navy (SAN), a vital arms service of the Department of Defence (DOD) responsible for the maritime defense, operational logistics, and physical infrastructure maintenance of our nation’s naval installations, is seeking three reliable, hard-working, and practically minded individuals to fill the permanent vacancies of Groundsman at Naval Base Durban. This Level 02 government post, officially listed on the jobsandcareeropportunities.co.za portal, is an entry-level horticulture and facility support opportunity for individuals dedicated to maintaining pristine outside terrains, managing landscape health, and preparing grounds for official military functions and parades. If you possess a minimum of an ABET qualification, maintain excellent physical strength, and know how to operate basic lawn care machinery, apply before the closing date. Don’t miss this opportunity — public sector vacancies are filling fast. Apply today.

Detail	Information
Job Title	Groundsman (3 Posts Available)
Reference Number	NAVAL/20/23/26/35
Salary Scale	R144,024 – R169,656 per annum (Level 02 Cost-to-Employer Structure)
Division / Section	Naval Base Durban (Facilities & Grounds Maintenance Division)
Position Type	Permanent
Experience Level	Entry-Level / No Experience Required (Exposure is an advantage)
Job Functional Area	Horticulture, Outside Terrain Maintenance & Light Machinery Operation
Primary Location	Salisbury Island, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Posted Date	04 July 2026
Closing Date	17 July 2026 (Standard 2-week public service notification protocol)
Application Status	Open – Accepting Applications Now

The South African Navy is firmly committed to fostering a public service workforce that reflects the diverse demographics of South Africa. In strict alignment with the Public Service Employment Equity Act and corporate transformation mandates, all shortlisting parameters, technical evaluations, and final appointments are conducted in accordance with the Department’s equity targets. The SA Navy reserves the right to make structural modifications to these employment terms, salary adjustments, and core functional outputs at any given time based on national security protocols and state departmental directives.

About the Role

Within a highly disciplined military ecosystem like Naval Base Durban on Salisbury Island, the physical upkeep, cleanliness, and presentation of outside terrains are critical to reflecting institutional pride and ensuring operational safety. The primary purpose of the Groundsman within the base facilities division is to manage, maintain, and protect the outdoor landscapes, gardens, sidewalks, parking lots, and security parameters of the base.

This entry-level role does not require formal professional work experience, offering an exceptional career opening for reliable individuals with strong practical capabilities. However, having prior exposure to a professional gardening or landscaping environment will give your profile a distinct advantage. You will be responsible for a wide array of horticultural tasks, including preparing soil, maintaining flora, eradicating alien vegetation, practicing basic pest control, and watering terrains. Crucially, you will also handle and maintain basic light machinery such as rotary mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, weed eaters, and chainsaws, ensuring all gear remains fully serviceable.

The ideal candidate brings great physical strength to move heavy materials, a strong team-oriented mindset, and the ability to prioritize and organize daily tasks efficiently. Joining the Naval Base Durban maintenance framework provides a foundational worker with outstanding public service stability, access to comprehensive state benefits, and a structured path to growing a long-term professional career within the broader defense facilities sector.

Please note: Holding a minimum of an ABET (Adult Basic Education and Training) qualification or a recognized equivalent basic school-leaving certificate is a strict, mandatory requirement for these public service positions.

High physical stamina, clear verbal English communication skills, and baseline familiarity with operating mechanical lawnmowers, pole pruners, and weed eaters will be heavily prioritized during the practical shortlisting phase.

Key Responsibilities

Horticultural Care & Landscape Maintenance

• Maintain the absolute cleanliness of outside terrains, clearing debris, gathering leaves, and executing regular refuse removal cycles.

• Prepare soil for planting, cultivate gardens, and plant trees, flowers, and shrubs to enhance the base environment.

• Provide comprehensive maintenance for lawns, plants, and trees, including regular watering, mowing, pruning, and monitoring overall plant health.

• Identify and remove invasive alien vegetation systematically, ensuring the preservation of local ecosystems and base infrastructure.

• Practice basic pest control measures to safeguard landscaped gardens and outdoor planters from infestation.

Infrastructure Care & Parade Preparation

• Ensure the proper upkeep of physical outdoor assets, cleaning and inspecting sidewalks, parking lots, fountains, fences, planters, and benches.

• Assist base logistics teams in preparing grounds for official functions and military parades, ensuring ceremonial areas are immaculately presented.

• Move heavy landscaping materials, topsoil, fertilizers, and structural equipment safely across base parameters as directed.

Machinery Operation & Equipment Maintenance

• Handle and operate basic light machinery and garden tools safely, including rotary mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, lawnmowers, and pole pruners.

• Check the serviceability of all assigned grounds keeping equipment daily, reporting any mechanical defects, dull blades, or safety hazards to the supervisor.

• Adhere strictly to standard health and safety protocols, utilizing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) during machine operations.

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience

• A minimum of an ABET (Adult Basic Education and Training) qualification or recognized equivalent basic education certificate.

• No prior formal work experience is required (excellent entry-level outdoor infrastructure opportunity for energetic, practical workers).

