The Department of Agriculture (DOA) is advertising several vacancies across different areas of the organisation, including information technology, agriculture and higher education, human resources, laboratory services, and driving and messenger support.

The vacancies include positions in Pretoria, Middelburg in the Eastern Cape, and Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. The advertised positions range from a Driver/Messenger at Salary Level 04 to professional and technical positions such as ICT System Administrator, Senior Agricultural Scientist, Human Resource Practitioner and Senior Laboratory Assistant.

Applicants should carefully check the requirements for the specific position they want to apply for. The Department has stated that applications must be submitted using the prescribed Z83 form together with a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV). The Department also warns that late applications, duplicate applications and applications that fail to comply with the stated requirements may not be considered.

Department of Agriculture Vacancies at a Glance

Position	Reference	Location	Employment Type	Salary	Closing Date
ICT System Administrator (Unix/Linux and Windows)	3/3/1/87/2026	Pretoria, Gauteng	Not specified	R487,197 p.a.	16 October 2026
Senior Agricultural Scientist (Senior Lecturer)	3/3/1/88/2026	Middelburg, Eastern Cape	Not specified	R487,197 p.a.	16 October 2026
Human Resource Practitioner: Recruitment and Selection (X4)	3/3/1/89/2026	Pretoria, Gauteng	12-month fixed-term contract	R338,106 p.a. + 37% in lieu of benefits	16 October 2026
Senior Laboratory Assistant	3/3/1/86/2026	Stellenbosch, Western Cape	Not specified	R237,453 p.a.	16 October 2026
Driver/Messenger	3/3/1/90/2026	Pretoria, Gauteng	Not specified	R201,093 p.a.	16 October 2026

Closing time: 16:00 on 16 October 2026.

1. ICT System Administrator (Unix/Linux and Windows)

Reference: 3/3/1/87/2026
Directorate: ICT Service Delivery and Operations
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Salary: R487,197 per annum
Salary Level: 09

The Department of Agriculture is recruiting an ICT System Administrator specialising in Unix/Linux and Windows environments.

The role focuses on maintaining and supporting server infrastructure, administering Active Directory and Microsoft 365 environments, troubleshooting technical problems and contributing to ICT projects.

The position also involves researching emerging technologies, including areas such as Zero Trust Security, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, machine learning and the Internet of Things.

ICT System Administrator Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Grade 12 Certificate.
• A National Diploma in Information Technology or Computer Science at NQF Level 6.
• At least three years of relevant IT experience.
• At least one year of experience in a Unix/Linux server environment.
• A valid driver’s licence.

Job-Related Knowledge

The Department lists knowledge of:

• Unix/Linux and Windows Server administration and management.
• Active Directory and Group Policy.
• Exchange administration.
• Microsoft 365 and Entra ID administration.
• Hyper-V virtualisation.
• Hardware and software troubleshooting.
• Server monitoring and performance management.
• DHCP, DNS and TCP/IP.
• File and print services.

Useful Skills and Competencies

The position requires skills and abilities including:

• Experience installing, configuring and maintaining server operating systems.
• Cloud services and hybrid infrastructure management.
• Automation and scripting.
• Collaborative teamwork.
• Attention to detail.
• Drive and critical thinking.
• Technical competence.

ICT System Administrator Duties

The successful candidate will be involved in:

• Provisioning Unix/Linux and Windows server infrastructure.
• Supporting and maintaining Unix/Linux and Windows servers.
• Administering Active Directory.
• Administering Microsoft 365 and Entra ID.
• Troubleshooting Unix/Linux and Windows server environments.
• Monitoring server environments.
• Supporting ICT governance and risk management.
• Testing new hardware and software.
• Researching emerging technology trends and making recommendations.
• Working with technologies and concepts such as Zero Trust Security, AI, predictive analytics, machine learning and the Internet of Things.
• Participating in special ICT projects.
• Investigating and planning software and hardware projects.

How to Apply – ICT System Administrator

Applications can be submitted:

Hand delivery:
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia
Pretoria
0002

Email: ICTSArecruit87@nda.gov.za

Enquiries: Ms M Nemutendani – (012) 319 6154 / 6195

EE Target: African Females and persons with disability.

2. Senior Agricultural Scientist (Senior Lecturer)

Reference: 3/3/1/88/2026
Directorate: Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute
Location: Middelburg, Eastern Cape
Salary: R487,197 per annum
Salary Level: 09

The Department is also recruiting a Senior Agricultural Scientist (Senior Lecturer) within the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute.

This position combines agricultural education, curriculum development, lecturing, practical training, student support, applied research and administrative responsibilities.

The successful candidate will work in the Animal Science field and will contribute to academic and practical agricultural training.

