South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for unemployed South African graduates to join its Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme 2026–2028. The 24‑month training starts on 1 October 2026 and ends on 30 September 2028. Applications close on Friday, 21 August 2026.
What the opportunity is
This is a workplace‑based graduate placement. It runs for two years and gives you hands‑on experience in dealing with invasive species, biodiversity research, communication, project coordination and related work. The programme is funded through a Memorandum of Agreement between SANBI and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
Who can apply – eligibility and requirements
- Citizenship: South African citizens only.
- Study status: You must not be enrolled for a higher‑degree (Honours or MSc) during the 2026/2027 academic year.
- Experience: No prior work experience is required.
- Qualifications: One of the following, depending on the placement you choose:
- National or Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, Horticulture, Environmental Management, Biodiversity, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, GIS, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration, Project Management, or related fields.
- Bachelor’s degree (for Project Administration placement).
- Honours or MSc in Biological Invasions, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, GIS or related fields (for research and risk‑analysis placements).
- Skills: Good analytical ability, computer literacy, written and oral communication, and an interest in biological invasions.
- Driver’s licence: Not mandatory, but a licence with at least one year’s driving experience is an advantage.
What you gain – benefits and skills
- Monthly stipend of R6 233 for most placements or R8 050 for research and risk‑analysis posts.
- 24 months of supervised, on‑the‑job training.
- Experience in field monitoring, data collection, risk assessment, scientific communication, project coordination and multidisciplinary teamwork.
- Professional mentorship and networking within SANBI’s Directorate on Biodiversity Evidence.
- Concrete work experience to strengthen your CV and future job prospects.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Read the full placement list below and decide which post matches your qualification and interests.
- Gather the required documents:
- Completed online application form (link provided below).
- Cover letter that explains why you are suited to the specific placement.
- Full CV.
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Certified academic transcript and copy of your highest qualification.
- One academic reference letter (not just a name and phone number).
- Upload all documents to the online form and clearly indicate the placement you are applying for.
- Check that every document is certified where required and that your cover letter is tailored to the chosen role.
- Submit the form before the deadline (21 August 2026). Do not wait until the last minute.
Complete the official application here
Tips to improve your chances
- Match your qualification exactly. Applying for a post that requires an MSc when you only have a diploma will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Use your university work as evidence. Mention specific projects, fieldwork, GIS mapping, statistical analysis or reports you completed.
- Tailor your cover letter. Explain how your skills fit the chosen role – e.g., research methods for a research placement, or writing and stakeholder engagement for a communications role.
- Get your reference early. Ask a lecturer or supervisor well before the deadline and give them a brief on the placement.
- Proofread everything. Typos or missing certifications can make your application look careless.
- Be honest about your abilities. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a skills test.
- Check the equity targets. SANBI will award placements in line with national equity goals, so your application will be reviewed fairly.
Placement options
Para‑Ecologists – 16 positions (R6 233/month)
Minimum: National or Advanced Diploma in a relevant environmental field.
- Pretoria National Botanical Garden – 3 positions
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – 2 positions
- Free State National Botanical Garden, Bloemfontein – 2 positions
- East London (DBE Offices) – 2 positions
- Lowveld National Botanical Garden, Mbombela – 3 positions
- Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden – 2 positions
- KZN Herbarium, Durban – 2 positions
Communications and Advocacy – 1 position (R6 233/month)
Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Minimum: National or Advanced Diploma in Communications, Public Relations or Marketing.
Project Administration and Coordination – 1 position (R6 233/month)
Location: Pretoria National Botanical Garden.
Minimum: National/Advanced Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Office Management, Project Management or related fields.
Biological Invasions Research – 10 positions (R8 050/month)
Minimum: Honours or MSc in Biological Invasions, Botany, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, GIS or related field.
- East London – 2 positions
- Free State National Botanical Garden – 1 position
- Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden – 2 positions
- Pretoria National Botanical Garden – 4 positions (including two MSc‑only listings)
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – 1 position
Risk Analysis of Biological Invasions – 2 positions (R8 050/month)
Location: KZN Herbarium, Durban.
Minimum: MSc in Biological Invasions.
Conclusion – what to do next
This programme offers a realistic pathway into environmental work, even if you have no formal job experience. Choose the placement that matches your studies, prepare the documents early, and submit a clear, tailored application before 21 August 2026. If you need clarification, direct any process‑related questions to René du Toit at r.dutoit@sanbi.org.za.
Frequently asked questions
- When does the application close? Friday, 21 August 2026.
- How long is the programme? 24 months, from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028.
- Do I need work experience? No. SANBI states that prior experience is not required.
- What is the stipend? R6 233 per month for most roles; R8 050 per month for research and risk‑analysis roles.
- Can diploma graduates apply? Yes, for the Para‑Ecologist, Communications and Project Administration placements.
- Can I apply if I am studying for a postgraduate degree? No, you must not be enrolled in a higher degree for the 2026/2027 academic year.
- Is a driver’s licence required? It is an advantage, not a requirement.
- Will I get a permanent job at SANBI? The placement does not guarantee permanent employment.
- What if I hear nothing after applying? If you receive no response within 60 days of the closing date, you can assume the application was unsuccessful.
Disclaimer
This article is an independent explanation prepared by SETA SA using the SANBI Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme information for the 2026–2028 intake. SETA SA is not SANBI nor the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. We do not control recruitment, short‑listing, assessments, appointments, stipends or outcomes. Applicants should always verify details against SANBI’s official vacancy information before applying.
