If you want practical research exposure in plant propagation and conservation-related forestry work, Sappi is offering a Tree Propagation Intern – Forest Research opportunity based in Howick. This one-year internship is aimed at a recent Horticulture or Botany graduate who wants hands-on experience supporting rare and endangered tree species stewardship work in a research environment.
At a glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsor / Employer | Sappi |
| Opportunity type | Tree Propagation Intern / Forest Research internship |
| Location | Howick, South Africa |
| Work site | Shaw Research Centre – Tweedie |
| Employment type | One-year internship |
| Reference / Requisition | req237 |
| Posted date | 13 March 2026 |
| Closing date | 27 March 2026 |
| Verified by us | 13 March 2026 |
What this opportunity is
This internship gives a recent graduate practical experience in managing Sappi’s Rare and Endangered Tree Species Stewardship Programme. The role is based in a forest research environment and combines nursery work, fieldwork, data collection, reporting, and collaboration on plant production and conservation-related activities.
Note: No prior work experience is required, so this opportunity is suited to a recent graduate who meets the qualification requirement and wants to build research and propagation experience in a structured workplace setting.
What you’ll do / learn
You’ll gain practical experience in nursery trials, field identification, seed collection work, project reporting, and research support linked to tree propagation and conservation activities.
- Implement nursery trials for the development of rooting protocols for new species added to the programme
- Travel to Important Conservation Area (ICA) areas for in-field identification and geo-referencing of wild populations
- Facilitate seed collection, seed orchard establishment projects, and seed germination
- Oversee data collection and prepare monthly reports on relevant project progress
- Liaise with collaborators regarding plant production and distribution to local eco-rangers
- Analyse data, present results, and make recommendations
Eligibility requirements
Meet the minimum requirements below before applying.
- Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in Horticulture or Botany
- Computer skills: Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
- Experience: No prior work experience is required
- Other skills: Good planning and project management skills
Application checklist
Make sure your application is complete before submitting.
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Degree or Advanced Diploma certificate / academic transcript in Horticulture or Botany
- Clear contact details (phone + email)
- Any supporting research, plant science, nursery, fieldwork, or conservation-related experience on your CV
Need help with CVs, certified copies, and application tips? Use our Resources & Guides Hub.
About the sponsor
Sappi is a woodfibre business with operations in areas such as paper, packaging, pulp, and forestry. In Southern Africa, the company manages paper and packaging, pulp, and forestry activities, with regional business functions based in Johannesburg. For More information visit the Sappi Southern Africa Website
Quick tips for applicants
- Make your Horticulture or Botany qualification easy to identify on your CV and application
- Highlight any nursery, plant propagation, conservation, fieldwork, GIS, mapping, or research project exposure
- Show clearly that you can work with data, reporting, and project coordination
- If you have used MS Excel or Teams for project work, mention that clearly
Common mistakes that get applicants rejected
- Submitting a CV that does not clearly show the required qualification field
- Leaving out academic proof or qualification details
- Not highlighting relevant plant science, nursery, or research-related exposure
- Uploading incomplete or unreadable supporting documents
- Applying after the closing date
Scam warning (important)
Never pay a fee to apply for an internship. Use only the official Sappi careers page. If anyone asks for payment for interviews, placement, or shortlisting, rely instead on the employer’s official recruitment platform.
How this opportunity was verified
Verified by us on 13 March 2026 using the vacancy listed for Tree Propagation Intern – Forest Research (req237) on the official Sappi careers page.
How to apply
- Open the official vacancy page using the button below.
- Read the requirements carefully and confirm that your qualification matches the role.
- Prepare your CV and supporting documents.
- Submit your application through the official Sappi careers platform before 27 March 2026.