DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (DOA) 12 June

CLOSING DATE : 29 June 2026 at 16:00

NOTE : To apply, submit a completed Z83 form and detailed Curriculum Vitae (PDF
document to a maximum of 10 megabytes) via e-mail or hand delivery. The
Department will not be held responsible for server delays. Late applications
due to technical issues will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates must
provide certified copies of required documents (Identity Document,
qualifications, etc) where necessary and service certificates to support senior
management experience to Human Resources before the interviews, including
South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation reports for foreign
qualifications. Failure to comply will result in disqualification. To be appointed
at Senior Management Service (SMS) level, you must complete the SMS Preentry programme offered by the National School of Government (NSG). Find
course details here: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entryprogramme/ appointment is subject to successful competition of the Nyukela
Programme: Pre-entry Certificate to SMS and submission of proof. All
shortlisted candidates, including SMS shall undertake two pre-entry
assessments. One must be a practical exercise, and the other must be an
Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment. Selection panels shall score both
technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process. NB:
Please note that false or fraudulent qualifications submitted by applicants will
be reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS), and a criminal case
shall be opened. Applications: Please submit your application before the
closing date as late applications will not be considered. Do not submit duplicate
applications. If applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for
each post. Due to high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt
of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If
you have not heard from us within 3 months, please consider your application
to be unsuccessful. Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a
moratorium be placed on the filling of posts or the Department is affected by
any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts,
the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and readvertise the post at any time in the future. Important: DOA is an equal
opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative
action. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The
Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies. By applying you consent to
the collection and processing of your personal information for recruitment
purposes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to be available for
assessments and interviews at a date and time as determined by the
Department. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks,
security vetting and reference checks (including social media profiles).
Applications must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other
allegations or investigations. Successful candidates must pass security
clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance
agreement and disclose financial interests. All applicants are required to
declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships
of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Failure to
disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination.

POST 20/02 : SCIENTIST PRODUCTION REF NO:3/3/1/41/2026 (X2 POSTS)

Directorate: Genetic Resources (Variety Control)
SALARY : R791 604 per annum, (OSD), (all-inclusive package to be structure in
accordance the OSD rules)
CENTRE : Western Cape: Stellenbosch

REQUIREMENTS : Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 certificate and BSc (Hon) or M
Tech with Botany, Agronomy, Horticulture, Genetics and / or Plant
Biotechnology as a major subject. Compulsory registration with South African
Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNSP) as a Professional Natural
Scientist. Job Related Work Experience: A minimum of three (3) years’ post
qualification in the field of botany, plant taxonomy, plant breeding or
administration of legislation related to Agriculture. Plant Breeders’ Rights Act.
Plant Improvement Act. UPOV Convention. Plant Morphology and Physiology.
Statistics. Job Related Skills: Computer skills (MS Office). Problem skills,
Communication skills. Conflict management oral and written communication
skills. Planning and organization skills. Knowledge and operation of laboratory
apparatus. Numeracy, mathematical and statistical skills. Problem-solving
skills. Research, Plant variety evaluations, Analytical skills. Ability to work
effectively and efficiently. Valid driver’s license.

DUTIES : Develop and implement relevant systems and procedures. Verifying
applications and technical questionnaires submitted by applicants in terms of
the Plant Breeding’s Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act. Establishment
of trials in collaboration with the directorate’s farm Manager, applicant or their
appointed agent as applicable. Identify location of all candidates and
comparative varieties/ liaise with farm manager on field identification. Engage
with clients on matters related to their applications and do site visits. Perform
technical scientific analysis. Collect data on candidates and standard varieties
according to prescribed guidelines. Observation and evaluation of candidates
to the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV)
or National Test guidelines as applicable. Variety characterisation and
documentation. Data analysis on candidates and standard varieties. Compile
variety descriptions and DUS reports for candidates’ varieties. Confirm that
candidates’ varieties comply to prescribed DUS requirements in terms of the
relevant legislation. Data processing. Provide technical support and advice.
Collect and provide technical/scientific data, information and advice to
Registrars and Plant Improvement organisations. Provide technical support
and advice to applicants in relations to Technical Questionnaires submitted in
terms of the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act.
Research and development. Draft and/ or provide input to UPOV and / provide
to UPOV and / or national test guidelines. Review and study scientific
publications, including internet searches, relevant to received PBR/VL
applications. Participate at national, regional and international for a. Liaise with
relevant scientific bodies on technical /science related matters and exchange
of knowledge thereof. Ensure management of reference collections. Ensure
proper management of filling system and crop and seed registers. Conduct or
participate in research pertaining to variety characters or ring tests as
applicable.

ENQUIRIES : Mr SJ Ndlazi Tel No: (012) 319 6086
APPLICATIONS : Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve
Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email
STrecruit41@nda.gov.za.
NOTE : EE Target: African, Indian, White Males and African, Indian Females and
Persons with disability.

POST 20/01 : SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION REF NO: 3/3/1/40/2026

Directorate: Agricultural Inputs Control
SALARY : R791 604 per annum, (OSD), (all-inclusive package to be structured in
accordance with OSD)
CENTRE : Gauteng: Pretoria

REQUIREMENTS : Applicants must be in a possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and an
appropriate 4-year BSc (Honours) or equivalent in Agriculture in Soil Science
majoring in soil fertility and plant nutrition. Compulsory registration with South
African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a
Professional Natural Scientist. Minimum of 3 years post-qualification regulatory
experience. Job Related Knowledge: Expertise and experience in the
interpretation of Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agriculture Remedies and stock
Remedies Act,1947 (Act No: 36 of 1947) together with its regulations and
guidelines. Job Related Skills: Programme & project management. Scientific
methodologies and models. Ability to research and develop independently.
Legal compliance. Data analysis (high level analytical skills). Ms Office
Software (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Technical report writing (the ability to
prepare and present complex reports). Customer service skills.
Communication skills. (verbal and written). Ability to work under pressure.
Extended working hours/overtime may be required. Travelling. A valid driver’s
license.

DUTIES : Develop and implement methodologies, systems and procedures. identify and
consolidate needs for methodologies, policies, systems and procedures by
developing administrative and compliance regulations and SOPs. Identify gaps
and develop appropriate interventions by developing guidelines and
conducting training workshops. Monitor and evaluate programme performance
and perform scientific functions that require interpretation in the absence of an
established framework by writing technical reports. Provide scientific support
and advice through client advisory meetings and via emails. Develop working
relations with client base during liaison meetings with clients. Create public
awareness of the science system through liaison with stakeholders. Provie
scientific data, information and advice as requested by responding to technical
enquiries. Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions. Conduct
analysis of scientific data during the evaluation of applications to register
fertilizers. Gather and interpret data, evaluate results and disseminate
information by publishing information packages. Formulate proposals and
compile reports by writing technical submissions when required. Develop and
customise scientific models and techniques by contributing to the technical
aspects of regulations. Compile technical reports. Research and Development.
Continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies and
procedures by attending technical workshops and conferences.
Research/literature studies to improve expertise by reading technical
publications. Publish and present research findings; and liaise with relevant
bodies /councils, industries, government departments and other stakeholders
on science and regulatory related matters. Human Capital and Development.
Mentor, train and develop candidate scientist and others to promote
skills/knowledge transfer and adherence to sound scientific principles and code
of practice. Customer Service Management. Continuous professional
development. To keep up with new technologies and procedures by attending
technical workshops and conferences. Research /literature studies to improve
expertise by residing publications. Liaise with relevant bodies/councils,
industries, government departments and other stakeholders on science and
regulatory related matters.

ENQUIRIES : Mr G. Moncho Tel No: (012) 319 7169
APPLICATIONS : Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve
Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email
STrecruit40@nda.gov.za.
NOTE : EE Targets: African Males and Females, and persons with disability

We wish you all the best with your applications