Senior Agricultural Scientist Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Grade 12 Certificate.
• A Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) in Agriculture (Animal Science).
• At least three years’ experience in a higher education environment.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• Willingness to travel.
• Willingness to work extended hours.

Job-Related Knowledge

The Department requires knowledge of:

• Relevant legislation and regulations governing the Public Service.
• Government agricultural policies and priorities.
• The White Paper on the transformation of the Public Service, including Batho Pele.
• The relevant subject area.
• Academic subject requirements and teaching programmes.

Skills and Competencies

The advertised skills include:

• Computer skills.
• Strong knowledge of the subject field.
• Supervisory and management skills.
• Formal training and presentation skills.
• Facilitation skills.
• Ability to work proactively.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively.

Senior Agricultural Scientist Duties

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the development and implementation of academic curricula.

Responsibilities include:

• Determining training needs of clients and agricultural industry role players.
• Liaising with relevant agricultural stakeholders.
• Identifying curriculum gaps.
• Reviewing and developing course material and study guides.
• Compiling curricula.
• Ensuring course material meets academic and practical requirements.
• Participating in peer review of study materials and presentations.
• Preparing syllabus guides and lesson plans.
• Presenting practical and theoretical classes and short courses.
• Ensuring assessments and moderation are conducted according to required standards.
• Developing and implementing capacity-building plans.

Teaching and Student Support

The position also involves:

• Preparing practical and theoretical teaching material.
• Presenting lectures and tutorials.
• Maintaining discipline during classes.
• Preparing assessment question papers and memorandums.
• Grading answer sheets, papers and assignments.
• Conducting statistical analysis of results.
• Invigilating examinations and tests.
• Advising and supporting students.
• Moderating examinations when required.
• Presenting short courses and vocational training.
• Liaising with industry on vocational training matters.

The candidate will also provide guidance and mentoring relating to the planning and management of production units, including livestock operations, data collection and marketing.

Other responsibilities include applied research, providing advice to farmers, policy input, academic planning, committee participation, reporting, supervision of staff, performance management and monitoring expenditure and assets.

How to Apply – Senior Agricultural Scientist

Applications can be submitted:

Hand delivery:
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia
Pretoria
0002

Email: SASrecruit88@nda.gov.za

Enquiries: Mr T Cebani – (049) 802 6605

EE Target: African Males, Coloured Females and persons with disability.

3. Human Resource Practitioner: Recruitment and Selection – 4 Posts

Reference: 3/3/1/89/2026
Directorate: Human Resource Administration
Number of posts: 4
Employment: 12-month fixed-term contract
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Salary: R338,106 per annum, plus 37% in lieu of benefits
Salary Level: 07

The Department of Agriculture is recruiting four Human Resource Practitioners specialising in Recruitment and Selection on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

The position focuses on recruitment and selection administration, compliance with HR legislation and policies, vacancy management, shortlisting and interviews, personnel suitability checks, reporting and providing advice to departmental clients.

Human Resource Practitioner Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Grade 12 Certificate.
• A National Diploma in Human Resource Management at NQF Level 6.
• At least one year of experience in a Recruitment and Selection environment.
• A valid driver’s licence.

Job-Related Knowledge

The Department requires knowledge of:

• Recruitment and selection prescripts and legislation.
• Human resource transformation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Public Service Act.
• Public Service Regulations.
• Employment Equity Act.
• Labour Relations Act.
• Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

Skills and Competencies

The position requires:

• Good verbal and written communication.
• Good interpersonal relations.
• Ability to communicate with people at different levels.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Good telephone and email etiquette.
• Presentation and facilitation skills.
• Report writing.
• Record keeping.
• People management.
• Monitoring and evaluation.
• Negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Customer focus.
• Computer literacy.

Human Resource Practitioner Duties

The successful candidates will assist with the recruitment and selection process from vacancy advertisement through to appointment.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring vacant and funded posts are advertised.
• Checking that completed and approved applications to fill posts are attached.
• Ensuring job descriptions or job evaluation results are available.
• Ensuring employment-equity targets are attached.
• Drafting advertisements according to approved job profiles.
• Sending advertisements to line managers for sign-off.
• Submitting documents for placement.
• Advising clients on recruitment and selection.
• Ensuring compliance with recruitment and selection policies and prescripts.
• Arranging shortlisting and interviews.
• Providing technical advice during shortlisting and interviews.
• Implementing selection committee recommendations.
• Drafting appointment submissions.
• Conducting personnel suitability checks.
• Issuing appointment and regret letters.
• Assisting with recruitment and selection information sessions.
• Responding to recruitment-related enquiries.
• Meeting clients about operational matters.
• Preparing submissions and correspondence.
• Providing secretariat services during shortlisting and interviews.
• Interpreting legislation, policies and directives.
• Providing input into policy amendments.
• Following up on vacancies to help monitor vacancy rates and turnaround times.
• Providing training on recruitment and selection policies.
• Maintaining recruitment and selection databases and statistics.

