SANBI Vacancies

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Deputy Director: Zoological Research

Job Description

SANBI offers an all-inclusive salary package of R1 003 890.00

Reference Number: FBS/003/2024

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated, professional and responsible person to lead and co-ordinate foundational zoological research at SANBI and in South Africa, by managing a team of leading researchers in zoology and genetics, and providing strategic leadership for foundational zoological research at SANBI and nationally.

This position requires a degree in Zoology, Entomology or genetics qualification at NQF 7. A management postgraduate qualification at NQF 8, will be an added advantage. This position also requires 8 years of work experience in the relevant field, 4 years of which should be in first line management position(s).

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: in-depth knowledge on research management at project and programme level; extensive knowledge and understanding of relevant South African and international legislation and/or Acts; comprehensive knowledge and understanding of human resources, procurement and financial management policies, procedures, and practices; proven ability to work with diverse team whilst being under pressure, and being quality, cost, and safety conscious; advanced planning, organizing, and problem solving skills; excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills; excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) is essential. The possession of a valid driver’s licence (minimum B) with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:
• Develop, coordinate and report on research programmes in foundational zoological research;
• Provide leadership in national initiatives in Foundational Biodiversity Science;
• Execute financial management duties and responsibilities for the unit;
• Manage and discharge duties related to human capital development, change and transformation for the unit; and
• Increase the profile of SANBI’s role in foundational research.
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1. Only online applications will be accepted accompanied by the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably 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 hree 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 authorised 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.

Senior Curator Aquarium: Fish, amphibians, fur seals and penguins

Job Description

Salary Level 10

SANBI offers basic annual salary of R552 081.00Reference Number: NZG/2024/013

Workstation: National Zoological Garden, Pretoria

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated, professional and responsible person to contribute to departmental strategic objectives through leading and managing a section of the zoo which consists of a specific group of animal taxa according to best animal husbandry and welfare practices.

This position requires a degree in Zoology, Nature Conservation, Game Ranch Management, Animal Health or equivalent qualification at NQF 7. A relevant postgraduate degree or equivalent qualification at NQF 8, will be an added advantage. This position also requires 6 years of work experience in the relevant field, 3 years of which should be in a supervisory position/s.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: advanced specialised knowledge of the animal welfare, care and ethical requirements of the taxa concerned; in-depth understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation strategies;  comprehensive knowledge of legislation pertaining to biodiversity conservation, organisational finance, project management, procurement, human resources management, and ethical corporate governance; a good understanding of the World Zoo and Aquaria Conservation and Animal Welfare Strategies; a good understanding of the South African National Standards for Zoo and Aquarium Practice; must have a good understanding of Health and Safety in the work place; proven ability to work with diverse team under pressure whilst being quality, cost and safety conscious; advanced planning, organizing, and problem solving skills; excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills; The candidate must be in the possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience as well as a valid Class V (or higher) Commercial Dive qualification.  Candidates must be willing to be trained as a Commercial Dive Supervisor.

 Key Performance Responsibilities include:

  • Lead the development of operational plans and contribute to the development of strategy for the animal collection and conservation directorate;
  • Build an engaging animal collection display of conservation importance that increases public science awareness and improves visitor experience;
  • Grow the NZG profile in wildlife conservation by advancing knowledge and action in sustainable biodiversity management and providing leadership in welfare and care practices of wildlife in human care;
  • Manage outputs such as the daily husbandry and welfare activities, section projects, animal capture operations, infrastructure projects, administration requirements and public needs;
  • Manage a team in respect of outputs, staff relations, performance management, mentoring and skills development; and
  • Support governance, risk and compliance though budget management, asset and equipment management and health and safety requirements relating to the assigned section.

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  1. Only online applications will be accepted and applications must be accompanied by a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met, ID copy, Commercial Dive Card and Drivers Licence (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered).
  2. A competency test might 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 referees.
  4. Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

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.


Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates must consider their applications unsuccessful.

Scientist: Animal Species Information

Job Description

Reference Number: FBS/003/2024

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for highly motivated scientist to lead collation and curation of foundational animal data in-line with SANBI’s mandate.

This position requires a PhD degree in Zoology, Entomology or equivalent qualification at NQF 10. This position also requires 4 years of work experience in foundational animal science (animal taxonomy), foundational data collection and management, and project management.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: proven experience of stakeholder management, personnel management, research development and fund raising for own research, data generation and management, advanced planning, organizing, interpersonal and problem solving skills; excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and excellent computer skills. The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.


Key Performance Responsibilities include:

  • Lead the collection and/or collation of foundation animal data for the development and curation of the National Animal Checklist and species level information for eFauna pages;
  • Develop and/or apply a combination of tools for application in zoological research, responding to knowledge gaps in foundational animal science;
  • Biodiversity information management;
  • Serve on relevant internal, national and international platforms on foundational biodiversity data collection and curation; and
  • Mentor and supervise early career scientists.

Salary commensurate with a range of inputs and outputs in terms of the SANBI career ladder for scientists.


Please note:

  1. Only online applications will be accepted and applications must be accompanied by a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably 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 referees.
  4. Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

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.


Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a dat
e and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates must consider their applications unsuccessful.

Click here to apply

All the best with your applications

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