University of the Western Cape Vacancies

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To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications

Horticulturist

Title of Position

Horticulturist

Post Number

ITS 5137 / SG76

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Services -> Gardens & Grounds

Type of Position

Permanent – Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus – Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

20/4/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The university seeks to employ a passionate and experienced Horticulturist to join our team and lead the cultivation, maintenance, and improvement of our plant landscapes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plant science and sustainable horticultural practices, with an eye for design, health, and biodiversity.

Reporting to the Manager: Gardens and Grounds, the primary scope of responsibility is to maintain a clean, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sound external environment at the University of the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan and oversee planting, pruning, fertilization, and pest and disease management.
Conduct soil and plant health assessments and implement corrective measures.
Design, develop, and maintain garden layouts and plant collections.
Manage nursery stock, including propagation and seasonal rotations.
Advise on selecting plant species suitable for specific environments.
Monitor irrigation systems and ensure efficient water use.
Supervise groundskeeping staff and seasonal workers where applicable.
Keep records of planting schedules, treatments, and plant inventories.
Ensure compliance with environmental and health & safety standards.
General office administration & the procuring of horticultural items.

Minimum Requirements

National Senior certificate

National Diploma in Horticulture/ Landscaping (NQF 6) 8yrs maintenance experience.
Degree in Horticulture/ Landscaping (NQF 7) 5yrs maintenance experience.
A valid driver’s license (with 2 years driving experience).

Skills and competencies include:

A certificate in landscaping and tree felling would be an advantage.
Pest Control Operator registration number (valid) would be an advantage.
In-depth knowledge of plant identification, propagation, and care.
Experience with pest and disease control techniques.
Proficiency in irrigation and soil management.
Experience in sports field maintenance as well as cricket facilities.
Ability to operate and maintain horticultural tools and machinery.
Strong attention to detail, organisational and planning skills.
Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions.

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.

To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link below or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/3642/9362/9708/3160/3756 or email: e-recruitment@uwc.ac.za.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.

Click here to apply

Administrative Officer (Grants & Contracts)

Title of Position

Administrative Officer (Grants & Contracts)

Post Number

8027575/5143

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Finance & Services -> Finance (Management)

Type of Position

Permanent – Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus – Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

22/4/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

Grants and Contracts Department currently manages more than 1500 entities by facilitating the accounting and business processes of projects funded by donors and third parties, including state grants and National Research Foundation (NRF) grants.

In this post, you will report to the Manager Grants & Contracts, and the main function will include :

Interact with project leaders and to assume responsibility for recording, analysing and interpreting transactions on projects.
Dealing with a variety of stakeholders to analyse current financial conditions and circumstances, as well as to understand the implications of proposed actions.
Monitor spending patterns of projects and assist the various project leaders in managing their own budgets, enforcing limits to curtail over-expenditure by constantly reviewing the available funds, processing, recording and assessing transactions, reporting to donors and users
Liaising with grant holders on queries and problem solving, ensuring compliance with donor agreements and reporting in time to meet deadlines.
Training budget owners to utilize online enquiries and reports available on financial systems
Assist with audit requirements

Minimum Requirements

National Senior Certificate (Matric)
National Diploma (NQF 6) in Accounting or an equivalent qualification
5 years relevant work experience

Skills and Competencies

Experience in an Accounting package would be an advantage
Ability to think analytically on financial and operational matters
Good data management and organisational skills
Sound written and oral communication skills, including the use of electronic media
Computer proficiency (MS Word, MS Excel, Email)
Create a clear financial administration environment for project management

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and also include anything else that you feel may be pertinent to the Selection Panel.

In line with the University’s commitment to diversity its workforce, applications from members of designated groups will be given priority consideration. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. The University will not acknowledge applications and will communicate with short-listed candidates only.

Click here to apply

General Assistant : Moving assets

Title of Position

General Assistant : Moving assets

Post Number

SH 33 (5226)

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Services -> Postal Service

Type of Position

Permanent – Part Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus – Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

14/4/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape seeks to appoint a Assist Caretaker to form part of the Assets Department:

The Job Role includes:

Moving furniture / goods on and off campus
Packing & arranging as per function’s requirements e.g. graduations, exam venues
Moving assets inter-department and to and from the Assets storeroom
Checking the store room for stock keeping
Reporting to leadership any hazardous / defective matters
On-loading and off-loading of assets onto and from vehicle
Complete daily vehicle check sheet
Reporting on defects, incidents / accidents and service requirements for insurance purposes
Keeping vehicles neat and tidy
Assist with functions in the Main Hall
Assist with driving duties in the department

Minimum Requirements

Grade 12 (Senior Certificate)
Valid code B driver’s license (please attach proof )
2 Years solid driving experience with an accident-free record
2-3 Years in a similar position

Skills & Competencies

Physically fit to move assets / heavy equipment
Moving and Storage experience is preferred
Strong interpersonal and communication skills

A Code 10 driver’s license would be Advantageous (please attach proof) .

