WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE VACANCIES

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NOTE : Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit copies of their documentation for verification purposes. These candidates will be required to complete a practical assessment and 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): BREEDING/ REPRODUCTION/ ANIMAL HOUSING AND WELFARE (ELSENBURG) REF NO: AGR 55/2025 
SALARY : Grade A: R761 157 - Grade C: R1 144 008 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) 
CENTRE : Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government 
 
REQUIREMENTS : An appropriate 4-year Degree: BSc (Hons) in Genetics or BSc (Agric) in Animal Science; Compulsory registration with SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions) as a Professional Natural Scientist in Animal Science or Biological Science; Three years post-qualification (research) experience; A valid driving licence. Competencies: Working knowledge of the following: Programme and project management; Scientific methodologies and models; Computer-aided scientific applications; Technical report writing; Data analysis; Policy development and analysis; Presentation skills; Mentoring. Skills in the following: Team leadership; Analytical skills; Communication; Networking; People management; Planning and organising; Problem solving and analysis; Change management; Innovation; Computer literacy; Ability to work independently. 
 
DUTIES : Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures; Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions; Research and development; Human capital development. The following will be advantageous: MSc (Agric) or PhD in Animal Sciences/ MSc or PhD in Genetics; A record of publication; Proven ability to conduct research in functional genetics/genomics/breeding within the context of agricultural production or farmed species; Experience with management and processing of scientific data related to genetic analyses. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Ms M Mulaudzi Tel No: (021) 808 5220 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SCIENTIST (PRODUCTION LEVEL): NUTRITION AND PRODUCT QUALITY REF NO: AGR 54/2025 
SALARY : Grade A: R761 157 - Grade C: R1 144 008 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) 
CENTRE : Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government 
 
REQUIREMENTS : An appropriate 4-year Degree: BSc (Hons) or BSc (Agric) in Animal Science; Compulsory registration with SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions) as a Professional Natural Scientist in Animal Science; Three years post-qualification experience in animal nutrition; A valid driving licence. Competencies: Working knowledge of the following: Programme and project management; Scientific methodologies and models; Computer-aided scientific applications; Technical report writing; Data analysis; Policy development and analysis; Presentation skills; Mentoring. Skills in the following: Team leadership; Analytical skills; Communication; Networking; People management; Planning and organising; Problem solving and analysis; Change management; Innovation; Computer literacy; Ability to work independently; Proven ability to conduct research in animal nutrition. 
 
DUTIES : Develop and implement farm animal research methodologies, systems and standard operating procedures; Perform farm animal research data analysis and compliance functions; Research and development; Human capital development. It will be advantageous to have the following: PhD in Animal Science (Nutrition), Proven proficiency in feed formulation and a record of publications in animal nutrition. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Ms M Mulaudzi Tel No: (021) 808 5220 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER: DEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATION SERVICES (ELSENBURG, STELLENBOSCH) REF NO: AGR 60/2025 
SALARY : R397 116 - R 467 790 per annum (Level 08) 
CENTRE : Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government 
 
REQUIREMENTS : An appropriate 3-year National Diploma/B Degree (equivalent or higher qualification) in Communication, Public Relations or related field; A minimum of 1-year relevant experience in communication, public relations, marketing or relevant; A valid Code B (or higher) driving licence. NB: People with disabilities that restrict driving abilities, but who have reasonable access to transport, may also apply. Competencies: Knowledge of the following: Creating and maintaining good relations with people from all walks of life; Communication/Public Relations/Marketing; Graphic design using Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and Canva in the production of communication products; Digital media and photograph; Branding, broadcasting/media liaison, online media (both web and social), research, public speaking, events management, latest trends in communication and information products; Strategic thinking in the agricultural and communication field. Skills in the following: Excellent communication (written and verbal); Computer literacy in MS Office Package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Ability to implement; Proven ability to organise. 
 
DUTIES : Manage Communication Services for the Agricultural Producer Support and Development (APSD) Programme, the Branch ADSS and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture: Manage public enquiries relating to the APSD Programme as well as the department; Enhance the department’s corporate identity and brand; Develop and implement communication campaigns and products; Design and rollout of above-the-line communication campaigns and products in collaboration with relevant stakeholders (programmes, regions and facilities); Build relations and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure a common communication message to the sector through the coordination of and participation in functions, exhibitions, conferences, roadshows and other events of the Programme as well as the Department; Compile, edit and develop communication and information products such as brochures, posters, invitations, letters advertisements and publications (such as the departmental magazine) in consultation with the Head of Communication (HoC) of the department; Assist with the sponsorship campaign for the World Food Day event as well as any other similar events hosted by the department; Write as well as collect articles toward the written publications of the Department (internal and external) such as writing of “feel good” human interest stories of farmers and other; Provide information timeously to the HoC for media related matters, social media and website content; Edit videos and other digital content; Update the website with relevant information; Ensure administrative compliance and adherence to reporting processes and structures; Develop a photo library through photographic services at events as well as of projects; Work with and give direction to communication related service providers such as videographers and writers. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Mary James Tel No: (021) 808 5008 / Cell: 084 817 2376

​SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN (PRODUCTION LEVEL): ANALYTICAL SERVICES (ELSENBURG) REF NO: AGR 56/2025 
SALARY : Grade A: R391 671 - R418 332 per annum 
Grade B: R442 389 - R473 778 per annum 
Grade C: R498 816 - R586 665 per annum 
(Salary will be determined based on post registration experience as per OSD prescribed). 
CENTRE : Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government 
 
REQUIREMENTS : An appropriate 3-year National Diploma (equivalent or higher qualification); Compulsory registration with SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions) as a Certificated Natural Scientist in the appropriate scientific field; Three years post-qualification technical (scientific) experience; A valid driving licence. Competencies: Knowledge of the following: Plant analyses; Relevant equipment; Major crops in the Western Cape; Written and verbal communication skills; Computer literacy in MS Office package and LIMS (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Technical skills; Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
 
DUTIES : Analyse samples (plant material) and respond to clients; Development of new analytical procedures; Supervise, mentor and guide Laboratory Assistants; Keep up to date with regard to the applicable prescripts, policies, procedures, technologies and new development to be able to render an efficient and effective service; Agricultural laboratory plant analyses; Experience with LIMS and ICP equipment. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Ms A Swanepoel Tel No: (021) 808 5320 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN (PRODUCTION LEVEL): BREEDING/ REPRODUCTION/ ANIMAL HOUSING AND WELFARE (RIVIERSONDEREND) REF NO: AGR 59/2025 
SALARY : Grade A: R391 671 - R418 332 per annum 
Grade B: R442 389 - R473 778 per annum 
Grade C: R498 816 - R586 665 per annum 
(Salary will be determined based on post registration experience as per OSD prescribed). 
CENTRE : Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government 
 
REQUIREMENTS : An appropriate 3-year National Diploma (equivalent or higher qualification) in Animal Science or relevant; Compulsory registration with SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions) as a Certificated Natural Scientist in Animal Science; Three years post qualification technical (scientific) experience; A valid driving licence. Competencies: Knowledge of the following: Programme and project management; Scientific methodologies and models; Computer aided scientific applications; Technical report writing; Data analysis; Policy development and analysis; Presentation and mentoring; Skills needed: Written and verbal communication; Proven computer literacy; Team leadership; Analytical; Networking; People management; Planning and organising; Problem solving and analysis; Change management; Innovation; Ability to work independently. 
 
DUTIES : Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures; Provide technical support and advice; Perform technical scientific analysis and regulatory functions; Research and development; Human capital development. The following will have advantageous: Working knowledge of fine wool production systems, wool classification and testing; Experience in recording and coordination of research data related to animal science or breeding research. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Ms M Mulaudzi Tel No: (021) 808 5220 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LABORATORY ASSISTANT: ANALYTICAL SERVICES (ELSENBURG) REF NO: AGR 53/2025 
SALARY : R193 359 - R227 766 per annum (Level 04) 
CENTRE : Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government 
 
REQUIREMENTS : Senior Certificate (Grade 12 or equivalent qualification). Competencies: Knowledge of laboratory (soil, plants and water); Good analytical skills, attention to detail, technical accuracy; Computer literacy; Must be able to plan to and meet strict deadlines; Ability to work under pressure and follow methods. 
 
DUTIES : Prepare samples for analyses; Perform routine analysis of samples under mentorship/ supervision of senior personnel; Perform basic maintenance on selected equipment and instrumentation; Report all faulty equipment and instrumentation; Maintain tidiness of laboratories; Clean/ sterilize glassware and equipment; Perform basic maintenance and control functions of lab equipment and stock; Perform administrative and related functions including complying with health and safety regulations; Laboratory (soil, plants, water) analyses; Experience in the research environment. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Annelene Swanepoel Tel No: (021) 808 5320 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AUXILIARY SERVICES OFFICER: RESEARCH: BREEDING/ REPRODUCTION/ ANIMAL HOUSING AND WELFARE (OUDTSHOORN) REF NO: AGR 58/2025 
SALARY : R193 359 - R227 766 per annum (Level 04) 
CENTRE : Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government 
 
REQUIREMENTS : Grade 11/NQF Level 3 (equivalent or higher qualification); A minimum of 1 year of animal handling and management experience. Competencies: Knowledge of the following: Computer literacy; Technical report writing, Data management; Interpersonal relationships and communication; Reliability and ability to work independently; Planning, organising and analytical skills; Problem solving and innovation; Animal-handling; This will be advantageous: A valid (Code B or higher) driving licence. NB: People with disabilities that restrict driving abilities, but who have reasonable access to transport, may also apply. 
 
DUTIES : Perform ostrich-specific research activities and associated tasks; Maintenance of natural resources; Administration; Management of Human Resources; Technology transfer. An animal production/science related qualification will be advantageous. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Dr P Muvhali Tel No: (021) 808 5229