Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Gardening & Landscaping
- Closing Date: 2026-09-09
Key Responsibilities
Requirements
- Primary school leaving certificate
- Experience in gardening/groundskeeping
- Physical fitness for manual labour
How to Apply
The Town Clerk
Hukuntsi District Council
Private Bag 3, Hukuntsi
About the Company
Hukuntsi District Council is a local government authority based in Hukuntsi, a village in the Kgalagadi District of south-western Botswana. The council is responsible for delivering local services to communities across the Hukuntsi Sub-District, including primary education support, public health, water provision, and rural infrastructure development. It administers development planning and community welfare programmes in one of Botswana's most sparsely populated regions, serving settlements such as Tshane, Lehututu, and Lokgwabe alongside its headquarters at Hukuntsi. As a district council under Botswana's Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development framework, it plays a central role in extending public services to remote Kalahari communities.
Serving the communities of the Hukuntsi Sub-District in Botswana's Kgalagadi region
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Gardener role with Hukuntsi District Council?
A Certificate in Horticulture, Agriculture, or Landscaping from a Botswana-based institution like BOCODOL or a TVET college is commonly preferred. Relevant experience in public sector gardening or municipal landscaping may substitute for formal qualifications. Some roles may require basic literacy and numeracy, as well as familiarity with local plant species and soil conditions in the Kgalagadi region.
What does a typical day look like for a Gardener employed by Hukuntsi District Council?
Daily tasks include mowing, weeding, pruning, planting indigenous shrubs and trees, maintaining public parks and council office grounds, and irrigating using borehole or rainwater systems common in the district. Gardeners often work outdoors in high temperatures and may assist with minor horticultural projects for community events or school gardens. Attendance and punctuality are closely observed, reflecting broader public service expectations in Botswana.
How does workplace culture and expectations differ for gardeners in Botswana’s local government compared to private employers?
Public sector roles emphasise respect for hierarchy, adherence to official working hours (07:30–16:30), and formal reporting through supervisors — aligning with Botswana’s civil service norms. Teamwork and community-mindedness are valued, especially when engaging with residents during beautification initiatives. Dress code usually includes council-issued uniforms, and conduct is expected to reflect public service integrity.
What career progression opportunities exist for a Gardener within Botswana’s local councils?
With experience and further training — such as a Diploma in Environmental Management or Supervisory Skills — gardeners may advance to Senior Gardener or Grounds Supervisor roles. Some transition into technical support roles within the council’s Infrastructure or Environmental Health departments. Progression often depends on internal vacancies, performance appraisals, and participation in government-sponsored skills development programmes.
What benefits can a Gardener expect when employed by Hukuntsi District Council?
Employees are typically enrolled in the Botswana Public Officers’ Pension Fund (BPOPF) and may access government-subsidised medical aid through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) rollout. Annual leave follows the Public Service Act (22 working days), plus public holidays and sick leave as per council policy. Maternity/paternity leave complies with the Employment Act and council-specific guidelines.