Click here to apply

Assistant Access Control Technician

Title of Position

Assistant Access Control Technician

Post Number

8021890 (ITS 5057)

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Services -> Campus Protection Services

Type of Position

Permanent – Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus – Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

15/4/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

Applications are invited from dynamic, motivated individuals with general technical skills and knowledge of Access control systems, to assist with overseeing, administration and co ordination of all Electronic Access Control security systems and 2-way radio communication systems, reporting for all geographical locations related to UWC campuses, internal and external.

This role will be responsible for providing effective support, in terms of Security access systems, equipment, information/data backups, and preventive maintenance in liaison with service providers.

Reporting to the Access Control Technician, the responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Electronic Access Control administration (Impronet, Salto and Onity)

• Support Access card production and management

• Assist and maintain Access Control Application Software, infrastructure management and deployment

• Assist in providing systems reports

• Assist the Technician with other IT related dept administration

• Assist with 2-way radio communication system infrastructure and support the Technician in the application of software administration.

• Support for student registration bi-annually

• Assist with providing technical support for security software and hardware issues

• Assisting with setting up, test and maintaining new and existing computer systems, applications and databases

• Assist with basic troubleshooting, diagnose problems, implement corrective action procedures with consultation within prescribed guidelines and/or escalate to other technical resources as appropriate

• Assist in conducting preventative maintenance on security and the infrastructure related to repairs in liaison with service providers

• Assist in conducting information and data back-ups as per approved plans

• Administration of user accounts in the various security systems

Minimum Requirements

A National Senior Certificate (Matric)
Relevant IT Certificate in Security systems/electronics/networking
3-5 years of experience in Security system integration and software management
3 years IT and networking environment
3 years electronic access control systems and 2-way radio systems (wired/ wireless and on line/ offline technologies)
Valid PSIRA registered certificate – Grade C (please attach proof to your application)

Advantageous :

Experience in IMPRO, Onity and Salto will be an advantage. The candidate will have 6 months to get certified in the 3 systems after appointment.

Skills & Competencies

Technical knowledge of Access control systems
Knowledge of health & safety requirements in the workplace
Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
Computer literacy
Have a positive attitude and be willing to learn and follow instructions
Be responsible and reliable
Be organized and have good time management skills

Click here to apply

Assistant Accountant Fixed Assets

Title of Position

Assistant Accountant Fixed Assets

Post Number

5127

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Finance & Services -> Finance & Treasury

Type of Position

Permanent – Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus – Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

15/4/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape has an asset register with historic costs with a carrying value in excess of R 3 billion, and contains over a hundred thousand unique items. The recording of this huge investment in the fixed asset register poses a complex and challenging set of tasks that require the skills and efforts of a talented and diligent Assistant Accountant: Fixed Assets. The Assistant Accountant: Fixed Assets will report to the Fixed Asset Accountant.
Duties and responsibilities will include:

•   Maintaining the asset register;
•   Maintaining accounting and management information relating to fixed assets;
•   Reviewing and reporting on GL fixed asset and related information to detect potential errors/inconsistencies;
•   Perform adhoc and routine asset verification tests;
•   Providing fixed asset related information on request and being available to clarify such information to users and heads of cost centres;
•   Ensuring the accounting for additions, disposals and depreciation of fixed assets is accurately and timeously updated in the ledger;
•   Responsible for the asset registers and general ledger to ensure completeness, accuracy and validity;
•   Preparation of routine and non-routine reports to management, governance structures and stakeholders;
•   Performing various administrative tasks that form part of the Finance Department of the university;
•   Responsible for monthly and annual reconciliations of the Fixed Asset Register;
•   Compliance with statutory and reporting requirements and enforcement of the fixed asset policy and procedures; and
•   Assistance in internal and external audit.

Minimum Requirements

National Senior Certificate (Matric)
National Diploma in Accounting (NQF 6) or equivalent
2 – 5 years relevant experience in fixed assets
A valid driver’s license with 2 years of driving experience

Advantageous :

• 1-year supervisory experience (advantageous);
• Experience with an ERP software (advantageous).

