The Department of Agriculture (South Africa) is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for various posts advertised under Annexure A. If you meet the requirements, submit your application before the closing date to avoid missing this opportunity to join the public service.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Department of Agriculture (DOA) |
| Closing Date | 13 February 2026 at 16:00 |
| Location | Pretoria and other centres as stated per post |
Important Application Notes
To apply, submit a completed Z83 form and a detailed CV (PDF, maximum 10MB) via email or hand delivery. Late applications (including those affected by server delays) will not be considered.
Shortlisted candidates must submit certified copies of required documents (ID, qualifications, and where required, service certificates) before interviews, including South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation reports for foreign qualifications.
SMS posts require successful completion of the Nyukela SMS Pre-entry Programme offered by the National School of Government. Shortlisted candidates may undergo a practical assessment and an integrity assessment, and may be recommended for a managerial competency assessment in line with Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) directives.
False or fraudulent qualifications may be reported to the South African Police Service.
Post 03/01: Scientific Manager Grade A
Ref No: 3/3/1/40/2025
Directorate: Land Use and Soil Management
Salary: R1 099 488 per annum (OSD), all-inclusive package (structured per OSD rules)
Centre: National Office, Pretoria
Requirements
- Grade 12
- MSc Degree in Agriculture or equivalent Agricultural NQF Level 9 qualification
- Registration with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist (Agriculture, Soil Science)
- 6 years relevant post-qualification experience in natural agricultural resources management
- Experience applying GIS for natural agricultural resources assessment and inventories
- Valid driver’s licence
Duties
- Lead national policy and regulatory frameworks for collection, use, preservation and dissemination of data/information required for sustainable use of natural agricultural resources
- Oversee development and application of scientific methodologies and standards for geo-referenced data and systems
- Lead and coordinate research programmes/projects, publish and present findings
- Provide expert advice to stakeholders and monitor compliance with relevant legislation and systems
- Manage and develop human resources, mentor and supervise scientific staff
Enquiries
Mr R K Mompholo: (012) 319 7687
How to Apply
Hand deliver to: 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002
Or email: SMrecruit402025@nda.gov.za
Post 03/02: Scientist Production Grade A
Ref No: 3/3/1/38/2025
Directorate: Food Safety and Quality Assurance
Salary: R761 157 per annum (OSD), all-inclusive package (structured per OSD rules)
Centre: Pretoria
Requirements
- BSc (Honours) in Food Sciences / Food Technology or relevant qualification
- Registration with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNSP) as a Professional Natural Scientist
- 3 years post-qualification experience
- Knowledge of PFMA, departmental policies, and relevant food safety and quality legislation
- Willingness to work extended hours and handle hazardous chemicals
Duties
- Develop, evaluate and implement regulations, standards, policies and guidelines for food safety and quality (export, import and local markets)
- Conduct risk assessments, evaluate labels/marking requirements, and issue certification documentation
- Maintain databases and monitor international trends and requirements
- Liaise with national/international stakeholders and contribute to international standard-setting engagements
- Mentor and develop staff, supervise scientific work and processes
Enquiries
Dr Mbulaheni Mutengwe: (012) 319 6121
How to Apply
Hand deliver to: 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002
Or email: SPrecruit382025@nda.gov.za
Post 03/03: Scientific Technician Grade A
Ref No: 3/3/1/29/2025
Directorate: Genetic Resources
Salary: R391 671 per annum
Centre: Stellenbosch
Requirements
- Grade 12
- National Diploma in Agricultural Science / Biological Science / Botanical Science or relevant qualification
- Registration with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Certified Natural Scientist
- 3 years post-qualification technical (scientific) experience
- Knowledge of Plant Breeder’s Rights Act and Plant Improvement Act
Duties
- Implement methodologies, systems and procedures for evaluation of new plant varieties
- Perform technical scientific analysis and regulatory functions, manage databases, and disseminate information
- Participate in research activities, collect field data, maintain scientific equipment
- Compile reports, publish technical findings, and support stakeholder engagement
- Mentor and supervise technical staff and manage performance and development
Enquiries
Mr SJ Ndlazi: (012) 319 6086
How to Apply
Hand deliver to: 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002
Or email: STrecruit292025@nda.gov.za
Post 03/04: Senior Agriculture Registration Officer
Ref No: 3/3/1/37/2025
Directorate: Agriculture Inputs Control
Salary: R397 116 per annum
Centre: Pretoria
Requirements
- Grade 12
- National Diploma or B-Degree in Public Management/Administration/Office Administration (NQF 6)
- Minimum 1 year relevant experience
- Knowledge of Act 36 of 1947 (Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act), procurement procedures, PFMA, and related SOPs
- Valid driver’s licence and willingness to work extended hours
Duties
- Coordinate administrative services for registration of agricultural inputs in line with legislation
- Manage applications, databases, records, and stakeholder correspondence
- Compile reports and statistics and support stakeholder liaison meetings
- Provide financial administrative support and reconcile registration-related revenue
- Supervise staff and support capacity development and performance management
Enquiries
Mr David Motloi: (012) 319 6889
How to Apply
Hand deliver to: 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002
Or email: SAROrecruit372025@nda.gov.za
Post 03/05: Chief Agricultural Legislative Inspector
Ref No: 3/3/1/39/2025 (X2 Posts)
Directorate: Agriculture Inputs Control
Salary: R397 116 per annum
Centre: Upington and KwaZulu-Natal
Requirements
- Grade 12
- BSc in Agriculture (NQF 7)
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in Agricultural Products Inspection
- Strong knowledge of relevant Acts, regulations, standards, customer service, and enforcement procedures
- Valid driver’s licence, willingness to travel and work extended hours
Duties
- Conduct inspections at facilities, retailers, pest control operators, sterilizing plants, and import sites
- Issue compliance/non-compliance notices and conduct sampling for monitoring
- Perform audits and investigations, compile technical reports, and initiate prosecution where required
- Manage complaints, prepare case documentation, and testify in court when necessary
- Lead awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagements, including raids at high-risk points of interest
Enquiries
Ms Melanie Israel: (051) 409 2628
How to Apply
Hand deliver to: 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002
Or email: CALIrecruit392025@nda.gov.za
How to Apply
Each post requires:
- Completed Z83 form
- Detailed CV in PDF (max 10MB)
- Submit separate applications if applying for multiple posts
- Use the relevant email address listed under the post you are applying for, or hand deliver to the Pretoria address provided