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 do a practical 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): CROPPING SYSTEMS REF NO: AGR 20/2024 R1 
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. Recommendation: MSc Agric degree in Agronomy; Experience in crops and cropping systems in the Western Cape (Small grain production systems, including cover crops); Experience in livestock management; Research connections with academic institutes involved in agronomy research, are recommended. 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 multidisciplinary 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 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): SOIL PLANT WATER INTERACTION REF NO: AGR 19/2024 R1 (X2 POSTS AVAILABLE IN ELSENBURG AND TYGERHOEK) 
SALARY : Grade A: R371 253 per annum 
Grade C: R556 080 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 with Soil Science/Agronomy 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. Recommendation: Experience in soil science research; Experience with soils in small grain crops and systems of the Western Cape. 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); 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 
 
 
 
 
SCIENTIST (PRODUCTION LEVEL): NUTRITION AND PRODUCT QUALITY (DAIRY) REF NO: AGR 22/2024 R1 
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 4-year Natural Science Degree: BSc (Hons)or BSc (Agric) in Animal Science 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 in Animal Science; A minimum of 3years post qualification Natural Scientific experience; A valid code B driving licence. Recommendation: MSc or PhD in Animal Sciences; Demonstrable experience in dairy research. 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 farm animal research methodologies, systems and standard operating procedures; Perform farm animal research data analysis and compliance functions; Research and development; Human capital development. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Ms M Burger Tel No: (021) 8085375 
 
 
 
 
 
SCIENTIST (PRODUCTION LEVEL): NUTRITION AND PRODUCT QUALITY (RUMINANTS) REF NO: AGR23/2024 R1 
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 4-year Natural Science Degree: BSc (Hons)or BSc Agric in Animal Science 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 in Animal Science; A minimum of 3years post qualification Natural Scientific experience; A valid code B driving licence. Recommendation: MSc or PhD in Animal Sciences; Demonstrable experience in ruminant research. 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 farm animal research methodologies, systems and standard operating procedures; Perform farm animal research data analysis and compliance functions; Research and development; Human capital development. 
 
ENQUIRIES : Ms M Burger Tel No: (021) 8085375