Skills & Tool Competencies

• Sound knowledge of plants, gardening techniques, soil preparation, and general landscape layout.

• Technical capability to safely operate and handle light mechanical machinery (weed eaters, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, pole pruners).

• Strong capability to communicate effectively verbally in English to process supervisor orders and collaborate with peers.

• Ability to check equipment serviceability and perform basic tool cleaning.

Behavioral & Physical Attributes

• Excellent physical strength and stamina to move heavy materials, handle vibration-heavy machinery, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize, and execute tasks efficiently under target completion timelines.

• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively within an inclusive, disciplined team environment or individually under minimal supervision.

Administrative Requirements

• South African citizenship with a clean record; candidates must be willing to undergo state security vetting and background verification protocols to access secure naval property.

KINDLY NOTE THAT IF YOU ARE NOT CONTACTED WITHIN 2 WEEKS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE OF 17 JULY 2026, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION AS UNSUCCESSFUL.

Core Public Service Values

Disciplined Accountability & Asset Upkeep

Military installations demand order, safety, and operational readiness. We maintain zero tolerance for neglected terrains, broken or unserviced machinery, or ignored safety rules. We expect our Groundsmen to manage outdoor base spaces with high care and pride.

Batho Pele Environmental Excellence

In strict alignment with the national “People First” framework, our grounds maintenance teams ensure our defense force works in highly presentable, dignified, and safe outdoor environments. We value team members who take true pride in their manual work—handling tasks enthusiastically and supporting base events professionally.

Proactive Care & Safety Awareness

Safe outdoor spaces rely on alert personnel. We look for individuals who don’t wait for things to become overgrown or hazardous. We expect our staff to spot faulty tools early, handle chainsaws and trimmers with total safety awareness, and keep base parameters clear of environmental hazards during every shift.

Career Growth Opportunities

A permanent Level 02 appointment within the South African Navy at Naval Base Durban offers a stable path toward specialized facilities management, agricultural artisan pathways, and workshop leadership:

Groundsman (Level 02) → Senior Groundsman / Maintenance Team Leader (Level 03)

Team Leader → Horticulture Supervisor / Base Facility Coordinator (Level 05)

Facility Coordinator → Qualified Artisan / Greenkeeper (Upon completing relevant specialized technical/agricultural training)

Artisan → Assistant Director: Base Logistics & Ground Services (Level 09)

Your work ethic, machinery safety records, and enthusiasm for landscape maintenance determine your path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Naval Base Durban based, and how do I deliver my profile?

The position is permanently based on Salisbury Island in Durban. Hand-delivered application packets can be dropped off directly at the secure entrance: Naval Base Durban, Salisbury Island, Off Bay Head Road, Fynlands, Durban.

What specific light machinery will the groundsman be expected to handle?

The successful candidate will regularly operate rotary mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, lawnmowers, and pole pruners. They are also responsible for checking the basic serviceability of these tools.

Are email applications accepted for this Durban-based SA Navy vacancy?

Yes. To ensure wide public service accessibility and quick processing for candidates across KwaZulu-Natal, the SA Navy allows you to submit your complete application electronically via email directly to nbd.careeradmin@sanavy.co.za.

What standard benefits are included in a Level 02 public service remuneration package?

The post carries a stable basic salary scale of R144,024 to R169,656 per annum. This permanent state appointment is supplemented by standard public service benefits, including medical aid subsidies, Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) savings, and an annual 13th check.

Who is the designated point of contact for official enquiries regarding this post?

For specific operational updates or administrative clarity regarding this reference number, you can contact the facility staffing lead directly: Cdr E.J. Molema at Tel No: (031) 460 6150 during standard working hours.

How to Apply

Are you ready to use your practical skills, manage military outdoor terrains, and build a stable infrastructure career with the South African Navy? Applications are officially open via the jobsandcareeropportunities.co.za network. Ensure your Z83 form, CV documents, and references are completely finalized before submitting.

Application Channels

📫 Postal Option:

Send to: Cdr S.K. Sibiya, SA Navy, Naval Base Durban, Private Bag X1, Durban, 4036

📍 Physical Hand-Delivery Option:

Naval Base Durban, Salisbury Island, Off Bay Head Road, Fynlands, Durban

📧 Direct Email Option:

Submit to: nbd.careeradmin@sanavy.co.za

Applicants must ensure their email subject line or physical cover note reads exactly: Application - Groundsman - Ref NAVAL/20/23/26/35 to guarantee immediate tracking, automated data parsing, and accurate routing within the Naval Base Durban HR division.

All applications must be submitted on the newly updated official Z83 Application Form (obtainable from any Public Service Department or online at www.dpsa.gov.za). The form must be fully completed, dated, and signed by the applicant. It must be accompanied by a comprehensive, updated Curriculum Vitae highlighting detailed work or character references, as well as clear copies of your ABET qualification certificate, any practical horticulture/machinery training logs, and your South African Identity Document.

Apply early — this vacancy closes on 17 July 2026.

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