KZN Department of Agriculture Vacancies: Apply by 22 May 2026

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is inviting suitably qualified South Africans to apply for various government vacancies available in Cedara, Richards Bay, Dundee, Empangeni and district offices across KwaZulu-Natal. These opportunities include scientific, engineering, administration, finance, artisan and driver positions. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.

EmployerKwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Closing Date22 May 2026
LocationsCedara, Richards Bay, Dundee, Empangeni and Various Districts
Application MethodOnline, Email, Hand Delivery or Courier

Scientific Manager Grade A Natural Resources Ref No: SSC02/2026

Centre

Head Office – Cedara

Salary

R1 143 468 per annum

Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • MSc Degree in Natural Resource Management, Ecological Science, Environmental Science or Soil Science
  • SACNASP registration as Professional Natural Scientist
  • Valid driver’s licence
  • Six years post-qualification experience

Duties

  • Manage research and development programmes
  • Lead policy implementation and governance
  • Manage natural resource and environmental projects
  • Oversee financial and human resources

Enquiries

Mrs NZQ Pakkies
Tel: (033) 355 9148


Professional Engineer Grade A/B/C Ref No: SSC03/2026

Centre

Head Office – Cedara

Salary

  • Grade A: R914 517 per annum
  • Grade B: R1 030 296 per annum
  • Grade C: R1 172 184 per annum

Requirements

  • BEng or BSc Engineering Degree in Agricultural or Civil Engineering
  • ECSA registration as Professional Engineer
  • Valid driver’s licence
  • Three years post-qualification experience

Duties

  • Design engineering infrastructure plans
  • Conduct inspections and project reporting
  • Perform engineering research and development

Enquiries

Ms SE Ndlela
Tel: (033) 343 8024


Professional Scientist Grade A/B/C – Grassland/Pasture Science Ref No: SSC04/2026

Centre

Cedara Research Station

Salary

  • Grade A: R791 604 per annum
  • Grade B: R900 957 per annum
  • Grade C: R1 015 071 per annum

Requirements

  • BSc Agriculture Degree majoring in Pasture Science or Plant Breeding
  • SACNASP registration
  • Valid driver’s licence
  • Three years post-qualification experience

Duties

  • Conduct scientific research in pasture science
  • Develop policies and methodologies
  • Perform scientific analysis and administration

Enquiries

Mr M Magawana
Tel: (033) 355 9258


Professional Scientist Grade A/B/C – Rangeland/Pasture Science Ref No: NSC01/2026

Centre

Dundee Research Station

Salary

  • Grade A: R791 604 per annum
  • Grade B: R900 957 per annum
  • Grade C: R1 015 071 per annum

Requirements

  • BSc Agriculture Degree majoring in Veld Science
  • SACNASP registration
  • Valid driver’s licence

Duties

  • Conduct veld science research
  • Implement scientific methodologies
  • Support livestock husbandry programmes

Enquiries

Mr M Magawana
Tel: (033) 355 9258


Professional Scientist Grade A/B/C (Biochemistry) Ref No: SSC05/2026

Centre

Cedara Research Station

Salary

  • Grade A: R791 604 per annum
  • Grade B: R900 957 per annum
  • Grade C: R1 015 071 per annum

Requirements

  • BSc Honours Degree in Biochemistry or Chemistry
  • SACNASP registration
  • Valid driver’s licence
  • Three years relevant experience

Duties

  • Conduct agricultural scientific analysis
  • Manage research and laboratory activities
  • Develop scientific methodologies and reports

Enquiries

Dr SR Bezuidenhout
Tel: (033) 355 9657


Professional Scientist Grade A/B/C (Horticulture) Ref No: SSC06/2026

Centre

Cedara Research Station

Salary

  • Grade A: R791 604 per annum
  • Grade B: R900 957 per annum
  • Grade C: R1 015 071 per annum

Requirements

  • BSc Agriculture Degree majoring in Horticulture
  • SACNASP registration
  • Valid driver’s licence

Duties

  • Conduct horticultural research
  • Perform scientific analysis
  • Develop policies and procedures

Enquiries

Dr SR Bezuidenhout
Tel: (033) 355 9657


Assistant Director: Infrastructure Management Ref No: NSC02/2026

Centre

North Service Centre – Richards Bay

Salary

R487 197 per annum

Requirements

  • Degree or Advanced Diploma in Property Management, Public Administration, Project Management or Financial Management
  • Valid driver’s licence
  • 3–5 years supervisory experience

Duties

  • Coordinate management of state-owned properties
  • Oversee office accommodation and construction projects
  • Manage infrastructure resources

