The Department of Agriculture invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for vacancies closing on 17 August 2026. These opportunities are suitable for candidates with experience in food safety and quality assurance, scientific analysis, chemistry, agricultural pest control, environmental management, nature conservation and resource conservation.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Department of Agriculture |
| Closing Date | 17 August 2026 at 16:00 |
| Location | Stellenbosch, Western Cape and De Aar, Northern Cape |
| Application Method | Email or hand delivery |
| Required Documents | Completed Z83 form and detailed CV |
| PDF Size Limit | Maximum 10MB |
Scientist Production Grade A-C Ref No: 3/3/1/64/2026
Directorate: Food Safety and Quality Assurance
Salary: R791 604 – R1 189 767 per annum, OSD, all-inclusive package structured in accordance with OSD rules
Centre: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Requirements
Applicants must have a Grade 12 Certificate.
Applicants must have a BSc Honours qualification in Chemistry.
Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as a Professional Natural Scientist is required.
Applicants must have three years’ post-qualification experience.
Applicants must have knowledge of Public Service and departmental prescripts and policies, the Public Finance Management Act, Agricultural Products Standards Act 119 of 1990 and Liquor Products Act 60 of 1989.
Required skills include programme and project management, scientific methodologies, research and development, legal compliance, data analysis, computer-aided scientific applications, technical report writing, presentation, mentoring, decision-making, team leadership, analytical thinking, financial management, customer focus, communication, networking, computer literacy, people management, planning, organising, conflict management, change management, problem-solving and analysis.
Applicants must be willing to work extended hours and handle hazardous chemicals.
A valid driver’s licence is required.
Duties
The successful candidate will develop and implement methodologies, systems and procedures.
Duties include identifying customer needs for new methods of analysis, identifying gaps and developing appropriate interventions.
The candidate will provide scientific advice and support, develop working relations with clients and provide scientific data, information and advice as required.
The successful candidate will review scientific publications, conduct scientific analysis, gather and interpret data, evaluate results and disseminate information.
Additional duties include formulating proposals, compiling reports, developing scientific techniques, coordinating routine testing of agricultural food and conducting research and development.
The candidate will also keep up with new technologies and procedures, conduct basic and applied research, publish and present research findings, liaise with relevant bodies and mentor, train and supervise staff.
Enquiries
Ms Xoliswa Tlali
Tel: 021 809 1643
Application Details
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to:
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia
Pretoria
0002
Email applications must be sent to:
Resource Conservation Inspector Ref No: 3/3/1/65/2026
Directorate: Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
Salary: R413 001 per annum, Level 08
Centre: De Aar, Northern Cape
Requirements
Applicants must have a Grade 12 Certificate.
Applicants must have a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Agriculture, Environmental Management, Nature Conservation or Pest Management.
Applicants must have at least two years’ relevant experience.
Applicants must have knowledge of the Agricultural Pest Act, National Environmental Management Act, National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, policy development, Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, Public Finance Management Act, Labour Relations Act and Water Act.
Required skills include Geographic Information System skills, policy development, analytical thinking, research, monitoring, leadership, negotiation, communication, presentation, report writing, project planning, project management, inspection, auditing, problem-solving, facilitation, coordination and computer literacy.
Applicants must be able to act with tact and discretion.
A valid driver’s licence is required.
Applicants must be able to work extended hours and travel extensively.
Duties
The successful candidate will conduct surveillance, assessment, activation and monitoring of locust outbreaks.
Duties include responding to locust outbreak reports, verifying outbreaks, conducting ecological risk assessments, planning control measures, monitoring control units and conducting post-control impact assessments.
The candidate will identify research needs and manage chemical storage in district locust areas.
The successful candidate will also monitor blackfly outbreaks, evaluate larvae populations, identify control sites, determine dosage rates, execute control operations and conduct post-control monitoring.
Additional duties include monitoring quelea bird outbreaks, verifying outbreak reports, conducting pre-inspections, planning and managing control operations and conducting post-control monitoring.
The candidate will conduct training and awareness campaigns, train prospective migratory pest outbreak controllers and manage migratory pest data by capturing and mapping outbreak information.
Enquiries
Dr Ikalafeng B Kgakatsi
Tel: 012 319 6775
Application Details
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to:
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia
Pretoria
0002
Email applications must be sent to:
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a completed Z83 form and a detailed Curriculum Vitae in PDF format.
The PDF document must not exceed 10MB.
Applications may be submitted by email to the email address listed under each post or by hand delivery to the address listed under each post.
To apply and access more details, visit the Department of Agriculture official website.
Applicants applying for more than one post must submit a separate application for each post.
Important Notes for Applicants
The closing date is 17 August 2026 at 16:00.
Late applications will not be considered.
The Department will not be responsible for server delays.
Applicants must not submit duplicate applications.
Shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies of required documents, including identity document, qualifications and other relevant documents where necessary.
Service certificates must be provided to support senior management experience where applicable.
Applicants with foreign qualifications must submit SAQA evaluation reports when required.
SMS candidates must complete the SMS Pre-entry Programme offered by the National School of Government before appointment.
All shortlisted SMS candidates will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview.
A maximum of three SMS candidates may undergo psychometric assessments.
All shortlisted candidates, including SMS candidates, will undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity assessment.
False or fraudulent qualifications will be reported to the South African Police Service and a criminal case will be opened.
Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
If applicants do not hear from the Department within three months, they should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and re-advertise the post at any time.
The Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer committed to representivity and affirmative action.
The Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies.
Applicants consent to the collection and processing of personal information for recruitment purposes by applying.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks, including social media profile checks.
Applicants must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or other allegations or investigations.
Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests.
Applicants must declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, including memberships of boards and directorships.
Failure to disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination.
The positions of Chief Director: Cooperatives Development Ref No: 3/3/1/67/2025 and Scientific Technician Production Grade A Ref No: 3/3/1/37/2026 have been withdrawn.