Job details

Circular: 27 of 2026
Page No.: 2

Circular Post: 27/01
Department: Department of Agriculture (DoA)
Closing date: 17 August 2026

About this vacancy

This advert contains combined vacancy information. Review the source-supplied values below; they are not automatically paired into individual positions.

Applications close on 17 August 2026.

Application and salary information

Salary

R791 604 – R1 189 767 per annum, (OSD), (all-inclusive package structured in accordance with the OSD rules)

Application route

Complete submission instructions are provided under How to apply.

Vacancy information

This advert contains combined vacancy information. Values are shown as supplied and are not paired into positions unless the source stores that relationship explicitly.

Centre: Western Cape: Stellenbosch
Salary information: R791 604 – R1 189 767 per annum, (OSD), (all-inclusive package structured in accordance with the OSD rules)

Requirements

35 requirements · official circular text

Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and BSc Honours (Chemistry).
Compulsory registration with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist.
Job Related Work Experience: Three (3) years post-qualification experience.
Job Related Knowledge: Applicants must have knowledge of Public Service and Departmental prescripts/policies.
Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Agricultural Products Standard Act 119 of 1990.
Liquor Product Act 60 of 1989.
Job Related Skills: Programme & project management.
Scientific methodologies.
Research & development.
Knowledge of legal compliance.
Data analysis.
Computer-aided scientific applications.
Technical report writing.
Creating a high-performance culture.
Professional judgment.
Presentation skills.
Mentoring.
Decision making.
Team leadership.
Analytical skills.
Creativity.
Financial management.
Customer focus and responsiveness.
Communication.
Networking.
Computer literacy.
People management.
Planning and organizing.
Conflict management.
Change management.
Problem solving and analysis.
Extended working hours.
Handling of hazardous chemicals.
A valid drivers’ license.

Duties

23 duties · official circular text

Develop and implement methodologies, systems and procedures.
Identify (in consultation with customers) needs for new methods of analysis.
Identify gaps and develop appropriate interventions.
Provide scientific advice and support.
Develop working relations with client base.
Provide scientific data, information and advice as required.
Review scientific publications.
Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions.
Conduct analysis of scientific data.
Gather and interpret data, evaluate results and disseminate information.
Formulate proposals and compile reports.
Develop and customise scientific techniques.
Coordinate and conduct the routine testing of agricultural food.
Research and Development.
Continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures.
Conduct basic and applied research.
Research/literature studies to improve expertise.
Publish and present research findings.
Liaise with relevant bodies/councils on science-related matters.
Human Capital and Development.
Mentor, train and develop staff in order to promote skills/knowledge transfer.
Supervise scientific work and processes.
Manage the performance and development of staff.

Enquiries

Ms Xoliswa Tlali Tel No: (021) 809 1643

How to apply

Where and how to submit 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 SPrecruit64@nda.gov.za

Notes and Z83 guidance

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 readvertise 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. ERRATUM: kindly take that the following two (02) positions, namely: Chief Director: Cooperatives Development with Ref No: 3/3/1/67/2025 advertised in the Public Service Vacancy Circular 11 dated 27 March 2026 and Scientific Technician Production Grade A with Ref No: 3/3/1/37/2026 advertised in the Public Service Vacancy Circular 18 dated 29 May 2026, they are been withdrawn.
The Department likes to apologise for any inconvenience this withdrawal might cause.

Z83 form: Government job applications usually require the Z83 application form. Download the Z83 application form before applying.

Additional notes

EE Target: African, Coloured Males and persons with disability.

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Official source

This vacancy was imported from DPSA Circular 27 of 2026 for reference.

Disclaimer: SA Gov Jobs is an independent job information service and is not a government department. 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.

Original Text

POST 27/01 : SCIENTIST PRODUCTION (GRADE A-C) REF NO: 3/3/1/64/2026 Directorate: Food Safety and Quality Assurance
SALARY : R791 604 – R1 189 767 per annum, (OSD), (all-inclusive package structured in accordance with the OSD rules)
CENTRE : Western Cape: Stellenbosch
REQUIREMENTS : Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and BSc Honours (Chemistry). Compulsory registration with South African Council for Natural
Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist. Job
Related Work Experience: Three (3) years post-qualification experience. Job
Related Knowledge: Applicants must have knowledge of Public Service and
Departmental prescripts/policies. Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Agricultural Products Standard Act 119 of 1990. Liquor Product Act 60 of 1989.
Job Related Skills: Programme & project management. Scientific methodologies. Research & development. Knowledge of legal compliance.
Data analysis. Computer-aided scientific applications. Technical report writing.
Creating a high-performance culture. Professional judgment. Presentation skills. Mentoring. Decision making. Team leadership. Analytical skills.
Creativity. Financial management. Customer focus and responsiveness.
Communication. Networking. Computer literacy. People management.
Planning and organizing. Conflict management. Change management.
Problem solving and analysis. Extended working hours. Handling of hazardous chemicals. A valid drivers’ license.
DUTIES : Develop and implement methodologies, systems and procedures. Identify (in consultation with customers) needs for new methods of analysis. Identify gaps
and develop appropriate interventions. Provide scientific advice and support.
Develop working relations with client base. Provide scientific data, information and advice as required. Review scientific publications. Perform scientific
analysis and regulatory functions. Conduct analysis of scientific data. Gather and interpret data, evaluate results and disseminate information. Formulate
proposals and compile reports. Develop and customise scientific techniques.
Coordinate and conduct the routine testing of agricultural food. Research and
Development. Continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures. Conduct basic and applied research.
Research/literature studies to improve expertise. Publish and present research findings. Liaise with relevant bodies/councils on science-related matters.
Human Capital and Development. Mentor, train and develop staff in order to promote skills/knowledge transfer. Supervise scientific work and processes.
Manage the performance and development of staff.
ENQUIRIES : Ms Xoliswa Tlali Tel No: (021) 809 1643
APPLICATIONS : Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email
SPrecruit64@nda.gov.za
NOTE : EE Target: African, Coloured Males and persons with disability.