SCIENTIFIC MANAGER GRADE A-B is a South African government vacancy at Department of Agriculture (DoA). This job is part of Circular 25 of 2026 from the DPSA. centre: Gauteng (Pretoria) | closing date: 31 July 2026. Use this page to review the requirements, duties, application instructions and official source links before applying.
Job details
Directorate
Land Use Management Re-advertisement: Candidates who applied previously are encouraged to reapply.
Salary
R1 143 468 – R2 108 922 per annum, (OSD), (all-inclusive package to be structured in accordance with the OSD rules).
Centre
Gauteng (Pretoria)
Requirements
- Applicants must be in a possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and a MSc Degree in agriculture or equivalent Agricultural NQF level 9 qualifications.
- SACNAP registration as a Professional Natural Scientist (Agriculture, Soil Science).
- 6 years relevant post qualification experience in the field of natural agricultural resources management.
- Appropriate experience in the application of Geographical Information System (GIS) within the field of natural agricultural resources assessment and inventories.
- Job Related Knowledge: Knowledge and application of Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983, Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act 70 of 1970, Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Act, 39 of 2024, Spatial Data Infrastructure Act 54 of 2003 and Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013.
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of the natural agricultural resources of South Africa, the protection and long-term sustainable use thereof within a set of related systems.
- Broad knowledge and understanding of natural agricultural resource, sustainable land use and data policies, conventions, legislations, regulations, norms and standards.
- Broad knowledge and understanding of research, research principles, methodologies and approaches use for natural agricultural resources / sustainable land use.
- Knowledge of stand-alone mobile and internet based Geographical Information Systems, applications and tools including the principles, concepts, modelling and software packages used.
- Knowledge regarding the methodologies/formats used and the application thereof in the development of user requirements, system specifications and test cases.
- Knowledge to develop and present training courses on the use of data, Information and Systems (including GIS) and the interpretation/limitations and the use of available data.
- Knowledge on effective stakeholder management including leadership, consultation, negotiation and development.
- Knowledge on effective management of personnel, HR matters and assets including effective project management.
- Knowledge of relevant computer equipment, hard and software.
- Job Related Skills: Geo- data collection, verification, analysis and modelling, interpretation, visualisation and publishing with regards to: Land capacity, Land suitability, Agricultural potential, Agricultural ecological and land use zones, Land use systems & practices and conservation status of the natural agricultural resources.
- Formulation, interpretation and implementation of related policies, legislation, strategies and standards.
- Analytical and critical/strategic thinking, monitoring, analysis, report writing, communication and presentation skills including verbal and electronic exchange of information, national as well as international verbal presentations on complex topics, complex scientific publications, governance related motivations and project management.
- Planning organisation, execution maintenance and problem-solving pertaining to GIS.
- Ability to develop and present training courses on the collection, management and use of Georeferenced data, information and knowledge.
- Development of user and systems requirements in the absence of establishment frameworks based on research and user needs.
- Ability to manage personnel, knowledge and change.
- Computer skills.
- Customer focus and responsiveness.
- Extended working hours.
- Travelling.
- Valid driver’s license.
Duties
- Provide leadership to develop and implement national policy, regulatory strategic and administrative frameworks/ systems to manage the collection, use and preservation of data, information and knowledge require for the planning, management and sustainable use of natural agricultural resources.
- Develop relationships and collaborations with provincial, national, regional and international counterparts.
- Provide inputs and/or develop policies, legislation, strategies and administrative systems to ensure the collection, analysis, dissemination, use and archiving of data, information and knowledge.
- Evaluate and monitor the effectiveness, efficiency of and compliance with policies, legislation and administrative systems and guide the setting of scientific standards, specifications and service standards.
- Provide expert support and advice to stakeholders.
- Oversee the development and application of scientific/technical methodologies, procedures and standards to ensure the availability and use of geo-referenced data, information and knowledge, monitor the efficiency thereof and evolve with new technology.
- Develop relationships and collaborations with provincial, national and international counterpart.
