Hiring Now | Landscape & Garden Maintenance | Level 2 | Opportunities in Pretoria & Gqeberha

The Department of Defence (DOD), in conjunction with the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS), has officially opened applications for entry-level support vacancies for Groundsmen (Salary Level 02). Multiple open positions are available across critical military medical establishments, regional health units, and battalion facilities situated in Gqeberha (Eastern Cape) and Pretoria (Gauteng). The primary focus of these roles is to execute general terrain cleaning, structural landscaping, agricultural upkeep, and tool preservation across the surroundings of state military bases.

These public sector opportunities require a minimum of an Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) qualification and demand no prior experience, making them ideal entry points for individuals seeking reliable, long-term careers within the South African National Defence Force’s support structures. If you have a passion for outdoor maintenance, work effectively within team structures, and can follow health and safety guidelines, prepare your application package before the closing date.

Post Overview & Location Breakdown

Post Details	Reference Details & Remuneration	Workplace Centres & Enquiries
POST 24/33	Ref No: SG 01/24/26/22 Salary: R144 024 – R169 656 per annum Level: 02	Centre: Area Military Health Unit Eastern Cape, Gqeberha Enquiries: Maj D.P. Monyeki — Tel: (041) 505 1060/1062
POST 24/34	Ref No: SG 01/24/26/23 Salary: R144 024 – R169 656 per annum Level: 02	Centre: Area Military Health Unit Gauteng, Pretoria Enquiries: WO2 H.P. De Beer — Tel: (012) 314 3145
POST 24/35	Ref No: SG 01/24/26/24 Salary: R144 024 – R169 656 per annum Level: 02	Centre: 8 Medical Battalion Group, Lyttelton, Pretoria Enquiries: Maj M.M. Jagers — Tel: (012) 671 6403

Core Duties & Responsibilities

The functional outputs required for the Groundsman positions across all three advertised military complexes are standardized and involve hands-on environmental landscaping and asset care:

Landscape & Garden Upkeep

• Maintain and cultivate the garden premises, creating clean, visually appealing, and organized exterior green areas around the military health units.

• Mow the grass and trim lawn verges regularly across all main entrances, common grounds, parade terrains, and facility walkways.

• Prune and trim flowers, shrubs, and trees to foster healthy horticultural growth and clear functional pathways of overhead obstructions.

• Remove invasive weeds and clear stubborn garden refuse, ensuring waste foliage is collected, loaded, and relocated to approved dumping yards.

• Cultivate and enrich the soil systematically to encourage the successful growth of new or existing trees, decorative flowers, and ground cover.

• Apply approved insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers safely under instruction to combat outdoor plant diseases and infestations.

Site Cleanliness & Facility Support

• Maintain and clean the broader premises and surroundings, ensuring all pathways, loading zones, and open courtyard areas remain free from dirt and debris.

• Empty external dirt bins regularly, replacing bin liners and ensuring compliance with standard waste management guidelines.

• Collaborate actively with internal cleaning and maintenance crews during heavy weather events or facility clear-outs to preserve terrain safety.

Tool Control & Maintenance

• Maintain all gardening equipment and tools (including lawnmowers, edge trimmers, shears, and basic manual implements) in good working order.

• Detect and report the malfunctioning of complex gardening equipment and specialized tools to unit supervisors for formal logistics tracking.

• Repair minor defects on basic gardening equipment and mechanical tools on-site to reduce operational downtime.

Minimum Appointment Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following institutional criteria to be considered for an invitation to an interview:

• Educational Background: A minimum of an Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) qualification or an equivalent basic schooling layout.

• Work Experience: No prior experience is required; a natural interest or practical background in general gardening services would be a distinct advantage.

• Language Proficiency: Ability to communicate effectively and understand work commands in English (verbal).

• Technical Understanding: Basic knowledge of general health and safety requirements related to manual labor, handling sharp tools, and chemical application.

• Horticultural Awareness: Sound knowledge of common plants, seasonal garden requirements, and standard garden equipment operations.

• Operational Capabilities: Proven ability to work comfortably within a team layout, prioritize daily tasks, and organize personal workloads effectively.

• Legal Eligibility: Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID and a completely clear criminal record verified prior to final appointment.

How to Apply

Separate application submissions are mandatory for each specific post. If applying for multiple centers, a unique New Z83 Application Form must be fully filled out and signed for each individual reference number.

Critical Application Documentation

1. A fully completed, signed, and dated New Z83 Form (effective 1 January 2021, accessible via any government website). Ensure you record the position title (Groundsman) and specific Ref No accurately.

2. An updated, comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) containing clear personal data, school history, and reachable contact telephone numbers.

3. Note: Certified copies of your qualification certificates and South African identity document are not required during initial application filing. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to bring certified documents on the day of the interview.

Submission Methods & Addresses by Centre

1. Area Military Health Unit Eastern Cape (Gqeberha)

• Postal Route: Department of Defence, Area Military Health Unit Eastern Cape, Private Bag X6032, Forest Hill, Gqeberha, 6001.

• Hand Delivery: Army Support Base Eastern Cape, Military Base Hospital Gqeberha, Willow Drive, Forest Hill.

• Email Applications: Dimakatso.Monyeki@dod.mil.za

2. Area Military Health Unit Gauteng (Pretoria / Gezina)

• Postal Route: Department of Defence, Area Military Health Unit Gauteng, Private Bag X02, Gezina, 0031.

• Hand Delivery: Area Military Health Unit Gauteng, 185 Rose Street, Rietondale, Pretoria.

• Email Applications: Amhu.gauteng@dod.mil.za

3. 8 Medical Battalion Group (Pretoria / Lyttelton)

• Postal Route: Department of Defence, South African Military Health Services, 8 Medical Battalion Group, Private Bag X1019, Lyttelton, Pretoria, 0140.

• Hand Delivery: 8 Medical Battalion Group, Grunberg Leon Street, Tek Base, Lyttelton, Pretoria.

• Email Applications: Mamokete.Jagers@dod.mil.za

Explore More Public Sector Opportunities

Looking to view alternate public service jobs, explore municipal general openings, or download the latest official application templates? Use the career channels below:

• ✅ Browse General Assistant & Groundsman Jobs in South Africa

• ✅ View Latest Department of Defence (DOD) Openings

• ✅ Download Official New Z83 Government Application Forms