SANBI Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme 2026-2028: Gain Experience in Biodiversity

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is offering unemployed graduates a chance to gain valuable experience through its Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme for 2026-2028. This 24-month programme provides training and mentorship in biological invasions and related biodiversity work. Applications close on 21 August 2026.

Application Closing Date: 21 August 2026
Location: Pretoria, Mbombela, Bloemfontein, Thohoyandou, East London, Cape Town and Durban, South Africa
Programme Duration: 24 months
Programme Period: 1 October 2026 – 30 September 2028
Stipend: R6,233 or R8,050 per month
Minimum Qualification: National Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Honours, or MSc (depending on placement)
Opportunity Type: Graduate Placement Programme

About the SANBI Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme

This programme is designed to build skills and professional capacity within the field of biological invasions. It offers graduates a structured, workplace-based learning experience. The goal is to equip participants with practical knowledge and technical mentorship. This initiative is funded by SANBI and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

About SANBI

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is a national research institute. It is responsible for managing and promoting South Africa’s rich biodiversity. SANBI plays a key role in conservation, research, and public education across the country.

Available Graduate Placement Opportunities

SANBI is looking to fill approximately 30 graduate placements. Opportunities are available in various fields, including:

• Nature Conservation
• Horticulture
• Environmental Management
• Biodiversity-related studies
• Botany
• Ecology
• Zoology
• Environmental Science
• Biological Invasions
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Communications
• Public Relations
• Marketing
• Business Administration
• Office Management
• Project Management

What the Graduate Placement Programme Offers

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• 24 months of workplace experience.
• Structured training in biological invasions.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Technical mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Exposure to biodiversity research and conservation efforts.
• A monthly stipend to support living expenses.

Programme Duration and Location

The programme will run for a full 24 months, starting on 1 October 2026 and concluding on 30 September 2028. Placements are available across several locations in South Africa, including Pretoria, Mbombela, Bloemfontein, Thohoyandou, East London, Cape Town, and Durban.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for a placement, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Hold the specific qualification required for the placement they are applying for.
• Have a strong interest in biological invasions.
• Be enthusiastic and meticulous in their work.
• Demonstrate good analytical and research skills.
• Possess good verbal and written communication skills.
• Have basic computer skills.
• Be able to analyze scientific data if relevant to the placement.
• Have relevant fieldwork exposure if required.
• No prior working experience is necessary.
• Applicants must not be enrolled for a higher degree during the 2026/2027 academic years.

Specific qualification levels vary by placement, ranging from National Diplomas to MSc degrees.

Para-Ecologists

For the 16 Para-Ecologist positions, applicants need a National Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, Horticulture, Environmental Management, or related biodiversity fields. The stipend for these roles is R6,233 per month.

Communications and Advocacy Placement

This role requires a National Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing. The stipend is R6,233 per month, and the placement is in Cape Town.

Project Administration and Coordination Placement

A National Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Office Management, Project Management, or related fields is required for this position in Pretoria. The stipend is R6,233 per month.

Biological Invasions Research Placements

Several research placements are available for graduates with Honours or MSc degrees in fields such as Biological Invasions, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, or GIS. The stipend for these positions is R8,050 per month.

Risk Analysis of Biological Invasions

Two positions focused on risk analysis are available in Durban. These require an MSc in Biological Invasions and offer a stipend of R8,050 per month.

Competencies Required

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and research abilities.
• Good verbal and written communication.
• Computer literacy.
• Willingness to learn and adapt.
• Attention to detail.
• A professional attitude.

An advantageous requirement is a driver’s licence with at least one year of driving experience. A strong academic record will also be beneficial.

Who Should Apply?

This graduate placement programme is ideal for unemployed South African graduates who have completed a relevant qualification and are eager to gain practical experience in biodiversity and biological invasions. It suits individuals who are keen to develop their research, communication, and project management skills within a scientific and conservation environment.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• Completed application form.
• A letter explaining the applicant’s skills and interests relevant to the placement.
• Full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified academic record or transcript.
• Certified copy of the highest qualification.
• Certified copy of South African ID.
• One academic reference letter.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official SANBI application form. Applicants should carefully select a placement that matches their qualification level, field of study, skills, and career interests. Ensure all compulsory supporting documents are uploaded as instructed on the application form.

Click here to apply for SANBI Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme 2026-2028.

Important Notes

• The programme duration is 24 months, from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028.
• No prior working experience is required.
• Only South African citizens are eligible.
• Stipends range from R6,233 to R8,050 per month, depending on the placement.
• Applicants must not be enrolled for higher studies during the 2026/2027 period.
• One academic reference letter is compulsory.
• A driver’s licence with one year of experience is advantageous.
• Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a skills test.
• The exact number of available placements should be confirmed on the official application form.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is Friday, 21 August 2026. Applicants are urged to submit their applications well before this deadline.

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