Agriculture Scientific Manager Grade A-B Vacancy 2026 | Stipend: R1,143,468 - R2,108,922 per annum

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Agriculture is seeking a dedicated and experienced Scientific Manager for a Grade A-B position within its Land Use Management Directorate in Pretoria, Gauteng. This vital role contributes to the protection and long-term sustainable use of South Africa's natural agricultural resources.

The successful candidate will join a team focused on advanced natural agricultural resources management. This is a re-advertisement, and candidates who have applied previously are encouraged to reapply. The position offers an all-inclusive annual package ranging from R1,143,468 to R2,108,922, structured in accordance with OSD rules.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A Grade 12 Certificate.
• An MSc Degree in agriculture or equivalent Agricultural NQF level 9 qualifications.
• SACNAP registration as a Professional Natural Scientist (Agriculture, Soil Science).
• 6 years of relevant post-qualification experience in natural agricultural resources management.
• Appropriate experience in the application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) within the field of natural agricultural resources assessment and inventories.

Key Responsibilities

The Scientific Manager will be responsible for a range of critical duties, including but not limited to:

• Applying knowledge of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Act, Spatial Data Infrastructure Act, and Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act.
• Contributing to the protection and long-term sustainable use of South Africa's natural agricultural resources.
• Applying Geographical Information Systems (GIS) principles, concepts, modelling, and software packages for assessment and inventories.
• Developing and presenting training courses on the use and interpretation of data, information, and GIS.
• Engaging in effective stakeholder management, including leadership, consultation, negotiation, and development.
• Managing personnel, HR matters, and assets, including effective project management.
• Performing geo-data collection, verification, analysis, modelling, interpretation, visualisation, and publishing for aspects such as land capacity, suitability, agricultural potential, and conservation status.
• Formulating, interpreting, and implementing related policies, legislation, strategies, and standards.
• Applying analytical and critical/strategic thinking for monitoring, analysis, and report writing.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their application via email.

• Email Address: SMrecruit56@nda.gov.za
• Closing Date: July 31, 2026