How to Apply – Human Resource Practitioner

Applications can be submitted:

Hand delivery:
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia
Pretoria
0002

Email: HRPrecruit89@nda.gov.za

Enquiries: Mr Godfrey Matloga – (012) 319 9416

4. Senior Laboratory Assistant

Reference: 3/3/1/86/2026
Directorate: Inspection Services
Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Salary: R237,453 per annum
Salary Level: 05

The Department of Agriculture is recruiting a Senior Laboratory Assistant within its Inspection Services directorate.

The position involves laboratory sample preparation, routine analysis, recordkeeping, laboratory equipment, quality systems, health and safety, inventory control and administrative support.

The work includes handling samples from agricultural products and processed foods.

Senior Laboratory Assistant Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Grade 12 Certificate.
• At least three years of relevant experience in Laboratory and Horticulture.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• Ability to drive.

Job-Related Knowledge and Skills

The Department lists knowledge and skills in areas including:

• Public Service and departmental prescripts and policies.
• Agricultural Product Standards Act 119 of 1990.
• Liquor Products Act 60 of 1989.
• Laboratory quality systems.
• Laboratory techniques and safety.
• Problem-solving.
• Effective communication.
• Data processing.
• Analytical techniques.
• Laboratory and office equipment.
• Quality assurance documentation.
• Computer software.
• Troubleshooting.
• Administrative and organisational skills.
• Planning and organising.
• Team building.
• Training and providing guidance.
• Handling hazardous chemicals.
• Working extended hours.

Senior Laboratory Assistant Duties

The successful candidate will prepare samples and perform routine analyses involving agricultural and processed food products.

Duties include:

• Labelling samples.
• Collecting and taking samples for preparation.
• Preparing fruit, vegetables, grain and other agricultural products.
• Preparing processed food samples.
• Weighing, drying and cutting samples where required.
• Preparing media and ELISA kits.
• Preparing and staining smears.
• Preparing stains, buffers and reagents.
• Conducting visual inspections.
• Collecting infected material where applicable.
• Performing extractions and basic sample analyses.
• Recording analysis results.
• Storing samples.
• Packing or transporting samples.
• Assisting with decontamination and disposal of used samples.
• Removing waste.
• Performing basic maintenance on selected equipment.
• Reporting faulty equipment and instrumentation.
• Performing verification and calibration on selected equipment.
• Maintaining laboratory cleanliness.
• Cleaning and sterilising glassware and equipment.

The role also involves administrative responsibilities such as inventory control, maintaining registers, assisting with invoicing and complying with health and safety regulations.

How to Apply – Senior Laboratory Assistant

Applications can be submitted:

Hand delivery:
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia
Pretoria
0002

Email: SLArecruit86@nda.gov.za

Enquiries: Mr T. Pongolo – (021) 809 1640

EE Target: African Males and Females and persons with disability.

5. Driver/Messenger

Reference: 3/3/1/90/2026
Directorate: Animal Health
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R201,093 per annum
Salary Level: 04

The Department of Agriculture is also advertising a Driver/Messenger position within the Directorate of Animal Health.

The position involves driving light and medium vehicles, transporting passengers and departmental items, handling documents, maintaining vehicle records and assisting with registry-related duties.

Driver/Messenger Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Grade 10/ABET qualification.
• A valid Code 8 driver’s licence.
• At least seven months of relevant experience.

Job-Related Knowledge and Skills

The Department requires:

• Knowledge of the city or cities where the duties will be performed.
• Organising skills.
• Good organisation.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic literacy.
• Reliability.
• Creativity.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Driver/Messenger Duties

The successful candidate will:

• Drive light and medium vehicles.
• Transport passengers.
• Deliver mail, documents and office equipment.
• Collect, distribute and control documents.
• Perform routine maintenance on the allocated vehicle.
• Report vehicle defects promptly.
• Conduct daily trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
• Complete required vehicle and goods records and logbooks.
• Maintain accurate trip sheets.
• Record official trips and daily mileage.
• Collect and deliver departmental documents.
• Ensure secure control of documents.
• Assist with registry functions.
• File incoming correspondence.
• Help trace files.
• Copy and fax documents.

How to Apply – Driver/Messenger

Applications can be submitted:

Hand delivery:
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia
Pretoria
0002

Email: DMrecruit90@nda.gov.za

Enquiries: Ms Celia Maluleke – (012) 319 7475

EE Target: African Males and persons with disability.

