Department of Agriculture Scientific Production Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Agriculture is seeking a qualified individual for a Scientific Production role within its Directorate: Agricultural Inputs Control in Pretoria, Gauteng. This full-time position offers a competitive all-inclusive salary package, structured in accordance with the OSD (Occupation Specific Dispensation).

This is a re-advertisement, and applicants who applied previously are encouraged to re-apply for consideration. The role involves developing and implementing scientific methodologies, systems, and procedures to support agricultural inputs control.

Minimum Requirements

• A Grade 12 Certificate.
• An appropriate 4-year BSc (Honours) or equivalent in Agriculture, with a specialisation in Soil Science majoring in soil fertility and plant nutrition.
• Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist.
• A minimum of 3 years of post-qualification regulatory public experience.
• Expertise and experience in the interpretation of the Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agriculture Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No: 36 of 1947), along with its regulations and guidelines.
• Job-related skills, including programme and project management, scientific methodologies and models, independent research and development, legal compliance, high-level data analysis, Ms Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), technical report writing, customer service, and communication (verbal and written).
• Ability to work under pressure.
• A valid driver’s license.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement scientific methodologies, systems, and procedures.
• Identify and consolidate needs for methodologies, policies, systems, and procedures by developing administrative and compliance regulations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Identify gaps and develop appropriate interventions, including guidelines and training workshops.
• Monitor and evaluate programme performance and perform scientific functions requiring interpretation, including writing technical reports.
• Provide scientific support and advice through client advisory meetings and emails.
• Develop working relations with the client base and create public awareness of the science system through stakeholder liaison.
• Provide scientific data, information, and advice in response to technical enquiries.
• Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions, including conducting analysis of scientific data during the evaluation of applications to register fertilizers.
• Gather and interpret data, evaluate results, and disseminate information by publishing information packages.
• Formulate proposals and compile reports, including writing technical submissions.
• Develop and customise scientific models and techniques by contributing to the technical aspects of regulations.
• Engage in continuous professional development by attending technical workshops and conferences.
• Conduct research and literature studies.

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please submit your application via email to the address below:

Email Address: SPrecruit40@nda.gov.za

Please note that this is a re-advertisement, and all applicants who applied previously are encouraged to re-apply. The closing date for applications is 4 September 2026.