Sweden and South Africa enjoy a strong relationship and have a long history of bilateral collaboration. The Swedish Government promotes South African-Swedish exchanges through a range of activities, including seminars, events and social media campaigns. The overall tasks of the Embassy include public diplomacy, supporting business and trade, regional development cooperation as well as consular services. The Embassy has 33 employees.
The Section for Operational Support is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Embassy, including finance, HR, property, security, and maintenance services. The position as Landscape Gardener is a full-time, hands-on role, suited for a practical, reliable, and service-minded individual who takes pride in maintaining both outdoor and indoor environments to a high standard.
The role combines landscape gardening and horticultural responsibilities with caretaker duties related to the general care and upkeep of the residence and diplomats’ residences. Landscape gardening will include approximately 60% of the position and 40% of the position involves caretaker duties, requiring flexibility, physical stamina, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Responsibilities will include:
· Maintaining and developing the garden and landscaped areas of the Ambassador’s Residence, including lawns, flower beds, vegetable beds, trees, shrubs, pathways, and paved areas.
· Applying practical horticultural knowledge to promote healthy plant growth, including soil preparation, fertilisation, pruning, pest control, and seasonal planting.
· Operating and maintaining gardening tools and equipment, including lawnmowers and irrigation systems.
· Ensuring that outdoor areas are neat, safe, and presentable at all times.
· Assisting with general caretaker tasks such as refuse handling, moving furniture, basic property upkeep, and preparing the residence for official events or functions.
· Supporting the Section for Operational Support with practical and ad hoc duties related to the care, safety, and appearance of the residence.
· Following workplace health and safety procedures and maintaining a tidy and orderly working environment.
Requirements
· Minimum of a high school diploma (Grade 12 / matric or equivalent).
· Formal training or short courses in landscaping, gardening or horticulture.
· Minimum 3 years of proven hands-on experience as a landscape gardener or in a similar role.
· Minimum 3 years of practical experience in garden maintenance, outdoor work, and general caretaker duties.
· Willingness and physical ability to perform both gardening and caretaker tasks.
· Ability to work independently, follow instructions, and manage routine duties reliably.
· Good interpersonal skills and a respectful, service-oriented attitude.
· Fluency in spoken and written English
· A valid South African driver’s license is required.
· The applicant must be a South African citizen or hold a valid transferable work permit for South Africa.
· Applicants must have a clean criminal record.
· Security clearance from relevant Swedish authorities will be required, based on a South African police clearance certificate.
· The successful applicant values professionalism, discretion, equality, and openness and understands the requirements of working at an official residence.
Merits
· Previous experience working at a large residence, Embassy, or similar high-standard property.
· Experience in performing caretaker or general property upkeep duties.
· Experience with water-wise gardening or sustainable landscaping practices.
How to apply
An application including a motivational letter of no longer than one page and a CV no longer than two pages should be sent to the Embassy at recruitment.pretoria@gov.se no later than 15 June 2026. We ask you to please not send any other documentation at this point in the process.
Starting date: 1 September 2026.
Employment conditions
The position is a full-time position with a starting six-month probationary employment.
The salary is individual and adapted according to relevant professional experience. In addition to this, the employee will also receive a 13th month salary as well as medical coverage for themselves and immediate family (spouse and children under 19 years) – among other benefits.
Contact
For more information regarding the position please contact the Embassy of Sweden: recruitment.pretoria@gov.se