Skills and Competencies :

Be able to work independently as well as within a team, take initiative, be reliable, accurate and work under pressure
The ability to think analytically regarding financial and operational matters
Commitment to solving problems rather than merely following procedures
Good written and verbal communication skills, including the use of electronic media
Accuracy and attention to detail
Honesty, integrity and trustworthiness
Computer literate in Ms Word (including creating templates, using tables etc.)
Ms Excel (not negotiable) including developing reports, using lookups and pivot tables
E-mail and scheduling application
MS Word (including creating templates, using tables etc.); MS Excel (non-negotiable) including developing reports, using lookups and pivot tables; and an e-mail and scheduling application (preferably G-mail) (advantageous)

Click here to apply

Driver

Title of Position

Driver

Post Number

ITS 5371

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Services -> Risk & Compliance

Type of Position

Permanent – Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus – Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

15/4/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university, rooted in the African continent
with an increasing global reach. UWC actively responds in cultural and creative ways to the development needs of the
country, within an ever-changing and challenging global context. We seek to appoint an experienced Driver to form
part of the Transport Department, reporting to the Manager: Postal, Assets, Insurance and Transport.

Job functions include:
• Collection and delivery of documents and staff/students/visitors of the University.
• Vehicle inspection to be carried out before operating a University vehicle, for oneself and or other authorised
drivers of the University, which includes the recording of damage (if any) on vehicle and checking of vehicle tools.
• Check that interior instruments are in working order, e.g. lights, indicators, tyre thread etc.
• A vehicle inspection must be conducted when the vehicle booked out and returned to the transport department.
• Report any irregularities relating to vehicle inspection (collection vs return) immediately to the supervisor.
• Refueling of the University vehicles where required.
• To ensure that vehicles are kept in good condition at all times.
• Book the trip details of the vehicle on the electronic booking system.
• Confirm a valid driver’s license present when an employee collects a University vehicle.
• Any other task delegated by the line manager.

Minimum Requirements

National Senior Certificate (Grade 12/Matric)
At least 2 years in a similar position
Valid code 08 driver’s license (with more than 2 years of accident-free driving experience )(please kindly attach the proof)
Valid PrDP (please kindly attach the proof)

A Code 10 driver’s license would be Advantageous.

Click here to apply

Lecturer

Title of Position

Lecturer

Post Number

8022050 (ITS 0107)

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Arts and Humanities -> Geography, Environmental Studies & Tourism

Type of Position

Permanent – Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus – Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

24/4/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Lecturer: Department of Geography, Environmental Studies & Tourism

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) enjoys national and international acclaim for its continuing contribution to democratic change in South Africa and for making quality education accessible to all South Africans. We wish to appoint a Lecturer in the Department of Geography, Environmental Studies & Tourism who will be highly motivated and willing to make a significant contribution to a dynamic and supportive Faculty dedicated to teaching and research, as well as to overall student development. The Department offers a three-year BA degree, with Geography and Environmental Studies, and/or Tourism, as majors, a BA Honours degree in Geography and Environmental Studies, MA and PhD degrees.

The successful candidate will have a strongly developed sense of collegiality and an ability to work as a member of a team. They will contribute to teaching, research and supervision in the Department’s existing areas of strength in physical geography and environmental management. We are especially interested in applicants with theoretical interests and empirical research agendas in environmental management. In their covering letter, candidates will be expected to identify their own teaching and research interests that speak to the current profile and future development of the department.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:

Contributing to the learning and teaching programme at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Supervising Honours research projects and MA theses.
Developing a research and publications profile.
Integrating the effective use of existing and new technologies to enhance teaching and learning
Contributing to departmental academic administration.
Contributing to departmental and institutional community engagement efforts.

Minimum Requirements

A Master’s degree in Geography.
Demonstrated experience in facilitating inspirational and transformative student learning experiences.
Demonstrated ability to teach physical geography modules with a focus on environmental management
At least one peer-reviewed publication or an equivalent recognised scholarly output.

Added advantage would be:

PhD degree (or near completion) in Geography.
Expertise in climatology, geomorphology or hydrology
Experience working with (or within) Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), environmental consultancies or government environmental agencies, providing “real-world” context to students.

Key competencies:

• Presentation and facilitation skills.

• Adaptability and the ability to operate in a diverse environment.

• Student-focused approach.

• Coaching and mentoring skills.

• Planning and organising skills.

• Computer literacy and e-learning skills.

• Knowledge and skills in the core strategic areas, namely learning and teaching, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as professional leadership.