- Design scientific methodologies, procedures and standards for and ensure the collection, analysis dissemination, use and archiving of scientific data and information.
- Present and exchange scientific data, information and knowledge at national, regional and international forums.
- Evaluate and monitor the efficiency/impact of methodologies, systems, standards and the accuracy of data and information.
- Provide export support and advice to stakeholders.
- Lead and coordinate research programmes/projects and conduct research to deliver the data, information and knowledge required for the planning, management and sustainable use of natural agricultural resources.
- Lead, co-ordinate and conduct basic (fundamental) and applied research.
- Liaise with relevant bodies/councils on science-related matters.
- Ensure knowledge generation and dissemination.
- Formulate and evaluate research proposals.
- Review scientific reports and publications.
- Compile research reports, publish and present research findings.
- Source funding for research projects.
- Manage the development of human resources effectively and efficiently.
- Continuous own professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures.
- Mentor, train and develop scientists and others to promote skills/knowledge transfer and adherence to sound scientific principles and code of practice.
- Supervise scientific work and processes.
- Manage the development and performance of staff.
Enquiries
Mr RK Mampholo Tel No: (012) 319 7687
Applications
Where to send your application.
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email SMrecruit56@nda.gov.za
Department Notes
To apply, submit a completed Z83 form and detailed Curriculum Vitae (PDF document to a maximum of 10 megabytes) via e-mail or hand delivery. The Department will not be held responsible for server delays. Late applications due to technical issues will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies of required documents (Identity Document, qualifications, etc) where necessary and service certificates to support senior management experience to Human Resources before the interviews, including South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation reports for foreign qualifications. Failure to comply will result in disqualification. To be appointed at Senior Management Service (SMS) level, you must complete the SMS Preentry programme offered by the National School of Government (NSG). Find course details here: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entryprogramme/ appointment is subject to successful competition of the Nyukela Programme: Pre-entry Certificate to SMS and submission of proof. 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, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. All shortlisted candidates, including SMS shall undertake two preentry assessments. One must be a practical exercise, and the other must be an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment. Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process. NB: Please note that false or fraudulent qualifications submitted by applicants will be reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS), and a criminal case shall be opened. Applications: Please submit your application before the closing date, as late applications will not be considered. Do not submit duplicate applications. If applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for each post. Due to high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard from us within 3 months, please consider your application to be unsuccessful. Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a moratorium be placed on the filling of posts or the Department is affected by any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts, the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and re-advertise the post at any time in the future. Important: DOA is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies. By applying, you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a date and time as determined by the Department. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks (including social media profiles). Applications must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other allegations or investigations. Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination.
Notes
EE Target: Africans, Coloureds and Persons with disability.
Z83 form: Government job applications usually require the Z83 application form. Download the Z83 application form before applying.
Original Text
Re-advertisement: Candidates who applied previously are encouraged to reapply.
SALARY : R1 143 468 – R2 108 922 per annum, (OSD), (all-inclusive package to be structured in accordance with the OSD rules).
CENTRE : Gauteng (Pretoria)
REQUIREMENTS : Applicants must be in a possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and a MSc Degree in agriculture or equivalent Agricultural NQF level 9 qualifications.
SACNAP registration as a Professional Natural Scientist (Agriculture, Soil
Science). 6 years relevant post qualification experience in the field of natural agricultural resources management. Appropriate experience in the application
of Geographical Information System (GIS) within the field of natural agricultural resources assessment and inventories. Job Related Knowledge: Knowledge
and application of Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983,
Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act 70 of 1970, Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Act, 39 of 2024, Spatial Data Infrastructure Act 54 of 2003
and Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013. Advanced knowledge and understanding of the natural agricultural resources of South
Africa, the protection and long-term sustainable use thereof within a set of related systems. Broad knowledge and understanding of natural agricultural
resource, sustainable land use and data policies, conventions, legislations, regulations, norms and standards. Broad knowledge and understanding of
research, research principles, methodologies and approaches use for natural agricultural resources / sustainable land use. Knowledge of stand-alone mobile
and internet based Geographical Information Systems, applications and tools including the principles, concepts, modelling and software packages used.
