The South African Police Service (SAPS) has advertised a Garden Worker vacancy for 2026 under reference number NOCC 02/2026. The position is based at the National Operational Command Centre (NOCC) in Pretoria and offers an opportunity for a suitably qualified candidate to work in a government department.
The advertised position is intended for an individual who can assist with maintaining gardens, lawns and outdoor areas. The successful candidate will help ensure that the grounds remain clean, neat and suitable for daily operations.
This opportunity may appeal to job seekers with basic education who are interested in gardening, grounds maintenance and practical outdoor work. Applicants should be able to communicate professionally, follow occupational health and safety procedures, and operate basic equipment.
The position offers a stated annual salary of R144,024 (Level 02). The advertisement lists one post and identifies the National Operational Command Centre as the component where the successful candidate will work.
The advertisement does not specify a closing date. Interested applicants should confirm the applicable deadline with SAPS before submitting their applications.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
What is the Garden Worker opportunity?
The SAPS Garden Worker position involves maintaining outdoor spaces and ensuring that gardens, lawns and planted areas remain in good condition. The successful applicant will assist with preparing soil, planting and caring for flowers, removing weeds, pruning plants and watering lawns.
The position falls under the National Operational Command Centre component. Although the advertisement does not explain the full departmental structure, the role supports the upkeep of the organisation’s grounds and surrounding areas.
By carrying out routine gardening and cleaning duties, the employee will help maintain a tidy, safe and presentable working environment for officials and other people using the premises.
Why could this opportunity be valuable?
A Garden Worker position can provide practical experience in groundskeeping, landscaping and the maintenance of public facilities. It can also help employees strengthen their ability to follow instructions, use equipment responsibly and work effectively with colleagues.
The successful candidate may develop useful skills in soil preparation, lawn care, irrigation, pruning, fertilising and waste removal. These skills can be relevant to future work in gardening services, landscaping companies, municipal maintenance, facilities management and other public-sector or private-sector environments.
Experience in this role may also help an employee build a record of workplace responsibility and practical maintenance experience. Employers in groundskeeping and facilities services often value reliability, attention to detail, safe equipment handling and the ability to maintain outdoor spaces consistently.
Career progression will depend on future vacancies, additional training and the employee’s experience. The advertisement does not promise promotion or further employment opportunities.
Quick Overview
Item Details Opportunity Garden Worker Company South African Police Service (SAPS) Location National Operational Command Centre, Pretoria Closing Date Not specified in the advertisement Salary/Stipend R144,024 per annum (Level 02) Employment Type Not specified in the advertisement Industry Public service / law enforcement Target Group Applicants meeting the stated education and other requirements Application Method Delivery to the listed postal address or email application.
What will successful candidates do?
The Garden Worker will be responsible for routine garden maintenance and the care of planted areas. This includes preparing the ground for planting, maintaining flowerbeds and ensuring that lawns and surrounding outdoor spaces receive the attention they need.
The employee will also assist with moving gardening materials and equipment, handling garden waste and keeping designated areas clean. These duties require practical ability, attention to detail and a willingness to carry out physical work.
The role also involves following appropriate safety procedures when using equipment and handling materials. The successful candidate should be prepared to work with other officials and support the general upkeep of the premises.
Main responsibilities include:
- Prepare soil and garden beds for planting flowers and other plants.
- Maintain flowerbeds through watering, fertilising, weeding and pruning.
- Mow lawns, trim grass edges and keep grassy areas presentable.
- Water lawns and other planted areas as required.
- Load and unload gardening materials, supplies and equipment.
- Collect and remove garden waste from the grounds.
- Assist with transporting waste to designated disposal sites or burning it where required.
- Maintain cleanliness and order throughout the designated unit areas.
Who should apply?
This opportunity is suitable for candidates who meet the minimum educational requirements and are interested in practical gardening and grounds maintenance work.
Applicants should be comfortable working outdoors and carrying out routine tasks that involve plants, lawns, garden equipment and waste removal. The ability to communicate with colleagues and follow instructions is also important.
Previous gardening experience may be useful, but the advertisement does not explicitly state that it is compulsory. Candidates should ensure that they meet the stated citizenship, education and language requirements before applying.
The advertisement does not specify any mandatory driver’s licence, professional gardening certificate or particular work experience.
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements stated in the SAPS advertisement:
- Demonstrate competency in the core functions of the Garden Worker position.
- Be proficient in English and at least one other official South African language.
- Be a South African citizen and provide documentary proof when required on the day of the interview.
- Have ABET Level 4, Grade 9, Standard 7 or NQF Level 1, with documentary proof available when required.
- Understand how to handle cleaning detergents.
- Understand and follow occupational health and safety protocols.
- Have basic literacy, numeracy and communication skills.
- Be able to read and write.
- Be able to interact professionally with other officials.
- Be able to operate elementary machines and equipment.
- Be willing to work extended hours when necessary.
Salary or Stipend
The advertised salary for the SAPS Garden Worker position is R144,024 per annum at salary Level 02.
This is the annual remuneration stated in the advertisement. The advert does not provide a breakdown of monthly pay, deductions or additional allowances.
No additional employee benefits were listed in the advert.
Important Working Conditions
The position involves practical gardening and grounds maintenance duties, including mowing lawns, preparing soil, watering plants, handling equipment and removing garden waste.
Applicants should be prepared for outdoor work and tasks that involve moving gardening materials and equipment.
The advertisement also states that successful candidates must be willing to work extended hours when necessary.
The work location is the National Operational Command Centre component in Pretoria. No additional working conditions were specified in the advertisement.
Insider Tip
Insider Tip: Tailor your CV to the gardening and maintenance duties listed in the advertisement. Highlight any relevant experience with lawn mowing, planting, pruning, irrigation, garden tools, cleaning or waste removal. If you have informal experience maintaining a home garden, community garden or other outdoor area, describe the tasks you performed clearly and honestly. Include your highest relevant educational qualification and make sure you can provide documentary proof when requested. During an interview, be prepared to explain how you use equipment safely, follow instructions and maintain a clean working environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should direct their applications to the SAPS Academy, Tshwane, using the contact details provided in the advertisement.
Application details:
- Reference number: NOCC 02/2026
- Position: Garden Worker
- Postal address: SAPS Academy, Tshwane, No. 1 Rebecca Street, Pretoria West
- Email address: ClarkeM@saps.gov.z
- Enquiries: Mrs M Clark
- Telephone: (012) 493 5659
- Closing date: Not provided in the supplied advertisement
Applicants should ensure that their application clearly identifies the Garden Worker position and reference number. Include accurate contact details and relevant information about your qualifications and experience.
The advertisement states that proof of South African citizenship must be furnished on the day of the interview and that proof of the required educational qualification must be available when requested.
Important: The supplied email address ends in .gov.z, which appears incomplete. Confirm the correct email address and the closing date with SAPS using the listed telephone number before emailing your application. The advertisement does not specify a complete list of additional application documents.
Final Thoughts
The SAPS Garden Worker vacancy may suit job seekers who meet the minimum educational requirements and want to gain practical experience in gardening and grounds maintenance within a public-sector environment.
With an advertised annual salary of R144,024, the position offers an opportunity to apply practical skills while helping maintain the grounds of the National Operational Command Centre in Pretoria.
Since the supplied advertisement does not include a closing date, applicants should contact SAPS to confirm the deadline and verify the application email address before submitting their documents.
Applicants who meet the requirements should submit their application before the closing date.