WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE VACANCIES

NOTE : Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit copies of their documentation for verification purposes. These candidates will be required to attend interviews on a date and time as determined by the department. The selection process will be guided by the EE targets of the employing department. Should you experience difficulties with your online application, kindly note that technical support (challenges with online application) is only available from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16.00. You may contact the helpline at 0861 370 214. Otherwise, all other queries relating to the position, kindly contact the enquiries person as indicated in the advert. Please ensure that you submit your application before the closing date as no late applications will be considered.

OTHER POSTS
 
 
SCIENTIST (PRODUCTION LEVEL): FOOD SCIENCE REF NO: AGR 15/2024 
SALARY : Grade A: R721 476 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) 
Grade C: R1 084 368 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) 
CENTRE : Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government 
 
REQUIREMENTS : An appropriate Science degree BSc (Hons) or a 4-year BSc Agric degree as recognized by the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) that allows for professional registration; Compulsory and valid registration with the SACNASP as a professional Natural Scientist; A minimum of 3 years post qualification natural scientific experience; A valid code B driving licence M.Sc. or equivalent qualification in Food Science; Experience of agriculture and agribusiness environment. Competencies: Working knowledge of the following: Scientific methodologies and models; Research Programme and Project Management; Legal compliance; Technical report writing; Computer-aided scientific applications; Data analysis; Policy development and decision making; Communication (written and verbal) skills; Proven computer literacy. 
 
DUTIES : Undertake advanced research for the development of new products, adaptation of existing ones including improvement, identification of new and innovative methods and processes, new technology, infrastructure and equipment; Write and publish papers in semi and scientific platforms; Facilitate compliance of Agri-processing establishments, infrastructure and product compliance with relevant prescripts and market requirements; Facilitate on-site advice and support and training on various Agri-processing activities; Perform administrative and human capital development functions, liaise with various stakeholders within the sector and represent the department and/or programme on various platforms. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Ms L Thabethe Tel No: (021) 8087733 
 
 
 
 
 
SCIENTIST (PRODUCTION LEVEL): CROPPING SYSTEMS REF NO: AGR 20/2024 
SALARY : Grade A: R721 476 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) 
Grade C: R1 084 368 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) 
CENTRE : Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government 
 
REQUIREMENTS : An appropriate Science degree BSc (Hons) or equivalent with Agronomy as a major subject; Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist in the appropriate field of practice; A minimum of 3 years post-qualification natural scientific experience in Agronomy; A valid code B driving licence. Competencies: Working knowledge of the following: Small stock management and grazing management; Conservation agricultural and regenerative agricultural systems; Implements/machinery used in the small grain systems; Agronomy; Management in multi-disciplinary cropping systems of the Western Cape and the management of component trials in cropping systems for optimal production and sustainability; Planning skills that involves managing a complex multidisciplinary systems trial within, as well as the large data sets involved; A proven record of participation in the scientific process, as indicated by contributions at local and overseas scientific conferences, study tours, peer reviewed papers published in scientific journals and accredited conference proceedings, and papers in the popular press in this research area; Skills in the following: Communication skills at production and scientific level: Research connections with academic institutes involved in cropping systems and agronomy are recommended; Contact with industry and producers is important; Computer literacy in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
 
DUTIES : Participate with problem identification, problem definition and the prioritization of research needs in in the field of agronomy and cropping systems in accordance with the departmental strategic plan to ensure that relevant and applicable research is conducted; Conduct scientifically accountable, innovative and advanced research trials (on-site) to ensure that cutting edge research is conducted and an information source is available for sustainable agricultural practices; Conduct statistical analysis, interpret results, formulate conclusions and present research findings to all relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries; Perform all administrative and related functions; Keep up to date with applicable prescripts, policies, procedures, technologies and new developments to be able to render an efficient and effective Research service. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Ms A Swanepoel Tel No: (021) 808 5320 
 
 
 
 
 
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN (PRODUCTION LEVEL): ALTERNATIVE CROPS REF NO: AGR 18/2024 
SALARY : Grade A: R371 253 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) 
Grade C: R556 080 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) 
CENTRE : Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government 
 
REQUIREMENTS : An appropriate 3-year National Diploma in Horticultural Science or equivalent qualification; Compulsory registration with SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions) as a Certificated Natural Scientist in the appropriate field of practice; 3 years post qualification technical scientific experience; A valid driving licence. Competencies: Knowledge of the following: Major alternative crops in the Western Cape; Glasshouse and tunnel technical management; Settings, calibration and basic maintenance of appropriate equipment and implements; Technical scientific inputs needed for research trials in the field and in tunnels/glasshouses; Farm work related to research; Technical planning skills; Computer literacy in MS Office Package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc); Communication (written and verbal) skills; Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
 
DUTIES : Render technical assistance in research projects for the development of more efficient farming practices; Administer the creation/adaptation/maintenance of the necessary infrastructure in accordance with the project plan; Perform all administrative and related functions; Render advice and disseminate technical information to applicable role players; Keep up to date with regard to the applicable prescripts, policies, procedures, technologies, and new developments in the subject field. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Ms A Swanepoel Tel No: (021) 808 5320 
 
 
 
 
 
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN (PRODUCTION LEVEL): SOIL PLANT WATER INTERACTION REF NO: AGR 19/2024
SALARY : Grade A: R371 253 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) 
Grade C: R556 080 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) 
CENTRE : Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government 
 
REQUIREMENTS : An appropriate 3-year National Diploma in Soil Science or equivalent qualification; Compulsory registration with SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions) as a Certificated Natural Scientist in the appropriate field of practice; 3years post qualification technical scientific experience; A valid driving licence. Competencies: Knowledge of the following: Major small grain crops in the Western Cape; Soils in the Western Cape climate smart agriculture; Settings, calibration and basic maintenance of appropriate equipment and implements; Technical scientific inputs needed for research trials in the field; Farm work related to research; Technical planning skills; Computer literacy in MSOffice Package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc); Communication (written and verbal) skills; Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
 
DUTIES : Render technical assistance in research projects for the development of more efficient farming practices; Administer the creation/adaptation/maintenance of the necessary infrastructure in accordance with the project plan; Perform all administrative and related functions; Render advice and disseminate technical information to applicable role players; Keep up to date with regard to the applicable prescripts, policies, procedures, technologies, and new developments in the subject field. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Ms A Swanepoel Tel No: (021) 8085320