The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced 23 Groundsman vacancies within the Human Resource Development (HRD) Division, offering an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking entry-level government employment. These positions are available at various SAPS Academies across South Africa and offer stable public sector employment with opportunities to gain valuable workplace experience.
The successful candidates will earn a salary of R144,024 per annum (Salary Level 02) while helping maintain clean, safe, and well-maintained academy grounds. If you enjoy outdoor work, gardening, general maintenance, and contributing to a professional working environment, this could be the ideal career opportunity.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Groundsman (X23 Posts) vacancies, including the salary, locations, minimum requirements, duties, required skills, and practical application tips.
Groundsman Vacancy Overview
Position: Groundsman
Number of Posts: 23
Division: Human Resource Development (HRD)
Salary: R144,024 per annum (Salary Level 02)
Employer: South African Police Service (SAPS)
Groundsmen play an important role in ensuring SAPS academies remain clean, safe, and presentable for trainees, employees, and visitors. Their work supports daily academy operations by maintaining gardens, cleaning outdoor areas, operating gardening equipment, and assisting with general maintenance duties.
Available Posts and Reference Numbers
The vacancies are available at the following SAPS Academies:
| Academy | Reference Number | Posts |
| SAPS Academy Atteridgeville | HRD 93/06/2026 | 2 |
| SAPS Academy Moloto | HRD 94/06/2026 | 2 |
| SAPS Academy Chatsworth | HRD 95/06/2026 | 2 |
| SAPS Academy Roodeplaat | HRD 96/06/2026 | 2 |
| SAPS Academy Paarl | HRD 97/06/2026 | 2 |
| SAPS Academy Addo | HRD 98/06/2026 | 2 |
| SAPS Academy Thabazimbi | HRD 99/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Bhisho | HRD 103/06/2026 | 2 |
| SAPS Academy Bishop Lavis | HRD 106/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Graaff-Reinet | HRD 109/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Mthatha | HRD 112/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Oudtshoorn | HRD 115/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Philippi | HRD 117/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Tshwane | HRD 119/06/2026 | 2 |
| SAPS Academy Ulundi | HRD 122/06/2026 | 1 |
With vacancies spread across multiple provinces, applicants can apply for opportunities closest to their preferred location.
Salary and Employment Benefits
Successful candidates will receive a salary of R144,024 per annum on Salary Level 02.
Working for SAPS offers several employment benefits, including:
- Stable government employment
- Annual leave
- Sick leave benefits
- Government pension benefits (where applicable)
- Skills development opportunities
- Career progression within the public service
- Practical workplace experience
- Structured working environment
Government support positions continue to attract many applicants due to their long-term employment security and opportunities for advancement.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements before applying.
South African Citizenship
Applicants must be citizens of the Republic of South Africa and provide documentary proof during the recruitment process.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess one of the following qualifications:
- ABET Level 4
- Grade 9
- Standard 7
- NQF Level 1 qualification recognised by SAQA
Proof of qualification must be available when requested.
Language Requirements
Applicants must be proficient in:
- English
- At least one additional official South African language
Good communication skills are important when working with supervisors and fellow employees.
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Required Skills and Competencies
SAPS is looking for applicants who possess the following competencies.
Basic Literacy and Numeracy
Applicants should be able to:
- Read instructions
- Complete simple records
- Understand workplace signage
- Follow written procedures
Communication Skills
Groundsmen work closely with maintenance teams and supervisors.
Professional communication contributes to effective teamwork and workplace safety.
Occupational Health and Safety Knowledge
Applicants should understand basic Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures, including:
- Safe equipment handling
- Proper lifting techniques
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Hazard reporting
Following safety procedures helps reduce workplace accidents.
Cleaning Knowledge
Applicants should understand:
- Safe use of cleaning detergents
- Proper cleaning methods
- Waste disposal procedures
- Hygiene standards
Maintaining clean surroundings contributes to a healthy working environment.
Ability to Operate Equipment
Successful candidates should be capable of operating elementary gardening and maintenance equipment such as:
- Lawn mowers
- Brush cutters
- Garden tools
- Watering equipment
- Tractors (where required)
Experience operating such equipment will be an advantage.
Physical Fitness
Grounds maintenance involves manual labour.
Applicants should be physically capable of:
- Standing for long periods
- Lifting equipment
- Working outdoors
- Walking long distances
- Performing repetitive tasks
Flexibility
Successful applicants must be willing to work extended hours whenever operational requirements make it necessary.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Groundsmen perform a variety of outdoor maintenance and cleaning responsibilities.
Maintaining Clean Premises
One of the primary responsibilities is maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout SAPS academy premises.
This includes:
- Cleaning outdoor areas
- Removing litter
- Sweeping walkways
- Keeping entrances clean
- Maintaining public spaces
A clean environment creates a positive impression and improves workplace safety.
