Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Public Sector
- Closing Date: 2026-10-15
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and care for gardens and green spaces.
- Planting and pruning of trees and shrubs.
- Watering and fertilizing plants as needed.
- Performing general maintenance tasks related to garden upkeep.
Requirements
- To be considered for appointment to this position, candidates must have a minimum of Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) certificate.
Salary
A2 (P34,704 – P36,444 per annum)
How to Apply
Address: Directorate of Public Service Management, Gaborone, Botswana
REF Code: DP 19/33/5 III (109) | Vacancy Circular No: 5 of 2026
About the Company
The Republic of Botswana – Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) is a statutory agency under Botswana’s Ministry of Public Service, Governance and Administrative Reforms. It is headquartered in Gaborone and serves as the central authority for human resource policy, recruitment, performance management, and capacity development across Botswana’s civil service. DPSM implements the Public Service Act and supports institutional strengthening of government departments throughout Botswana. It also oversees the Public Service Commission Secretariat and manages the national public service payroll and grading framework.
Managing Botswana's public service workforce and HR systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Gardener position in the Botswana public sector?
Applicants usually need a minimum of Junior Certificate (JC) or equivalent, plus practical experience in horticulture, landscaping, or grounds maintenance. Formal certification from institutions like BOITE or relevant vocational training in Botswana is advantageous, and some roles may require basic first aid or pesticide handling certification recognised by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security.
What does a typical day look like for a Gardener employed by the Directorate of Public Service Management in Botswana?
Daily duties include mowing lawns, pruning shrubs, weeding, watering plants, maintaining flowerbeds, and ensuring government office compounds are clean and presentable. Gardeners often work standard public service hours (07:30–15:30, Monday–Friday), with occasional weekend duties during events or seasonal planting cycles, especially in Gaborone and major district offices.
How does workplace culture and expectations differ for gardeners in Botswana’s public sector compared to private employers?
Public sector roles emphasise discipline, punctuality, respect for hierarchy, and adherence to official dress codes (e.g., issued uniforms). Teamwork and reporting through supervisors are expected, and cultural norms such as greeting elders and senior staff respectfully are valued — informal conduct or absenteeism is less tolerated than in some private settings.
What career progression opportunities exist for a Gardener within Botswana’s public service?
With experience and further training, gardeners may advance to Senior Gardener, Grounds Supervisor, or transition into technical support roles in facilities management after completing courses offered by BOITE or the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA). Progression often depends on performance appraisals, internal vacancies, and obtaining relevant NQF-aligned qualifications.
What benefits — such as leave, medical aid, and pension — can a Gardener expect in this role?
Gardeners in permanent public service positions are covered under the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) and entitled to 21 days annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per the Public Service Act. Medical aid is not automatically provided but may be accessed via the National Health Insurance scheme once implemented, or through employer-supported health programmes where available.
How do I apply for this role, and what do hiring managers in Botswana’s public sector specifically look for?
Applications must be submitted through the official Public Service Commission (PSC) portal or via hard copy to the Directorate of Public Service Management, accompanied by certified academic certificates, ID, and referees’ contacts. Hiring managers prioritise verifiable hands-on experience, reliability, knowledge of indigenous plants and local soil conditions, and evidence of previous public sector or institutional gardening work in Botswana.