The Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) invites applications from suitable candidates and seeks the services of talented, self-driven, experienced and highly motivated citizens of Botswana to fill the following vacant positions across different Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) in Gaborone.
VACANCY: Gardener (x 74 positions)
SALARY SCALE: A2 (P34, 704 – P36, 444 per annum).
LEAVE: 20 working days per annum.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Permanent and Pensionable
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Facilities & Maintenance
- Closing Date: 2026-09-15
Key Responsibilities
- Waters flowers and other plants in the garden regularly.
- Identifies weeds and pulls these out from the lawn.
- Trims hedge and lawn to level deemed necessary.
- Sweeps the yard and clears litter in the yard.
- Prepares seedbeds including tilling soil and erection of sheds, sows flower seeds randomly, and waters seed bed regularly.
- Decides when seedlings are big enough to transplant or refers to planting instructions.
- Prepares plot and transplants seedlings onto plot or the spot in the yard determined by supervisor.
- Dumps litter in rubbish pit at a point designated by supervisor.
- Loads refuse and dumps to approved Council spot.
- Undertakes any other duties as assigned by the supervisor
Requirements
- To be considered for appointment to this position, candidates must have a minimum of Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) certificate.
- Direct entry.
- Experience in gardening will be an added advantage
Salary
A2 (P34, 704 – P36, 444 per annum)
How to Apply
Applications should be addressed to:
Director
Directorate of Public Service Management
Private Bag 0011
Gaborone
OR
HAND DELIVERED TO: DPSM Records Management,
Second floor, office 228.
Attorney Generals Chambers, Government Enclave
All applicants should quote the Reference and Vacancy Circular Number of this advert and provide the following:
– Detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae with duties;
– Certified copies of Certificates and Omang;
– At least one (1) recent work related references confirming the required experience if any.
REF Code: DP 19/33/5 III (109) | Vacancy Circular No: 5 OF 2026
About the Company
The Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) is a statutory agency under Botswana’s Ministry of Public Service, Governance and Administrative Reforms. Headquartered in Gaborone, it is responsible for human resource policy formulation, capacity development, performance management, and ethics oversight across Botswana’s civil service. DPSM implements the Public Service Act and supports institutional strengthening of government departments throughout Botswana. It delivers training through the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) and manages the national public service recruitment and grading framework.
Driving public service excellence in Botswana's civil service
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for the Gardener role in Botswana’s public service?
Applicants generally need a minimum of Junior Certificate (JC) or equivalent, plus practical experience in horticulture, landscaping, or grounds maintenance. Formal certification such as a Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA)-accredited certificate in Horticulture or Facilities Maintenance is advantageous but not always mandatory for entry-level positions.
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 and trees, weeding, watering plants, maintaining flowerbeds, and basic pest control across government buildings and facilities. Gardeners may also assist with minor irrigation repairs, waste disposal, and seasonal planting — often working outdoors under Botswana’s semi-arid climate conditions, with early starts to avoid peak heat.
How does workplace culture and expectations differ for gardeners in Botswana’s public sector compared to private employers?
Public sector roles emphasise punctuality, adherence to official working hours (typically 07:30–16:30), respect for hierarchy, and formal reporting structures. Teamwork and community-oriented values are highly regarded, and employees are expected to uphold standards of professionalism and national pride, especially when maintaining government premises in towns like Gaborone or Francistown.
What realistic career progression opportunities exist for a Gardener in Botswana’s public service?
With experience and further BQA-accredited training (e.g., in Supervisory Skills or Facilities Management), gardeners may progress to Senior Gardener, Foreman, or Facilities Assistant roles. Some transition into technical support or training roles within the Directorate or related agencies like the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development, particularly after completing in-service courses offered through Botswana Technical Education Council (BTEC).
What benefits — such as leave, medical aid, and pension — can a successful applicant expect in this public service gardener role?
Successful appointees are covered under the Public Officers’ Pension Fund (POPF) and entitled to statutory leave including 21 days annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per the Employment Act. Medical aid is typically provided through the Government Health Insurance Scheme (GHIS), and housing allowance or accommodation may be available depending on location and post allocation.
How do I apply for this Gardener position, and what do hiring managers in Botswana’s public service specifically look for?
Applications must be submitted via the official Botswana Public Service Management portal (www.dpsm.gov.bw) during the advertised recruitment window, accompanied by certified copies of ID, academic certificates, and proof of relevant experience. Hiring managers prioritise verifiable hands-on experience, reliability, physical fitness, familiarity with local plant species and soil conditions, and evidence of previous employment in government or reputable institutions — references are routinely checked.