The Department of Agriculture (DOA), South Africa has announced new employment opportunities for suitably qualified and experienced candidates. The latest vacancies include a State Veterinarian position and three Assistant Director: Employee Relations positions, offering opportunities in Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
The Department is inviting applications from candidates who meet the relevant qualifications, experience and other requirements. Applications must be submitted by 28 September 2026 at 16:00.
Department of Agriculture Vacancies 2026
| Post | Salary |
|---|---|
| State Veterinarian (3 Posts) | R932,292 per annum |
| Assistant Director: Employee Relations (3 Posts) | R487,197 per annum |
1. State Veterinarian
Post: State Veterinarian
Reference Number: 3/3/1/83/2026
Directorate: Animal Health
Number of Posts: 1
Salary: R932,292 per annum, Level 11
Location: Skukuza, Mpumalanga
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 Certificate.
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc/BVMCh).
- Registration with the South African Veterinary Council as a Veterinarian.
- At least one year of experience as a State Veterinarian or Compulsory Community Service veterinarian in a regulatory state veterinary area in South Africa.
- Knowledge of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984.
- Practical knowledge and experience in applying the Meat Safety Act, 2000.
- Knowledge and practical experience of laboratory international standards ISO-IEC 17025.
- Knowledge and practical experience in import and export facilitation.
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Valid weapons competency certificate for handguns, shotguns and rifles.
- Relevant firearm licence.
Candidates should also have analytical, research, communication, administrative, organisational and complex problem-solving skills. The ability to work under pressure, adapt to change, maintain professional relationships and work extended hours is required.
Key Duties
- The successful candidate will be responsible for wildlife disease surveillance, monitoring, control and clinical and diagnostic services. Duties include planning and coordinating wildlife disease surveillance programmes, conducting necropsies, managing samples and supporting laboratory diagnostic services.
- The position will also involve veterinary public health activities, including field inspections, carcass inspections, abattoir compliance, sanitary and quality control, disease-risk assessments and veterinary services related to wildlife.
- The State Veterinarian will provide technical advice to veterinary authorities, conservation agencies, farmers and other stakeholders, contribute to disease research and scientific publications, assist with policies and legislation, support wildlife disease investigations and participate in relevant meetings, workshops and advisory groups.
Enquiries: Dr M Swanepoel — (012) 319 7481
Application: Applications may be delivered by hand during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002, or emailed to SVrecruit83@nda.gov.za. EE Target: African, Coloured Males, African Females and Persons with disabilities.
2. Assistant Director: Employee Relations
Post: Assistant Director: Employee Relations
Reference Number: 3/3/1/84/2026
Directorate: Diversity Management and Transformation Strategies
Number of Posts: 3
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract
Salary: R487,197 per annum, Level 09, plus 37% in lieu of benefits
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 Certificate.
- National Diploma or Degree in Labour Relations, Labour Law, Human Resources Management, Public Administration or a related qualification at NQF Level 6.
- At least three years’ supervisory experience in Labour Law or Labour Relations.
- Knowledge of labour and employment legislation and Public Service Regulations.
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Willingness to work irregular hours and travel.
Candidates should have investigation, report writing, computer literacy, communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, problem-solving, interpersonal, presentation, facilitation and analytical skills.
Key Duties
- The successful candidates will facilitate the effective management and resolution of employee grievances and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, regulations and legislation. They will monitor grievance cases, provide advice to employees and management, and ensure that cases are finalised within applicable timeframes.
- The role will also involve managing labour disputes, preparing and presenting cases, representing the Department at conciliation and arbitration proceedings, negotiating settlements where applicable and working with legal services or external service providers when required.
- Additional responsibilities include maintaining labour-relations reporting systems, capturing grievance information on PERSAL, preparing monthly and other reports, facilitating employee training and providing advice on labour-relations matters.
- The successful candidates will also assist with misconduct and disciplinary processes, including opening and maintaining misconduct files, drafting and finalising disciplinary proceedings, monitoring outcomes, preparing reports and ensuring that disciplinary cases are dealt with within prescribed timeframes.
Enquiries: Mr Leonard Makgato — (012) 319 7229
Application: Applications may be delivered by hand during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002, or emailed to ASDERrecruit84@nda.gov.za. EE Target: Africans, Indians, Coloureds, Whites 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, with the CV limited to a maximum of 10 MB.
- Applications can be submitted by email or hand delivery, depending on the requirements of the specific post. Applicants applying for more than one position must submit separate applications for each post.
- Applicants should submit their applications well before the deadline because the Department will not accept late applications, including applications affected by technical or server delays. Duplicate applications should not be submitted.
- Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of relevant documents, including their Identity Document and qualifications, where necessary. Service certificates supporting senior management experience must also be provided where applicable. Candidates with foreign qualifications must provide SAQA evaluation reports.
Important Application Information
The Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications because of the high volume of applications. Communication will generally be limited to shortlisted candidates. If an applicant has not received communication within three months, the application should be considered unsuccessful.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend assessments and interviews at dates and times determined by the Department. Personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks may be conducted, including 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 memberships of boards or directorships.
Successful candidates will be required to pass security clearance, sign an employment contract and annual performance agreement, and disclose financial interests. The Department warns that false or fraudulent qualifications submitted by applicants will be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), and a criminal case may be opened.
SMS Pre-Entry Requirement
For appointments at Senior Management Service (SMS) level, applicants must complete the Nyukela Programme: Pre-entry Certificate to SMS offered by the National School of Government (NSG) and submit proof of successful completion. The Department also states that shortlisted candidates, including SMS candidates, will undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment. The results will form part of the interview selection process.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Department of Agriculture vacancies is: 28 September 2026 at 16:00 Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early and carefully check the requirements for the specific position before applying. The Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting retrospectivity and affirmative action. The Department reserves the right not to fill advertised vacancies or to cancel and readvertise a recruitment process where necessary.
