SCIENTIST PRODUCTION (GRADE A – C) REF NO: 3/2/1/2023/654
Directorate: Plant Health
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
SALARY: R687 879 – R1 035 084 per annum, (Salary will be in accordance with the
OSD requirements)
CENTRE: Gauteng (Pretoria)
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and BSc Degree or BSc (Honours) with Plant Pathology or Plant / Crop Protection as a major. Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist (Shortlisted applicants are to submit proof of Professional registration of their application for registration with the professional body on the day of the interview process). Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in conducting pest risk analysis or in a related field to the area of studies. Job related knowledge: Extensive knowledge and understanding of viral, viroid, bacterial, phytoplasmic and fungal pests taxonomy, epidemiology, biology, pest mitigation / control programmes.
Departmental structures and management processes and administration processes. International agreements, conventions, bilateral agreements. “Batho Pele” principles. Phytosanitary legislation and regulations. Legislation interpretation and drafting. National and international trade. Relevant industry structures (clients). Applicable phytosanitary norms and standards, national and international. Scientific methodology. Import, export requirements and programs. Work related policies and procedures. Financial legislation, policies, procedures and the provisioning administrative system. Personnel management, disciplinary code and personnel evaluation system. Good ability to work with standard computer software. Meeting procedures and negotiating skills.
Strong problem-solving techniques. Job related skills: Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), Excellent insight into the drafting and application of legislation, Excellent scientific interpretation capabilities, Excellent planning and organisational abilities, Good interpersonal relations skills, Strong ability to take own initiative, Strong scientific interpretation abilities. Accuracy, thoroughness and timeously Excellent driving skills, Strong problem solving and decision-making abilities. Excellent administrative and organisation abilities. Strong strategic planning and resource utilization abilities as well as evaluation abilities. Integrity and discretion.
Excellent typing abilities. Excellent ability to conduct scientific interpretations. Excellent ability to conduct scientific decision making. Strong foresight and initiative. Effective communication. Strong ability to work in a team. Strong ability to work under pressure. Excellent record keeping ability. Must be very creative. Must have strong research capabilities. Strong scientific compilation and editing ability. A driver’s license and willingness to travel.
DUTIES
- To perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions. Develop a pest list. Pest risk assessment. Identification and selection of appropriate risk management options. Draft phytosanitary import requirements / phytosanitary workplans.
- Evaluate technical information related to pest lists and phytosanitary import requirements / phytosanitary workplans and finalizethem. Evaluate and finalize outsourced Pest Risk Assessments. Develop and
implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures. - Monitor and evaluate existing import requirements. Manage / process interceptions and Notices of Noncompliance (NONC). Communication with stakeholders, clients, research institutes, relevant experts, etc. on technical issues.
- Participation in information sessions / workshops / conferences / meetings with regard to phytosanitary matters. Bilateral / Multilateral engagement attended / inputs provided. Perform scientific functions that requires interpretation in the absence of an established framework.
- Human capital development. Supervise scientific work and processes. Mentor, train and develop others to promote skills / knowledge transfer and adherence of sound scientific principles. Research and development. Conduct literature review for pest risk analysis.
- Professional development to keep up with new technology and procedures. Liaise with relevant bodies / councils on science-related matters. Publish and present research findings.
ENQUIRIES: Mr R Mahlakoana Tel No: (012) 319 6325
APPLICATIONS: Applications can be submitted by post to: Private Bag X833, Pretoria, 0001 or
hand delivered during office hours to: 600 Lilian Ngoyi Street (formerly known
as Van der Walt Street), Berea Park, Pretoria, 0002 or to Agriculture Place, 20
Steve Biko (formerly Beatrix) Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083.
NOTE: African. Coloured, Indian and White Males and African, Coloured, Indian and
White Females and Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
CLOSING DATE : 27 October 2023 at 16:00
Download Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Circular
