Senior Technician : Science Collections

SANBI offers basic annual salary of R308 154.00

Reference Number: RHEC/2025/001

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated, efficient, and enthusiastic person to serve as the Herbarium Coordinator at the Compton Herbarium to provide scientific and technical support services in data management, herbarium management, and research, and render supervision and coordination of other employees as allocated.

This position requires a national diploma in Botany, Biological Sciences or equivalent qualification at NQF 6 with 4 years of work experience in the relevant field, or a degree in Botany, Biological Sciences or equivalent qualification at NQF 7 with 2 years of work experience in the relevant field. A postgraduate qualification in Botany, Biological Sciences or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position:

1. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of biodiversity conservation and taxonomic principles.
2. Proven ability to provide support to managerial activities, herbarium curation techniques, and database operation.
3. Proven ability to work under pressure with a diverse team whilst being quality, cost, and safety conscious.
4. Ability to plan, solve problems, and implement solutions.
5. Good planning, organizing, interpersonal, time management, and problem-solving skills.
6. Excellent report writing and communication skills (both verbal and written).
7. Computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet, and Outlook will be advantageous.
8. Experience in the use of Botanical Record and Herbarium Management System (BRAHMS) software will be an added advantage.

Liaising with clients and scientific visitors; visitor access and tracking registers; answering or referring herbarium and scientific queries; ensuring visitors and new staff/interns/students are properly inducted; coordinating outreach displays; coordination of herbarium identification services; quality control; support the Curator with control and safeguarding of herbarium facilities (including artwork and books) and herbarium equipment and supplies; consolidate and report progress (with evidence) against targets monthly and quarterly for various reports.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Provide required services related to data management and skills transfer;
• Manage the digitization process and data maintenance (specimen scanning);
• Provide required services related to scientific curation including updating of information in the database;
• Provide required services related to scientific and support services;
• Attend with tact and professionalism to taxonomic research matters.

1) Only online applications will be accepted accompanied by the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favorably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered).

2) A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.

3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses, and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three references.

4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorized verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI’s website.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.