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Department of Agriculture Vacancies 2026: 5 Posts Open on DPSA Circular 30 (Closing 4 September)
The Department of Agriculture (DOA) has advertised five vacancies on DPSA Circular 30 of 2026, covering scientific, technical and compliance roles based in Gauteng and the Western Cape. These government positions offer competitive OSD-linked salaries and are open to South African applicants who meet the relevant qualification and registration requirements.
Applications close on 4 September 2026 at 16:00, so interested applicants should prepare their Z83 forms and CVs well ahead of the deadline.
About the Department of Agriculture Vacancies
The Department of Agriculture has advertised these posts across two directorates, Agricultural Inputs Control and Genetic Resources, along with a Compliance Management Services role. The scientific posts are structured under the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD), meaning remuneration packages are set according to OSD rules rather than standard public service salary levels. One of the posts, Scientific Production, is a re-advertisement, and the Department has confirmed that all applicants who applied previously are encouraged to re-apply.
Below is a breakdown of each available position, its requirements, and how to apply.
1. Scientific Production (Ref: 3/3/1/73/2026)
This re-advertised post falls under the Agricultural Inputs Control directorate and is based in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Salary: R791,604 per annum (OSD, all-inclusive package)
Requirements: Applicants need a Grade 12 Certificate and an appropriate 4-year BSc (Honours) or equivalent in Agriculture, majoring in Soil Science with a focus on soil fertility and plant nutrition. Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist is required, along with a minimum of 3 years of post-qualification regulatory experience. Candidates should also have expertise interpreting the Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agriculture Remedies and Stock Remedies Act of 1947, alongside strong data analysis, MS Office, technical report writing and communication skills. A valid driver’s licence is required.
Key duties: Developing methodologies, systems and compliance procedures, conducting scientific analysis and regulatory functions related to fertilizer registration, providing technical support and advice to clients, and mentoring candidate scientists.
Enquiries: Mr G. Moncho, Tel: (012) 319 7169
Apply by email: SPrecruit40@nda.gov.za
EE Targets: African Males and Females, and persons with disability.
2. Scientist Production 2, x2 Posts (Ref: 3/3/1/74/2026)
This post falls under the Genetic Resources (Variety Control) directorate and is based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Salary: R791,604 per annum (OSD, all-inclusive package)
Requirements: Applicants need a Grade 12 Certificate and a BSc (Honours) or M Tech majoring in Botany, Agronomy, Horticulture, Genetics and/or Plant Biotechnology. Registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist is compulsory, along with a minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience in botany, plant taxonomy, plant breeding, or administration of legislation related to the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, Plant Improvement Act, and the UPOV Convention. Strong computer, communication, planning and analytical skills are required, along with knowledge of laboratory apparatus and a valid driver’s licence.
Key duties: Verifying applications and technical questionnaires under the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, establishing and evaluating variety trials, performing technical scientific analysis, compiling variety descriptions and DUS reports, and providing technical support to Registrars and Plant Improvement organisations.
Enquiries: Mr SJ Ndlazi, Tel: (012) 319 6086
Apply by email: SPrecruit41@nda.gov.za
EE Targets: African, Indian and White Males, and African and Indian Females, and persons with disability.
3. Assistant Director: Compliance Management (Ref: 3/3/1/75/2026)
This post falls under Compliance Management Services and is based in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Salary: R487,197 per annum (Level 09)
Requirements: Applicants need a Grade 12 Certificate and a National Diploma in Compliance Management, Law, or Risk Management (NQF 6), along with a minimum of 3 years’ supervisory experience in a compliance management environment. Knowledge of corporate governance, the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA), National Treasury Regulations, and relevant legislation is required, alongside dynamic leadership, project management, and communication skills. A valid driver’s licence is required.
Key duties: Implementing a compliance management strategy and process, developing a compliance training strategy, updating the Departmental Compliance universe, conducting compliance assessments and monitoring, and aligning compliance checklists with strategic and operational plans.
Enquiries: Mr M Setati, Tel: 071 878 9179
Apply by email: ASDCMrecruit75@nda.gov.za
EE Target: African Male and persons with disability.
4. Scientific Technician Production Grade A (Ref: 3/3/1/76/2026)
This post falls under Genetic Resources and is based at the Roodeplaat Genebank in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Salary: R407,337 per annum (OSD)
Requirements: Applicants need a Grade 12 Certificate and a National Diploma in Science or a relevant qualification. Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Certified Natural Scientist is required, along with a minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience in botany, horticulture, agronomy, agriculture, or conservation of plant genetic resources. Strong scientific, computer, communication and project management skills are needed, along with the ability to handle hazardous chemicals and a valid driver’s licence.
Key duties: Developing methodologies for the conservation and sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA), performing technical scientific functions and data collection through field surveys, maintaining and calibrating scientific equipment, and mentoring candidate research technicians.
Enquiries: Ms ML Mokoena, Tel: 060 972 9702
Apply by email: STPrecruit76@nda.gov.za
EE Target: Coloured and White Males and persons with disability.
Key Details at a Glance
| Post | Salary | Location | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Production | R791,604 p.a. | Pretoria, Gauteng | 4 September 2026 |
| Scientist Production 2 (x2) | R791,604 p.a. | Stellenbosch, Western Cape | 4 September 2026 |
| Assistant Director: Compliance Management | R487,197 p.a. | Pretoria, Gauteng | 4 September 2026 |
| Scientific Technician Production Grade A | R407,337 p.a. | Pretoria, Gauteng | 4 September 2026 |
How to Apply
To apply for any of these posts, submit a completed Z83 form together with a detailed Curriculum Vitae as a single PDF document, no larger than 10 megabytes, via email or hand delivery to the relevant address listed for each post above.
Hand delivered applications can be submitted during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002.
Shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies of required documents, including their Identity Document and qualifications, as well as service certificates supporting relevant experience, before interviews take place. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation report.
If applying for more than one post, submit a separate application for each post rather than a single combined application. Due to high volumes of applications, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications, and communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard back within 3 months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
The Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action, and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.
Applications close on 4 September 2026 at 16:00, so submit your application well ahead of this deadline to avoid missing out due to server delays or technical issues.
