Scientific Technician (Production) Grade A Agronomy

Reference Number: DARDLEA/2026/08/60

Department: Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA)

Job Type: Permanent

Directorate: Plant Research and Technology Development Services

Chief Directorate: Research , Training and Capacity Building Services

Programme: Technology Research and Development Services

Salary Level: OSD

Remuneration: R 407 337.00 per annum

Location: Nooitgedacht

Closing Date: Friday, September 11, 2026

Job Description

Knowledge
of the fundamentals of plant/crop production. Knowledge of safety protocols and
compliance measures within an agricultural work environment. Knowledge of plant physiology, plant
pathology, and agronomy will be an added advantage.  Strong attention to detail and accuracy.  Ability to work independently and as part of
the team. Ability to maintain clean and organized work environment. Ability to
follow all relevant policies and procedures. Project management, good
communication and interpersonal skills. Data analysis and technical report writing skills. Must be computer
literate (MS Word, MS Excel and MS Power Point).  Must have a valid driver’s licence.

Requirements

Grade
12 and a recognised BSc Degree/BTech (NQF 7) in Crop Science or Agronomy or
Horticulture as recognised by SAQA. Valid compulsory registration with SACNASP. Three
(3) years’ post qualification technical (scientific) experience.

Duties

To
provide technical support to the Plant Research and Technology Development
Services.
Collect, capture, process, and interpret technical data related to crop growth
and development. Maintain accurate records of experiments, trials, and
observations. Assist in the analysis of data using appropriate software and
techniques. Provide technical support to researchers and other staff.  Participate in project meetings and
discussions. Assist with other tasks as assigned by supervisors.

More Information

Only shortlisted
candidates will be required to submit certified documents. Foreign
qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South
African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Emailed applications will not be
considered. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two
pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a
candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements
and the other will be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Shortlisted
candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a
date and time to be determine by the Department. The first two recommended
candidates for Deputy Directors posts will be subjected to competency
assessment. All shortlisted
candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and
interview.  Following the technical
exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo
psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioral
preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity.

Correspondence
will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. The successful candidate will
be expected to enter into an employment contract and a performance agreement
within 3 months of appointment. Failure to comply with the above instructions
will result in your application being disqualified. Should you not be contacted
within 3 months of the closing date of the advertisement, please consider your
application to be unsuccessful. The successful candidate will be appointed
subject to positive results of the security clearance process. The Department
is committed to providing equal opportunities and adheres to the affirmative
action policy in line with Employment Equity Act, the SMS Handbook and all
relevant legislation applicable in the Public Service.

ENQUIRIES: Ms. N Hlatshwayo
(017) 819 5377 or Ms. K.L. Mdlalose (017) 819 5377