Agriculture Scientific Technician Prodcution Grade A Vacancy 2026 at National Department of Agriculture
National Department of Agriculture
Agriculture & Agri-BEE (AgriSETA)
More National Department of Agriculture posts →Monthly stipend
R407 337 per annum, (OSD)
Closing date
04 Sept 2026
5 days left
- Opportunity
- Permanent
- Minimum education
- Diploma (NQF 6)
- Location
- Pretoria, Gauteng
- SETA
- AgriSETA
- Posted
- 22 Aug 2026
Sourced from the DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular (dpsa.gov.za) — the issuing body's official advert, last confirmed there by our scraper on 28 August 2026.
Applications go directly to the email address in the advert — never through SetaJobs.
We rewrite adverts for readability; the closing date, requirements and application method come from the source advert — confirm them there before you apply. How we source listings →
How this salary compares
At R33 945 a month, this post pays below the median of R40 600 for permanent posts asking for Diploma (NQF 6), in Gauteng (16 listings that publish a figure). The middle half of that group pays between R39 584 and R77 691.
- 25th percentile
- R39 584
- Median
- R40 600
- 75th percentile
- R77 691
This post sits in the 9th percentile of that group. Figures are the advertised package converted to a monthly amount — before tax, pension and medical contributions, so take-home pay is lower.
Calculated by SetaJobs from the 16 comparable posts open on this site that publish a figure. Amounts advertised per year are divided by twelve; a quoted range is taken at its midpoint.
Opportunity Overview
Agriculture is inviting applications for a Scientific Technician Production Grade A role, based at the Roodeplaat: Genebank in Pretoria, Gauteng. This vital position falls under the Directorate: Genetic Resources and offers an annual salary of R407 337. The successful candidate will play a key role in the conservation and sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA).
This opportunity is ideal for a dedicated individual with a scientific background, particularly those with experience in botany, horticulture, agriculture, or related fields. It involves both practical responsibilities, such as data collection and equipment maintenance, and strategic tasks like developing policies and providing expert technical advice within an established framework.
Minimum Requirements
- A Grade 12 certificate.
- A National Diploma in Science or a relevant qualification.
- Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Certified Natural Scientist.
- A minimum of 3 years' post-qualification work experience in the field of botany, horticulture, agronomy, agriculture, or the conservation of plant genetic resources.
- Job-related knowledge in areas such as programme and project management, scientific methodologies, research and development, and computer-aided scientific applications.
- Demonstrated job-related skills including creativity, self-management, financial management, communication, computer literacy, planning and organising, and problem-solving and analysis.
- Ability to work extended hours and handle hazardous chemicals.
- A valid Driver’s license.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems, and procedures relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA).
- Perform technical scientific functions and tasks requiring interpretation within an established framework.
- Apply operational standards and consolidate methodologies, policies, systems, and procedures, identifying gaps and developing appropriate interventions.
- Prepare for and participate in research activities, including data collection through field surveys.
- Maintain, calibrate, and operate scientific equipment.
- Provide technical support and advice relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA.
- Develop working relations with the client base and promote public awareness of scientific activities.
- Provide technical and scientific data, information, and advice.
- Perform technical scientific analysis and regulatory functions related to PGRFA.
- Prepare data for routine interpretation, manage databases, and analyse technical scientific data, disseminating information as required.
- Apply appropriate scientific and technical procedures and skills to generate information and knowledge.
- Formulate proposals and compile reports, and develop and customise operational procedures.
- Engage in Research and Development relevant to PGRFA, pursuing continuous professional development to stay updated with new technologies and procedures.
- Conceptualise and develop scientific equipment, and conduct equipment review.
How to Apply
To apply for this Scientific Technician Production Grade A vacancy, please submit your application via email.
- Email Address: STPrecruit76@nda.gov.za
- Email Subject Line: SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN PRODCUTION GRADE A REF NO: 3/3/1/76/2026
- Application Deadline: 04 September 2026
This listing in context
What the 338 opportunities we currently hold say about this one.
- Live permanent posts
- 136
- In Gauteng
- 68
- Closing within 7 days
- 33
20% of the 136 live permanent posts we hold ask for Diploma (NQF 6). The commonest requirement is Degree (NQF 7), at 24%.
Live permanent posts stay open for a median of 13 days between posting and closing date.
Calculated by SetaJobs from the 338 listings open on this site right now, and updated as they change. Browse all 146 opportunities in Gauteng.
What you'll need to apply
Send only the Z83 and your CV. Attaching certified copies now is not required, and an incomplete Z83 is the single commonest reason applications are rejected.
- A completed Z83 form
- Your CV
What this kind of post involves
A permanent post is ongoing employment with no end date, carrying full benefits and, in the public service, a defined salary level with annual notch progression. These are advertised competitively and the selection process is considerably more formal than for programme placements.
How the selection usually runs
- Applications are screened against the stated minimum requirements first, mechanically — not meeting one is fatal regardless of the rest of your application.
- Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel, and for many posts a competency assessment or practical exercise follows.
- Verification of qualifications, criminal record and references happens before an offer, and it is a common point of delay.
What you leave with
Ongoing employment with benefits, and in government a position on a salary scale with a defined progression path.
Where this leads next
Notch progression within your level
Satisfactory annual performance assessment.
The next salary level up
Competing for an advertised post at that level — levels are attached to posts, not to people.
Supervisory or management post
Experience at the level below, plus the qualification the higher post specifies.
A typical route, not a guarantee — progression depends on vacancies, funding and your own performance.
Watch out for this
The screening is mechanical and happens before anyone reads your CV: the advert’s own application instructions are applied as written, and an incomplete or unsigned form is discarded whatever the rest of the application says.
About AgriSETA & this sector
AgriSETA drives skills development across South African agriculture, farming and agri-processing, funding learnerships and apprenticeships in the sector.
Helpful guides before you apply
More Opportunities
Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment Assistant Director: Performance Management Vacancy 2026
Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment
Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment Deputy Director: Woodlands and Indigenous Forest Management Vacancy 2026
Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment
Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment Assistant Director: State Forest Management Vacancy 2026
Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment