SANBI Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme 2026–2028: Paid Environmental and Biodiversity Opportunities Across South Africa
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is offering a 24-month Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme from October 2026 to September 2028. Graduates in environmental sciences, biodiversity, ecology, communications, and project administration can gain valuable workplace experience while earning a monthly stipend of up to R8,050. Applications close on 21 August 2026.
SANBI Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme 2026–2028: Paid Environmental and Biodiversity Opportunities Across South Africa
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has opened applications for its highly anticipated Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme, offering unemployed graduates a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in biodiversity conservation, environmental research, invasive species management, and scientific support services.
Running from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028, the programme is designed as a comprehensive 24-month workplace-based training initiative within SANBI’s Directorate of Biodiversity Evidence (DBE). The programme forms part of South Africa’s broader efforts to strengthen national capacity in the detection, monitoring, research, and management of biological invasions that threaten ecosystems and biodiversity.
Funded through a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the initiative aims to equip graduates with hands-on experience, technical skills, professional mentorship, and exposure to real-world environmental challenges while contributing to critical national biodiversity programmes.
An Opportunity to Build a Career in Biodiversity Conservation
Biological invasions remain one of the leading threats to biodiversity globally. Invasive species can disrupt ecosystems, threaten indigenous plants and animals, impact water resources, and create significant economic costs.
Through this graduate placement programme, SANBI seeks to develop a new generation of professionals capable of supporting South Africa’s efforts to manage invasive species and protect natural ecosystems.
Successful candidates will be placed within multidisciplinary teams operating across SANBI’s national botanical gardens and biodiversity facilities. Participants will work alongside experienced scientists, ecologists, project managers, and environmental specialists while contributing to important projects involving:
- Early detection and rapid response to invasive species
- Biodiversity monitoring and research
- Invasive species risk assessments
- Environmental data collection and analysis
- Science communication and public awareness
- Project administration and coordination
- Biodiversity policy support and implementation
The programme provides an excellent stepping stone for graduates looking to establish careers in conservation, environmental science, ecological research, biodiversity management, and related fields.
Available Graduate Placement Opportunities
SANBI has announced opportunities across multiple disciplines and locations throughout South Africa.
Para-Ecologist Placements
Graduates holding a National Diploma or Advanced Diploma in:
- Nature Conservation
- Horticulture
- Environmental Management
- Biodiversity-related fields
can apply for Para-Ecologist positions available at:
- Free State National Botanical Garden (Bloemfontein)
- East London DBE Offices
- Lowveld National Botanical Garden (Mbombela)
- Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden
- Pretoria National Botanical Garden
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium (Durban)
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of R6,233.
Para-Ecologists will support fieldwork activities, biodiversity monitoring programmes, invasive species surveys, data collection, and environmental management projects.
Communications and Advocacy Opportunity
A dedicated Communications and Advocacy placement is available at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Applicants should possess a National Diploma or Advanced Diploma in:
- Communications
- Public Relations
- Marketing
The successful graduate will assist with science communication, stakeholder engagement, public awareness campaigns, and the dissemination of biodiversity-related information.
The position offers a monthly stipend of R6,233.
Project Administration and Coordination Placement
SANBI is also recruiting one graduate for a Project Administration and Coordination role based at Pretoria National Botanical Garden.
Applicants should possess:
- A National Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Bachelor’s Degree
in:
- Business Administration
- Office Management
- Project Management
- Related fields
The successful candidate will support project planning, reporting, logistics, coordination, and administrative functions within SANBI’s Biological Invasions Programme.
The monthly stipend for this placement is R6,233.
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Biological Invasions Research Opportunities
For graduates seeking research-focused careers, SANBI has made several Biological Invasions Research placements available across the country.
Candidates should possess an:
- Honours Degree, or
- Master’s Degree (MSc)
in fields such as:
- Biological Invasions
- Botany
- Ecology
- Zoology
- Environmental Science
- GIS
- Related disciplines
Research placements are available in:
- East London
- Bloemfontein
- Thohoyandou
- Pretoria
- Kirstenbosch
- Durban
Participants will contribute to scientific investigations, invasive species monitoring, ecological analysis, research publications, biodiversity assessments, and evidence-based decision-making processes.
Research graduates will receive a monthly stipend of R8,050.
Specialist Risk Analysis Opportunities
For graduates with advanced expertise in Biological Invasions, SANBI is offering specialist placements in Risk Analysis of Biological Invasions at the KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium in Durban.
Applicants must hold an MSc in Biological Invasions.
These placements provide exposure to scientific risk assessment methodologies, policy support, invasive species evaluations, and regulatory frameworks that inform environmental management decisions.
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of R8,050.
Minimum Requirements
SANBI is looking for graduates who demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Attention to detail
- Enthusiasm for biodiversity conservation
- Interest in biological invasions and environmental management
- Good written and verbal communication abilities
- Computer literacy
- Scientific data analysis capabilities
- Fieldwork experience where applicable
Importantly, no prior work experience is required, making this an ideal opportunity for recent graduates seeking their first professional role.
A strong academic record will be advantageous during the selection process.
Candidates who possess a valid driver’s licence and at least one year of driving experience may have an added advantage for field-based positions.
Important Eligibility Conditions
To qualify for the programme, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed graduates
- Not be enrolled for higher degrees during the 2026/2027 academic years
- Meet the qualification requirements of the specific placement being applied for
Appointments will be made in line with national employment equity targets.
Shortlisted candidates may also be required to complete skills assessments during the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must complete the official SANBI application form and submit the required supporting documentation.
Applications should include:
- A motivation letter outlining relevant skills and interests
- A comprehensive CV
- Certified copy of academic transcript or record
- Certified copy of highest qualification
- Certified copy of South African ID
- One academic reference letter
Applicants are encouraged to carefully tailor their motivation letters to the specific placement opportunity for which they are applying.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is:
Friday, 21 August 2026
As SANBI receives a high volume of applications for graduate programmes, interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
Contact Information
For enquiries regarding the application process, applicants may contact:
René du Toit
Email: [email protected]
Applicants who do not receive feedback within 60 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Why Graduates Should Consider This Opportunity
The SANBI Biological Invasions Graduate Placement Programme offers far more than a traditional internship. It provides a structured pathway into South Africa’s environmental and biodiversity sector, allowing graduates to work alongside leading experts while contributing to nationally significant conservation initiatives.
For aspiring ecologists, conservationists, environmental scientists, researchers, communicators, and project administrators, this programme represents a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience, build professional networks, and develop the skills needed for long-term careers in biodiversity conservation and environmental management.
With placements available across multiple provinces and stipends of up to R8,050 per month, the programme stands out as one of South Africa’s most exciting graduate development opportunities in the environmental sector for 2026.
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