Iziko Museums Of South Africa Technical Assistant: Cenozoic Palaeontology Vacancy 2026
Iziko Museums Of South Africa
General / Other
Monthly stipend
Not stated
Closing date
11 Sept 2026
9 days left
- Opportunity
- Contract
- Minimum education
- Degree (NQF 7)
- Location
- National (All Provinces)
- Posted
- 02 Sept 2026
Sourced via the GovPage vacancy bulletin, last confirmed there by our scraper on 2 September 2026.
Applications go directly to the email address in the advert — never through SetaJobs.
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How this salary compares
At R17 147 a month, this post pays below the median of R63 573 for posts asking for Degree (NQF 7) (11 listings that publish a figure). The middle half of that group pays between R50 890 and R80 424.
- 25th percentile
- R50 890
- Median
- R63 573
- 75th percentile
- R80 424
This post sits in the 5th percentile of that group. Figures are the advertised package converted to a monthly amount — before tax, pension and medical contributions, so take-home pay is lower.
Calculated by SetaJobs from the 11 comparable posts open on this site that publish a figure. Amounts advertised per year are divided by twelve; a quoted range is taken at its midpoint.
Opportunity Overview
Iziko Museums of South Africa stands as an African centre of excellence, committed to empowering and inspiring individuals to celebrate and respect our diverse heritage. The organisation is inviting applications from motivated individuals for two Technical Assistant positions within its Research & Exhibition Department.
These are five-month fixed-term contract opportunities, focusing on the fascinating field of Cenozoic Palaeontology. The role primarily involves contributing to the development and preservation of Iziko's Cenozoic fossil collections.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A Grade 12 certificate or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, or an equivalent qualification.
- Prior experience as a Research Technician in Cenozoic or other fossil collections, or a similar environment.
- Basic experience in working with museum collections.
- Field experience on palaeontology and archaeology sites.
- Basic experience in sorting fossils.
- Experience in working on computers, specifically with data entry and management.
- Ability to sort and classify fossil specimens effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, accurately, and neatly.
- Ability to work cooperatively and productively within a team.
- Knowledge of the history of life on Earth.
- Good communication and presentation skills.
- Computer literacy in MS Office Suite.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidates will be responsible for a range of tasks, including:
- Assisting with the development and conservation of the Iziko Cenozoic fossil collections.
- Sorting and identification of fossils.
- Participating in fossil excavation in the field for periods of up to five days when required.
- Capturing information onto relevant databases.
- Organising and maintaining fossil collections.
- Assisting with exhibition and education programs as needed.
What the Work Involves
Working as a Technical Assistant in the Research & Exhibition Department means dedicating yourself to the preservation and study of ancient life. You will spend your days actively involved in the fossil collections, from carefully sorting and identifying specimens in the museum to potentially participating in field excavations that can last for several days. This role involves meticulous data entry and management, ensuring that all findings are accurately recorded. You will be part of a team, contributing to exhibitions and educational initiatives, and playing a crucial role in bringing the story of Earth's past to life for the public.
How to Apply
To apply for the Technical Assistant: Cenozoic Palaeontology position, please submit your application via email.
- Email Address: recruitment@iziko.org.za
- Subject Line: Clearly quote the position you are applying for in the subject line.
- Required Documents: Your application must include a cover letter, a detailed CV with at least two contactable referees, and certified copies of your identity document and all relevant certificates.
- Closing Date: Applications must be received by 4:00 PM on 11 September 2026. Applications received after this time will not be considered.
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Iziko Museums Of South Africa Collections Assistant Vacancy 2026 | Stipend: R 19 218.00 per month
Opportunity Overview
Iziko Museums of South Africa is a beacon of excellence, inspiring and empowering all people to honour and appreciate our rich, diverse heritage. The organisation is actively seeking motivated individuals to fill four Collections Assistant positions within its Collections & Digitisation Department.
These are five-month fixed-term contract opportunities, providing an excellent chance to contribute to the critical work of preserving and managing valuable museum specimens and collections.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria to be considered for this opportunity:
- A Grade 12 certificate or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, or an equivalent qualification.
- Proven experience in working with natural history museum specimens and collections.
- Proven experience in working with the Specify database or a similar database system.
- Computer literacy in Microsoft 365.
- A valid driver’s license is not required for this role.
How to Apply
To apply for the Collections Assistant position, please submit your application via email.
- Email Address: recruitment@iziko.org.za
- Subject Line: Clearly quote the position you are applying for in the subject line.
- Required Documents: Your application must include a cover letter, a detailed CV with at least two contactable referees, and certified copies of your identity document and all relevant certificates.
- Closing Date: Applications must be received by 4:00 PM on 11 September 2026. Applications received after this time will not be considered.
This listing in context
What the 326 opportunities we currently hold say about this one.
- Live contract posts
- 64
- Open to all provinces
- 21
- Closing within 7 days
- 8
34% of the 64 live contract posts we hold ask for Degree (NQF 7), so this listing asks for what most of them ask for.
Live contract posts stay open for a median of 14 days between posting and closing date.
Calculated by SetaJobs from the 326 listings open on this site right now, and updated as they change.
What you'll need to apply
Follow the advert exactly. Private employers differ, and sending more than was asked for does not help.
- Your CV
- Certified copy of your ID
- A short motivation letter
What a fixed-term post involves
A contract post is employment for a defined period or project. The work and the requirements are usually identical to a permanent post at the same level — the difference is the end date. Contract staff generally receive the same salary scale, sometimes with benefits paid as an allowance instead of a fund contribution.
How the selection usually runs
- The screening and interview process mirrors a permanent post, and the minimum requirements are applied just as strictly.
- Contract posts are often filled faster than permanent ones, because the funding is tied to a project timeline.
What you leave with
Directly relevant experience at the level you want, and internal standing when a permanent post at that level is eventually advertised.
Where this leads next
Contract renewal or extension
Continued funding for the project or post.
Permanent appointment at the same level
Competing for the post when it is advertised — contract service does not convert automatically.
A higher level elsewhere
The experience the contract gave you, which is what the next advert is asking for.
A typical route, not a guarantee — progression depends on vacancies, funding and your own performance.
Watch out for this
Confirm what happens at the end of the term before you resign from something else. A fixed-term contract ends by expiry, and that is not a dismissal you can contest.
About the General / Other sector
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Helpful guides before you apply
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