If you are comfortable with outdoor work, garden maintenance, and following daily site schedules, you may find this role a practical entry-level job fit. Minimum grade 10 and some experience is required. The University of the Free State (UFS) is recruiting a Service Worker: Gardening General Worker for its Bloemfontein Campus on a permanent contract.
At a glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsor / Employer | University of the Free State (UFS) |
| Opportunity type | Service Worker: Gardening General Worker (Permanent) |
| Location | Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State |
| Occupational level | Unskilled |
| Job ID | 6362 (Posting 2062) |
| Closing date | 05 March 2026 |
| Salary | R122,167.47 per annum |
| Key notes | Hard copy or online applications accepted; max 8 attachments on system |
| Verified by us | 25 February 2026 |
What this opportunity is
This is a permanent facilities support role within UFS Estates focused on garden and terrain maintenance at the Bloemfontein campus. The post is part of Facilities Management and involves routine grounds upkeep, equipment checks, and following scheduled tasks and line-management instructions.
What you’ll do
You’ll support day-to-day grounds and garden maintenance, work with equipment safely, and follow site procedures and health-and-safety requirements. The listing also highlights internal reporting to a supervisor/team leader and maintaining work quality standards.
- Perform general maintenance and cleaning of gardens and terrain during working hours
- Maintain and inspect equipment
- Follow the daily programme/schedule and ad hoc instructions from line management (as stated)
- Follow procedures and protocol
- Assist with refuse maintenance
- Report to the line manager/supervisor/driver/team leader and provide feedback
- Ensure grounds/terrain are maintained to standard procedures/specifications
- Clean equipment and workspace and follow safe working procedures
- Comply with PPE requirements and health and safety standards
Eligibility requirements
- Grade 10 (NQF Level 2) with proof attached
- Experience related to the listed duties and responsibilities
Recommended / advantageous :
- Minimum 1 year of relevant experience
- Experience operating gardening equipment and machinery
- Knowledge of applicable safety procedures
Application checklist
Make sure your application is complete before submitting.
- Detailed CV
- Copy of ID document (SA ID or passport for foreign nationals)
- Proof of Grade 10 / NQF Level 2
- Proof of relevant work experience / confirmation of employment (letter, contract, service certificate, or recent payslip for external applicants)
- Any additional documents required under the inherent requirements
Need help with CVs, certified copies, and application tips? Use our resources and guides hub
About the sponsor
The University of the Free State (UFS) is a South African university based in the Free State and describes itself as an institution focused on learning, teaching, research, and societal impact. On its vacancies page, UFS also notes its commitment to equal employment opportunities, including support for applicants with disabilities during the application process. Read more about UFS here.
Quick tips for applicants
- Include clear proof of your Grade 10 qualification — the listing marks this as an inherent requirement.
- Show relevant gardening/grounds maintenance experience on your CV (even if informal or contract-based).
- Keep documents organised because the UFS system allows a maximum of 8 attachments.
- If applying in person, use the exact HR submission point listed in the advert.
Common mistakes that get applicants rejected
- Incomplete applications (the listing says incomplete applications will not be considered)
- Not attaching proof of Grade 10 / NQF 2
- Not attaching proof of previous employment/experience (for external applicants)
- Submitting unclear documents or too many separate files without managing attachment limits
Scam warning (important)
Never pay a fee to apply. Use only the official UFS vacancy website or the official UFS HR submission route listed in the advert, and double-check the domain before uploading or sending documents.
How this opportunity was verified
Verified by us on 25 February 2026 by checking the official UFS vacancy posting page for Service Worker: Gardening General Worker (Job ID: 6362 / Posting 2062). We captured the closing date, duties, requirements, salary, and official application routes from the listing.
How to apply
- Open the official UFS vacancy page (or UFS Job Search page).
- Confirm you meet the inherent requirements and prepare all documents.
- Apply online via the official UFS vacancy system or submit a hard copy at the UFS Bloemfontein Campus HR reception (George du Toit Building, 2nd Floor, Room S201), as stated.
- Submit before 05 March 2026.