The Department of Agriculture (DOA) has announced new employment opportunities for suitably qualified candidates who wish to join the public service. The department is committed to promoting agricultural development, food safety, environmental sustainability, and effective management of agricultural resources in South Africa.
The available positions provide opportunities for professionals in scientific research, agricultural regulation, environmental management, and pest control services. Qualified applicants who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Closing Date: 17 August 2026 at 16:00
Available Positions at Department of Agriculture
1. Scientist Production (Grade A-C)
Reference Number: 3/3/1/64/2026
Directorate: Food Safety and Quality Assurance
Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Salary: R791 604 – R1 189 767 per annum (OSD)
Requirements:
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 Certificate.
- BSc Honours degree in Chemistry.
- Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist.
- Minimum of three (3) years post-qualification experience.
- Knowledge of Public Service policies and departmental procedures.
- Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
- Knowledge of Agricultural Products Standard Act 119 of 1990.
- Knowledge of Liquor Products Act 60 of 1989.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement scientific methodologies, systems, and procedures.
- Identify requirements for new analytical methods.
- Provide scientific advice and technical support.
- Conduct scientific analysis and regulatory functions.
- Analyse, interpret, and report scientific data.
- Develop research proposals and compile technical reports.
- Conduct agricultural food testing and research activities.
- Maintain professional development through research and new technology updates.
- Publish and present research findings.
- Mentor and train staff to improve skills transfer.
- Supervise scientific processes and manage staff performance.
Enquiries: Ms Xoliswa Tlali
Telephone: (021) 809 1643
Application Method:
Applications must be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to:
Department of Agriculture
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002
Or email: SPrecruit64@nda.gov.za, Employment Equity Target: African, Coloured males and persons with disabilities.
2. Resource Conservation Inspector
Reference Number: 3/3/1/65/2026
Directorate: Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
Location: De Aar, Northern Cape
Salary: R413 001 per annum (Level 08)
Requirements:
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 Certificate.
- National Diploma in Agriculture, Environmental Management, Nature Conservation, or Pest Management (NQF Level 6).
- Minimum of two (2) years relevant work experience.
- Knowledge of:
- Agricultural Pest Act.
- National Environmental Management Act.
- National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act.
- Public Service Act and Regulations.
- Public Finance Management Act.
- Labour Relations Act.
- Water Act.
- GIS skills.
- Policy development and analytical skills.
- Research and monitoring skills.
- Project planning and management skills.
- Inspection and auditing skills.
- Strong communication and reporting skills.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor and control migratory pest outbreaks including locusts, blackflies, and quelea birds.
- Conduct outbreak verification and ecological risk assessments.
- Plan and coordinate pest control operations.
- Inspect and monitor pest control activities.
- Conduct post-control evaluations to measure environmental impact.
- Manage storage of chemicals used in pest control operations.
- Monitor blackfly larvae populations and determine control measures.
- Conduct awareness campaigns and train pest outbreak controllers.
- Capture and manage migratory pest outbreak data.
- Map affected areas and maintain pest monitoring records.
Enquiries: Dr Ikalafeng B Kgakatsi
Telephone: (012) 319 6775
Application Method:
Applications must be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to:
Department of Agriculture
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002
Or email: NCIrecruit65@nda.gov.za, Employment Equity Target: African, Coloured females and persons with disabilities.
How to Apply for Department of Agriculture Jobs
Applicants must submit:
- A completed Z83 application form.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) in PDF format not exceeding 10MB.
Applications can be submitted through email or hand delivery before the closing date.
Important application conditions:
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- Applicants applying for multiple positions must submit separate applications for each vacancy.
- Only shortlisted candidates will receive communication.
- Shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies of qualifications, identity documents, and other supporting documents.
- Foreign qualifications must include a SAQA evaluation report.
- False or fraudulent qualifications will be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
- Senior Management Service (SMS) applicants must complete the Nyukela SMS Pre-entry Programme before appointment.
- Shortlisted candidates may undergo technical assessments, interviews, psychometric testing, security checks, and reference verification.
Important Notice
The Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer committed to affirmative action and employment equity. Applications from qualified candidates, including women and persons with disabilities, are encouraged. The department reserves the right not to fill any advertised position. Applicants consent to the processing of their personal information for recruitment purposes. Candidates who have not received communication within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