Garden Maintenance
Groundsmen are responsible for maintaining academy gardens.
Typical gardening duties include:
- Cutting grass
- Watering plants
- Pruning shrubs
- Removing weeds
- Planting flowers
- Maintaining landscaped areas
Well-maintained gardens contribute to an attractive learning environment.
Refuse Removal
The successful candidates will routinely:
- Remove refuse bags
- Empty waste bins
- Transport waste for disposal
- Maintain waste collection points
Proper waste management supports environmental cleanliness and hygiene.
Cleaning Equipment
Groundsmen clean and maintain various equipment used during daily operations.
This may include:
- Garden tools
- Maintenance equipment
- Cleaning equipment
- Outdoor machinery
Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of government equipment.
Washing Government Vehicles
The role also involves washing and cleaning state vehicles used by SAPS.
Regular vehicle cleaning ensures that government vehicles remain presentable and properly maintained.
Loading and Unloading Goods
Groundsmen assist with moving supplies and equipment.
Typical duties include:
- Loading deliveries
- Unloading materials
- Transporting equipment
- Organising storage areas
Manual handling techniques must be followed to avoid injuries.
Operating Gardening Machinery
Successful applicants may operate machinery such as:
- Lawn mowers
- Garden tractors
- Brush cutters
- Leaf blowers
- Water pumps
Proper training and adherence to safety procedures are essential.
Supporting General Maintenance
Groundsmen often assist with additional maintenance activities to ensure academy facilities remain functional and well maintained.
These responsibilities may vary depending on operational needs.
Why Consider a Groundsman Career with SAPS?
Working as a Groundsman provides several valuable benefits.
Stable Government Employment
SAPS offers secure employment within the public sector together with structured salary progression.
Practical Skills Development
Successful candidates gain experience in:
- Gardening
- Landscaping
- Cleaning services
- Grounds maintenance
- Equipment operation
- Workplace safety
- Government maintenance procedures
These skills are transferable to many industries.
Career Progression
Experience gained as a Groundsman can open opportunities for advancement into positions such as:
- Senior Groundsman
- Maintenance Assistant
- Facilities Maintenance Officer
- Grounds Supervisor
- General Maintenance Worker
Who Should Apply?
These vacancies are suitable for:
- Entry-level job seekers
- Grade 9 graduates
- ABET Level 4 graduates
- Individuals seeking government employment
- Gardening enthusiasts
- General workers
- Maintenance assistants
- Outdoor workers
- Applicants interested in public service careers
Applicants who enjoy working outdoors and maintaining clean environments are likely to perform well in this role.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Application
Competition for SAPS support vacancies can be significant.
Improve your application by following these recommendations:
- Update your CV.
- Highlight gardening experience.
- Mention equipment operation skills.
- Include cleaning experience.
- Demonstrate knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety.
- Highlight teamwork skills.
- Mention communication abilities.
- Include any maintenance experience.
- Ensure supporting documents are certified where required.
- Follow all official application instructions carefully.
Even informal experience maintaining gardens, schools, sports grounds, or community facilities can strengthen your application.
Skills to Highlight on Your CV
When preparing your CV, consider including the following competencies:
- Grounds Maintenance
- Garden Maintenance
- Landscaping
- Lawn Care
- Cleaning Services
- Waste Management
- Equipment Operation
- Lawn Mower Operation
- Tractor Operation
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Teamwork
- Communication Skills
- Time Management
- Physical Fitness
- Manual Labour
- Vehicle Cleaning
- General Maintenance
- Attention to Detail
Tailoring your CV to match the advertised requirements improves your chances of being shortlisted.
Why These Vacancies Are Worth Applying For
The 23 available Groundsman posts provide a rare opportunity to enter the South African public service with minimum educational requirements. Because vacancies are spread across numerous SAPS academies, applicants from different provinces have a better chance of finding a suitable location.
Working in this role allows employees to contribute directly to the upkeep of SAPS training facilities while developing practical maintenance, gardening, and workplace safety skills that can support long-term career growth.
Final Thoughts
The Groundsman (X23 Posts) vacancies within the South African Police Service Human Resource Development Division provide an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking stable government employment. Offering an annual salary of R144,024, these positions are ideal for hardworking candidates with ABET Level 4, Grade 9, Standard 7, or an equivalent NQF Level 1 qualification who enjoy outdoor work and maintaining clean, well-kept environments.
Successful candidates will be responsible for grounds maintenance, garden care, refuse removal, cleaning equipment, operating gardening machinery, and supporting the daily operations of SAPS academies across South Africa. If you are physically fit, committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness, and interested in building a career within the public sector, this vacancy offers an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience and contribute to the effective operation of SAPS training facilities.
Apply for SAPS Groundsman vacancies (X23 Posts). Learn about the salary, requirements, duties, academy locations, and how to apply for these government jobs.