Agriculture Senior Laboratory Assistant Vacancy 2026 at National Department of Agriculture

Opportunity Overview

Agriculture's Directorate: Inspection Services in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is looking for a dedicated Senior Laboratory Assistant. This crucial role offers a stipend of R237,453 per annum (Level 05) and is vital for maintaining high agricultural product standards. The position provides an opportunity to contribute significantly within a laboratory environment, particularly supporting horticulture and product inspection processes.

This opportunity is well-suited for individuals with a solid background in laboratory work, especially those familiar with quality systems and various analytical techniques. The Senior Laboratory Assistant plays a direct role in ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural and liquor products in the region.

Minimum Requirements

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

• Possession of a Grade 12 Certificate.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a Laboratory and Horticulture environment.
• Knowledge of Public Service and Departmental prescripts/policies.
• Familiarity with the Agricultural Product Standards Act 119 of 1990 and the Liquor Products Act 60 of 1989.
• Knowledge and application of Laboratory quality systems.
• Understanding of work-related policies and procedures, laboratory techniques, and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in problem-solving techniques and effective communication.
• Experience with provisioning administrative systems (for chemicals, equipment, etc.).
• Ability to perform data processing and apply relevant analytical techniques.
• Competence in managing stores efficiently and ordering miscellaneous items.
• Skill in using relevant laboratory and office equipment, along with manual dexterity.
• Insight capabilities in applying quality assurance documentation, ensuring accuracy, thoroughness, and timeousness.
• Computer skills, including the application and usage of computer software.
• Demonstrated alert and troubleshooting skills, as well as administrative and organisational abilities.
• Language capabilities for understanding quality system documentation.
• Strong planning and organising abilities.
• Inclination towards self-development, team building, and training/guidance skills.
• Willingness to work extended hours and handle hazardous chemicals.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Laboratory Assistant will be responsible for a range of tasks, including:

• Preparing samples and performing routine analysis for the determination of components such as chemical residues, dairy, processed food, and liquor products for quality control.
• Labelling samples accurately.
• Collecting samples for preparation, including various agricultural products (fruit, vegetables, grain) and processed foods (bread, dried fruit, fruit juice, honey vinegar).
• Preparing sample material through methods like weighing, drying, and cutting.
• Preparing media (e.g., Eliza kits), stains, buffers, and reagents.
• Preparing and staining smears.
• Conducting visual inspections and collecting infected material if applicable.
• Performing extractions and basic analyses of samples.
• Recording analysis results meticulously.
• Ensuring proper storage of samples.
• Packing and/or transporting samples as required.
• Assisting in the decontamination and disposal of used samples and removal of waste.
• Performing basic maintenance on selected laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Reporting all faulty equipment and instrumentation promptly.
• Performing verification and calibration on selected equipment and instrumentation.
• Maintaining tidiness within laboratories, including cleaning and sterilising glassware and equipment.
• Cleaning laboratory facilities, glassware, and laboratory equipment.
• Performing administrative functions such as inventory control of equipment and consumables, and record-keeping for identified registers.

What the Work Involves

As a Senior Laboratory Assistant, you will spend your days actively involved in the laboratory, preparing and analysing a wide range of samples from fruit, vegetables, grain, processed foods, and liquor products. This includes hands-on tasks such as weighing, drying, cutting samples, preparing media and reagents, and performing extractions and basic analyses. You will be responsible for accurately recording results and ensuring samples are properly stored, packed, and transported.

Beyond direct analysis, your role extends to maintaining a clean and functional laboratory environment. This involves diligently cleaning and sterilising glassware and equipment, and performing basic maintenance, verification, and calibration on selected instruments. You will also manage inventory control for equipment and consumables, update registers, and assist with waste disposal and decontamination. The work environment requires careful handling of hazardous chemicals and may involve extended working hours, contributing to the essential function of agricultural product inspection.

How to Apply

To apply for the Senior Laboratory Assistant position, please submit your application via email to:

• Email Address: SLArecruit86@nda.gov.za

Please ensure your application is submitted by the closing date, 16 October 2026.