Knowledge regarding the methodologies/formats used and the application thereof in the development of user requirements, system specifications and
test cases. Knowledge to develop and present training courses on the use of data, Information and Systems (including GIS) and the interpretation/limitations
and the use of available data. Knowledge on effective stakeholder management including leadership, consultation, negotiation and development.
Knowledge on effective management of personnel, HR matters and assets including effective project management. Knowledge of relevant computer
equipment, hard and software. Job Related Skills: Geo- data collection, verification, analysis and modelling, interpretation, visualisation and publishing
with regards to: Land capacity, Land suitability, Agricultural potential,
Agricultural ecological and land use zones, Land use systems & practices and conservation status of the natural agricultural resources. Formulation,
interpretation and implementation of related policies, legislation, strategies and standards. Analytical and critical/strategic thinking, monitoring, analysis, report
writing, communication and presentation skills including verbal and electronic exchange of information, national as well as international verbal presentations
on complex topics, complex scientific publications, governance related motivations and project management. Planning organisation, execution
maintenance and problem-solving pertaining to GIS. Ability to develop and present training courses on the collection, management and use of Georeferenced data, information and knowledge. Development of user and
systems requirements in the absence of establishment frameworks based on research and user needs. Ability to manage personnel, knowledge and change.
Computer skills. Customer focus and responsiveness. Extended working hours. Travelling. Valid driver’s license.
DUTIES : Provide leadership to develop and implement national policy, regulatory strategic and administrative frameworks/ systems to manage the collection,
use and preservation of data, information and knowledge require for the planning, management and sustainable use of natural agricultural resources.
Develop relationships and collaborations with provincial, national, regional and international counterparts. Provide inputs and/or develop policies, legislation,
strategies and administrative systems to ensure the collection, analysis, dissemination, use and archiving of data, information and knowledge. Evaluate
and monitor the effectiveness, efficiency of and compliance with policies, legislation and administrative systems and guide the setting of scientific
standards, specifications and service standards. Provide expert support and advice to stakeholders. Oversee the development and application of
scientific/technical methodologies, procedures and standards to ensure the availability and use of geo-referenced data, information and knowledge,
monitor the efficiency thereof and evolve with new technology. Develop relationships and collaborations with provincial, national and international
counterpart. Design scientific methodologies, procedures and standards for and ensure the collection, analysis dissemination, use and archiving of
scientific data and information. Present and exchange scientific data, information and knowledge at national, regional and international forums.
Evaluate and monitor the efficiency/impact of methodologies, systems, standards and the accuracy of data and information. Provide export support
and advice to stakeholders. Lead and coordinate research programmes/projects and conduct research to deliver the data, information and
knowledge required for the planning, management and sustainable use of natural agricultural resources. Lead, co-ordinate and conduct basic
(fundamental) and applied research. Liaise with relevant bodies/councils on science-related matters. Ensure knowledge generation and dissemination.
Formulate and evaluate research proposals. Review scientific reports and publications. Compile research reports, publish and present research findings.
Source funding for research projects. Manage the development of human resources effectively and efficiently. Continuous own professional development
to keep up with new technologies and procedures. Mentor, train and develop scientists and others to promote skills/knowledge transfer and adherence to
sound scientific principles and code of practice. Supervise scientific work and processes. Manage the development and performance of staff.
ENQUIRIES : Mr RK Mampholo Tel No: (012) 319 7687
APPLICATIONS : Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email
SMrecruit56@nda.gov.za
NOTE : EE Target: Africans, Coloureds and Persons with disability.
Official source
This vacancy was imported from DPSA Circular 25 of 2026 for reference.
Disclaimer: This vacancy was imported from the official DPSA circular PDF. Please confirm the reference number, closing date, and application instructions in the original circular before applying. View the official DPSA vacancy circulars.