Position: General Assistant II (P14) – Facilities Management: Gardens, Grounds & Sports Fields
Reference: uj_001967
Status: Online
Closing Date: 6 June 2025
Position Overview
- Industry: Education & Training
- Category: Education and Training
- Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Remuneration: Market-related
- Employment Equity (EE): EE Position
- Level: Skilled
About UJ
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a dynamic, diverse institution committed to innovation, social impact, and global collaboration. Guided by its UJ Strategy 2035, UJ focuses on sustainability, technological advancement, and making a difference in society. The university’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge,” and its vision is to be “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future.”
Role Summary
The General Assistant II supports the maintenance and upkeep of UJ’s gardens, grounds, and sports fields. This role includes routine landscaping, sports pitch preparation, irrigation, equipment maintenance, and ensuring a clean and safe environment across campus facilities. Responsibilities also include assistance with general maintenance and preparation of athletic grounds and ensuring all outdoor areas meet required standards.
Key Responsibilities
Lawn and Grounds Maintenance
- Mow and fertilize lawns and fields
- Plant and maintain turf and flower beds
- Operate lawnmowers, sprayers, blowers, and hand/power tools
- Rake leaves, clear debris, and empty trash bins
- Sweep walkways and parking areas
- Trim shrubs and remove dead or diseased branches
- Prepare and maintain cricket pitches and other sports areas
Plant Care and Garden Maintenance
- Prune, weed, water, and fertilize trees, shrubs, and flower beds
- Maintain plant nursery areas
- Apply insecticides to control pests
- Operate portable irrigation systems
Tool and Equipment Maintenance
- Perform routine checks and minor repairs on gardening tools and machinery
- Assist in setting up and maintaining sports fields and irrigation systems
- Clean and maintain outdoor storage and tools
- Operate power equipment such as trimmers, sprayers, and mowers
Landscaping and Aesthetic Upkeep
- Follow landscaping plans for planting and design
- Plant and decorate indoor and outdoor areas
- Lay sod and build garden borders using concrete and other materials
- Inform stakeholders about landscaping services
Health and Safety
- Safely handle and transport tools and materials
- Maintain cleanliness in work areas and dispose of waste appropriately
- Use tools and PPE as per health and safety standards
- Follow workplace safety procedures and UJ guidelines
Policy Compliance
- Adhere to all UJ policies and embody the university’s core values
Minimum Requirements
- Education: Grade 12 / NQF Level 4
- Experience: At least 3 years’ relevant experience, particularly in preparing and maintaining cricket pitches
Recommendations
- Valid Code 8 Driver’s License
Key Competencies and Attributes
- Physical stamina and ability to lift heavy objects
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Customer service orientation
- Creative problem-solving
- Conflict management abilities
- Teamwork and ability to follow instructions
- Commitment to high-quality groundskeeping
Contact Information
For job-related queries: Shahistha Osman (HCM Business Partner) – Tel: (011) 559-3666
For remuneration and benefits: Shahistha Osman (HCM Business Partner) – Tel: (011) 559-3666