Enquiries

Ms GN Ndlovu
Tel: (033) 355 9411


Assistant Director: Movable Asset Management Ref No: NSC03/2026

Centre

North Service Centre – Richards Bay

Salary

R487 197 per annum

Requirements

  • Degree or Advanced Diploma in Financial Management, Project Management or Public Administration
  • Valid driver’s licence
  • Experience in asset management

Duties

  • Coordinate asset acquisition and disposal
  • Manage movable assets and maintenance
  • Implement asset management policies

Enquiries

Ms GN Ndlovu
Tel: (033) 355 9411


Scientific Technician Grade A/B/C (Natural Resources) Ref No: SSC07/2026

Centre

Head Office – Cedara

Salary

  • Grade A: R407 337 per annum
  • Grade B: R460 086 per annum
  • Grade C: R518 769 per annum

Requirements

  • Diploma in Agricultural Science, Natural Sciences or Environmental Sciences
  • SACNASP registration
  • Valid driver’s licence

Duties

  • Conduct scientific analysis and research
  • Provide technical scientific advice
  • Perform administrative functions

Enquiries

Mrs NZQ Pakkies
Tel: (033) 355 9148


Scientific Technician Grade A/B/C (Juncao Mushroom Section) Ref No: SSC08/2026

Centre

Cedara Research Station

Salary

  • Grade A: R407 337 per annum
  • Grade B: R460 086 per annum
  • Grade C: R518 769 per annum

Requirements

  • Diploma in Agricultural Sciences
  • SACNASP registration
  • Valid driver’s licence

Duties

  • Conduct agricultural scientific research
  • Manage laboratory processes
  • Develop scientific methodologies

Enquiries

Dr SR Bezuidenhout
Tel: (033) 355 9657


Personal Assistant to the Chief Director: Rural Enterprise and Industry Development Ref No: SSC09/2026

Centre

Head Office – Cedara

Salary

R338 106 per annum

Requirements

  • Secretarial Diploma or equivalent qualification
  • Valid driver’s licence
  • Three years experience supporting senior management

Duties

  • Provide secretarial support
  • Manage meetings and administration
  • Support budget administration

Enquiries

Mr S Gumede
Tel: 082 892 0731


Artisan Grade A/B/C (Diesel Mechanic) Ref No: SSC10/2026

Centre

Cedara Research Farm

Salary

  • Grade A: R253 341 per annum
  • Grade B: R297 249 per annum
  • Grade C: R345 342 per annum

Requirements

  • Trade Test Certificate in Diesel Mechanics
  • Valid driver’s licence

Duties

  • Conduct repairs and maintenance
  • Produce designs and technical services
  • Maintain expertise in diesel mechanics

Enquiries

Mr AJ Kent
Tel: (033) 355 9192


General Administration Clerk Ref No: SSC11/2026 and NSC04/2026 (X3 Posts)

Centres

  • Harry Gwala District
  • UGu District
  • Zululand District

Salary

R237 453 per annum

Requirements

  • Grade 12 certificate
  • Valid driver’s licence
  • No experience required

Duties

  • Provide clerical and HR support services
  • Handle stores and financial administration
  • Assist with transport and asset support

Enquiries

Harry Gwala: Ms DDS Zulu – (039) 834 7600
UGu: Ms MP Gwala – (039) 682 2045
Zululand: Mr MD Dlamini – (035) 874 9006


Finance Clerk (Revenue Control) Ref No: SSC12/2026

Centre

Head Office – Cedara

Salary

R237 453 per annum

Requirements

  • Grade 12 certificate
  • No experience required
  • Knowledge of BAS and PFMA

Duties

  • Receive and deposit state money
  • Maintain revenue registers
  • Render petty cash services

Enquiries

Ms M Seethal
Tel: (033) 355 9127


Supply Chain Management Clerk (Bids Administration Services) Ref No: SSC13/2026

Centre

Head Office – Cedara

Salary

R237 453 per annum

Requirements

  • Grade 12 certificate
  • No experience required
  • Knowledge of SCM policies and procedures

Duties

  • Provide bid administration support
  • Coordinate site briefing meetings
  • Safeguard bid documents

Enquiries

Mr BR Dube
Tel: (033) 355 9185


Driver/Messenger Ref No: NSC05/2026

Centre

Owen Sithole College of Agriculture – Empangeni

Salary

R201 093 per annum

Requirements

  • Grade 10 qualification or 7–12 months relevant experience
  • Valid driver’s licence

Duties

  • Provide driving and messenger services
  • Conduct routine vehicle maintenance
  • Render clerical support services

Enquiries

Mr MK Shakwane
Tel: (035) 795 1345

How to Apply

Applicants are encouraged to apply online through the KwaZulu-Natal eRecruitment portal:

KZN eRecruitment Portal

Email applications:

Important Application Information

Applicants must submit:

  • Completed and signed new Z83 application form
  • Comprehensive CV

Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents.