The Department of Agriculture (DOA) has announced employment opportunities in South Africa for suitably qualified candidates. The available positions cover scientific, agricultural, compliance and technical fields, with opportunities based in Pretoria and Stellenbosch. Interested applicants should carefully review the requirements for their preferred position and submit their applications before the closing date. Closing Date: 04 September 2026 at 16:00
Available Positions
| Position | Salary |
|---|---|
| Scientific Production – Ref No: 3/3/1/73/2026 | R791,604 per annum |
| Scientist Production 2 – Ref No: 3/3/1/74/2026 (2 Posts) | R791,604 per annum |
| Assistant Director: Compliance Management – Ref No: 3/3/1/75/2026 | R487,197 per annum |
| Scientific Technician Production Grade A – Ref No: 3/3/1/76/2026 | R407,337 per annum |
1. Scientific Production
Reference: 3/3/1/73/2026
Directorate: Agricultural Inputs Control
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Salary: R791,604 per annum
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 certificate.
- An appropriate four-year BSc Honours or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, with Soil Science majoring in soil fertility and plant nutrition.
- Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist.
- At least three years’ post-qualification regulatory experience.
- Knowledge of the Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 and its regulations and guidelines.
- Programme and project management skills.
- Scientific research, data analysis and technical report-writing skills.
- Knowledge of MS Office.
- Good communication and customer service skills.
- A valid driver’s licence.
Key Duties
The successful candidate will develop and implement scientific methodologies, systems, procedures and compliance guidelines. The role also involves evaluating fertilizer registration applications, conducting scientific analysis, preparing technical reports, providing scientific advice, undertaking research and supporting regulatory functions. The officer will also liaise with clients, government departments, industries and relevant scientific bodies, while mentoring and developing candidate scientists and other staff.
Enquiries: Mr G. Moncho – (012) 319 7169, Application: Hand delivery to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002, or email SPrecruit40@nda.gov.za., EE Target: African males and females, and persons with disabilities.
2. Scientist Production 2 – 2 Posts
Reference: 3/3/1/74/2026
Directorate: Genetic Resources (Variety Control)
Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Salary: R791,604 per annum
Posts: 2
Requirements
Candidates must have:
- Grade 12 certificate.
- BSc Honours or M Tech with Botany, Agronomy, Horticulture, Genetics and/or Plant Biotechnology as a major subject.
- Compulsory SACNASP registration as a Professional Natural Scientist.
- At least three years’ post-qualification experience in botany, plant taxonomy, plant breeding or agricultural legislation administration.
- Knowledge of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, Plant Improvement Act and UPOV Convention.
- Knowledge of plant morphology and physiology and statistics.
- Computer, research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Laboratory and plant variety evaluation skills.
- A valid driver’s licence.
Key Duties
The successful candidates will verify applications and technical questionnaires submitted under relevant agricultural legislation, establish and monitor trials, conduct site visits and perform technical scientific analysis.
Duties will also include collecting and analysing data, evaluating plant varieties, preparing variety descriptions and DUS reports, providing technical advice, supporting applicants and Registrars, conducting research and maintaining reference collections, crop records and seed registers.
Enquiries: Mr SJ Ndlazi – (012) 319 6086
Application: Hand delivery to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002, or email SPrecruit41@nda.gov.za, EE Target: African, Indian and White males; African and Indian females; and persons with disabilities.
3. Assistant Director: Compliance Management
Reference: 3/3/1/75/2026
Directorate: Compliance Management Services
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Salary: R487,197 per annum (Level 09)
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 certificate.
- National Diploma in Compliance Management, Law, Risk Management or related qualification at NQF Level 6.
- At least three years’ supervisory experience in a compliance management environment.
- Knowledge of corporate governance, compliance management and the public service environment.
- Knowledge of the PFMA and National Treasury Regulations.
- Leadership, project management and communication skills.
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office.
- Presentation and facilitation skills.
- Problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Ability to work under pressure and extended hours.
- A valid driver’s licence.
Key Duties
The successful candidate will implement the Department’s compliance management strategy and processes, including compliance identification, risk assessment, risk management and reporting. The position will also involve developing compliance awareness training, updating the departmental compliance universe, supporting annual compliance planning, participating in advisory committees and coordinating compliance reports. The officer will conduct compliance assessments and monitoring, research best practices and contribute to improving the Department’s compliance management systems.
Enquiries: Mr M Setati – 071 878 9179
Application: Hand delivery to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002, or email ASDCMrecruit75@nda.gov.za. EE Target: African males and persons with disabilities.
4. Scientific Technician Production Grade A
Reference: 3/3/1/76/2026
Directorate: Genetic Resources
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng – Roodeplaat Genebank
Salary: R407,337 per annum
Requirements
Candidates must have:
- Grade 12 certificate.
- National Diploma in Science or a relevant qualification.
- Compulsory SACNASP registration as a Certified Natural Scientist.
- At least three years’ post-qualification experience in botany, horticulture, agronomy, agriculture or conservation of plant genetic resources.
- Knowledge of scientific methodologies, research and development, data analysis and technical report writing.
- Computer literacy.
- Planning, organising, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work extended hours where required.
- Ability to handle hazardous chemicals.
- A valid driver’s licence.
Key Duties
The successful candidate will support the conservation and sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Duties include field surveys, scientific data collection, operation and maintenance of scientific equipment, technical analysis, database management and preparation of reports. The position will also involve research and development, development of scientific procedures, publication and presentation of research findings, professional development and mentoring of candidate research technicians.
Enquiries: Ms ML Mokoena – 060 972 9702 Application: Hand delivery to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002, or email STPrecruit76@nda.gov.za. EE Target: Coloured and White males and persons with disabilities.
How to Apply for Department of Agriculture Vacancies
Applicants must submit a completed Z83 application form together with a detailed Curriculum Vitae in PDF format. The CV must not exceed 10 MB. Applications may be submitted by hand delivery or through the specific email address provided for each position. Applicants applying for more than one position must submit a separate application for each post. Duplicate applications should not be submitted.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of relevant documents, including identity documents, qualifications and other supporting documentation. Applicants with foreign qualifications must provide SAQA evaluation reports where required.
Important Application Information
- The Department will not be responsible for delays caused by email servers or other technical problems. Late applications will not be considered.
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo pre-entry assessments, interviews, personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks. This may include checks of social media profiles.
- Applicants must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or other allegations or investigations, as well as any actual or perceived conflicts of interest and relevant board memberships or directorships.
- For Senior Management Service appointments, candidates must successfully complete the required SMS Pre-Entry Programme/Nyukela Programme and provide proof of completion. Further details are available through the National School of Government.
- False or fraudulent qualifications may result in disqualification and may be reported to the South African Police Service.
- The Department is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action. It reserves the right not to fill advertised posts or to cancel and readvertise recruitment processes where necessary.
- Due to the high volume of applications, receipt of applications will not be acknowledged. Communication will generally be limited to shortlisted candidates. If an applicant has not received communication within three months, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Closing Date
All applications must be submitted by 04 September 2026 at 16:00. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline and carefully check the requirements and application method for the specific position they wish to pursue.