Click here to apply

Administrator: Department

Title of Position

Administrator: Department

Post Number

8021488

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Arts and Humanities -> Geography, Environmental Studies & Tourism

Type of Position

Permanent – Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus – Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

10/4/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

INTERNAL POST (ONLY INTERNAL STAFF TO APPLY PLEASE)

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND TOURISM

DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

(GRADE 11)

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of the Western Cape seeks to produce graduates of the highest caliber. We are currently seeking a self-motivated, committed, competent, suitably qualified and experienced individual for this key appointment

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:

Reporting to the Chairperson, the appointee will mainly be responsible for:

Undergraduate and Postgraduate academic administration.
Reception.
Enquiry Management.
Marks Administration.
Committee and Meeting Administration.
Financial Administration.
Human Resources Administration.
Marketing and Recruitment.
Event Organisation.
Reports.
General Administration.

Minimum Requirements

Grade 12 and a relevant three -year post-matric qualification or matric plus 3 to 5 years relevant experience.
If only matric, 3-5 years relevant experience required.
If post matric qualification, 2 years relevant experience required.

Preferred requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree.
Administrative experience in a Higher Education environment is preferred.
Knowledge of university systems (SASI; MAS etc).
Proficiency in computer programmes/software packages e.g. Word; Excel / MS Office Suites / PowerPoint.

Click here to apply

Associate Professor

Title of Position

Associate Professor

Post Number

755A

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Arts and Humanities -> English

Type of Position

Permanent – Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus – Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

19/4/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

Associate Professor: Department of English

FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a research-led institution recognized nationally and internationally for its sustained contribution to democratic change in South Africa. We wish to appoint an Associate Professor in Creative Writing (specialisation in poetry and prose) in the Department of English —a person willing to contribute in significant and innovative ways to teaching, research, and overall student development. We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate into the vibrant, collegial, and dedicated ethos of the Arts and Humanities Faculty. The successful candidate should also have a strong foundation in Literary Studies in English with an appreciation of the historical development of forms as they will be expected to tutor and lecture Literary Studies. However, the chosen candidate’s main responsibilities will be to contribute to the popular and dynamic Creative Writing programme poetry stream, from undergraduate to PhD level.

The Department of English has established a successful creative writing programme at the University of the Western Cape and wishes to appoint a suitably qualified person, to teach creative writing at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as contribute to its courses in literary and cultural studies. The Department teaches a core syllabus that covers a wide spectrum of literature written in English and offers a vibrant and productive teaching and research environment. We have existing strengths in African Literature, Ecocriticism, Period Literature and Film Studies, and additionally offer credit-bearing courses in academic development.

Responsibilities/ (Key Performance Areas) include:

• Contributing to the learning and teaching programme at undergraduate and postgraduate levels (teaching effectively in large undergraduate lectures, smaller tutorial groups, and in postgraduate seminar contexts).

• Leading undergraduate and post graduate workshops in poetry practice and pedagogical creative theory.

• Supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate (including PhD thesis level) poetry projects.

• Development of a research and publication profile.

• Active participation in departmental academic administration.

• Integration of community engagement with learning and teaching and/or research.

Minimum Requirements

The successful candidate will be a published creative writer, and have proven themselves as an inspirational teacher. The position requires an ability to supervise at postgraduate level, and an ability to teach the writing of poetry and/or digital creativity would be a strong advantage.

For the position of Associate Professor, a doctoral degree is required.

• A PhD degree in Creative Writing or English Literature.

• A strong foundation in Literatures in English so an MA in English Literature is required.

• Demonstrable experience and strengths in teaching poetry practice and creative pedagogical theory. Also, literary texts (including in large lecture contexts) – at least four years in facilitating learning and teaching in higher education.

• A research and publication record commensurate with the level of a University Associate Professor, that is to say, at least three, full-length published creative works, (a novel, short story collection, poetry collection.) Please note at least one of these must be a poetry collection.

In addition, the candidate must also have published articles and essays in accredited academic journals.

• Experience of teaching poetry from undergraduate through to postgraduate level.

• A successful track record of supervising Creative Writing including poetry at the postgraduate level, including PhD.

• Experience in academic leadership and departmental administration (including course coordination and curriculum design).

• Proven research, teaching, and supervision interests and competence in the unique nature of practice-based methodologies, and the role of such forms of research in the Academy.

• A highly developed knowledge of historical and contemporary international and specifically South African literature, especially poetry.

Added Advantage:

Experience of promoting students’ writing by organizing literary festivals, student-led literary Anthologies, conferences and other practical creative projects (including the use of social media).

Key competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

• Presentation and facilitation skills

• Adaptability and the ability to operate in a diverse environment

• Student-focused approach

• Coaching and mentoring skills

• Planning and organising skills

• Computer literacy and e-learning skills

• Knowledge and skills in the core strategic areas, namely learning and teaching, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as professional leadership