How to Apply for Department of Agriculture Jobs

The Department of Agriculture has provided a common application process for these vacancies.

Applicants must submit:

1. A completed prescribed Z83 application form.
2. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).

The CV must be submitted as a PDF document with a maximum size of 10 MB.

Applications may be submitted by email or hand delivery, using the relevant application channel provided under the individual vacancy.

Important: Apply for Each Post Separately

Applicants interested in more than one vacancy must submit separate applications for each post.

Do not submit duplicate applications.

The Department specifically states that applicants should not submit one application covering multiple posts.

Documents for Shortlisted Candidates

Applicants should initially follow the Z83 and CV submission instructions.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of relevant documents where necessary, including documents such as:

• Identity document.
• Qualifications.
• Other required supporting documents.
• Service certificates where these are required to support senior management experience.

Applicants with foreign qualifications must provide SAQA evaluation reports where required.

The Department states that failure to provide required documentation may result in disqualification.

Closing Date

16 October 2026 at 16:00

The Department has warned that late applications will not be considered.

Applicants should submit their applications before the closing date and should not wait until the final hours to send their documents, particularly because the Department states that it will not be responsible for server delays.

Important Recruitment and Screening Information

Applicants should be aware that selection may involve additional assessments and screening.

For SMS-level appointments, the Department states that candidates must complete the SMS Pre-entry Programme offered by the National School of Government and that appointment is subject to successful completion of the Nyukela Programme and submission of proof.

National School of Government – SMS Pre-entry Programme

For shortlisted SMS candidates, the Department states that technical exercises and interviews will be conducted. A maximum of three SMS candidates may subsequently undergo psychometric assessments covering areas such as cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence and integrity.

The Department further states that shortlisted candidates, including SMS candidates, will undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise and the other an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment.

Successful candidates may also be subject to:

• Personnel suitability checks.
• Security vetting.
• Reference checks.
• Social media profile checks.
• Qualification verification.
• Other recruitment screening processes.

Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests.

Applicants are also required to declare pending criminal, disciplinary or other allegations or investigations and disclose any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, as well as relevant board memberships and directorships.

Department of Agriculture Recruitment Notices

The Department has also provided two additional notices in the vacancy information.

Campus Manager Erratum

The Department states that the Campus Manager, Ref No: 3/3/1/49/2026, previously advertised in Public Service Vacancy Circular No. 24 of 2026, contained incorrect Employment Equity targets.

The corrected targets are:

• African males and females.
• Persons with disability.

The Department stated that applications for this post would be accepted from 25 September 2026 until 9 October 2026 at 16:00, through the same application channels published under Public Service Vacancy Circular 24 dated 10 July 2026.

Senior Security Officer Advertisement Withdrawn

The Department states that the Senior Security Officer, Ref No: 3/3/1/83/2026, previously published in Public Service Vacancy Circular No. 32 dated 4 September 2026, has been withdrawn.

The previous closing date was 18 September 2026.

Applicants should therefore not treat the withdrawn Senior Security Officer advertisement as an active vacancy.

Important Application Advice

Before applying for any of the Department of Agriculture vacancies:

• Read the vacancy information carefully.
• Confirm that you meet the requirements for the specific position.
• Complete the prescribed Z83 form.
• Sign and date the Z83.
• Prepare a detailed CV.
• Keep the CV within the stated 10 MB PDF limit.
• Use the correct email address for the position.
• Check the reference number before submitting.
• Submit a separate application if applying for more than one post.
• Do not submit duplicate applications.
• Submit before 16 October 2026 at 16:00.
• Do not rely on a last-minute email submission because server delays may occur.
• Keep copies of your application for your records.
• Never pay anyone to secure a government job.
• Only provide personal information through the application channels specified by the Department.

The Department states that it will not acknowledge receipt of applications because of the anticipated volume of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates.

If an applicant has not received communication within three months after the closing date, the Department states that the application should be considered unsuccessful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Department of Agriculture jobs are available?

The supplied vacancy information contains five posts: ICT System Administrator (Unix/Linux and Windows), Senior Agricultural Scientist (Senior Lecturer), Human Resource Practitioner: Recruitment and Selection (four posts), Senior Laboratory Assistant, and Driver/Messenger.

When do the Department of Agriculture vacancies close?

The closing date for the five advertised posts is 16 October 2026 at 16:00.

Where are the Department of Agriculture jobs located?

The vacancies are located in Pretoria, Gauteng; Middelburg, Eastern Cape; and Stellenbosch, Western Cape, depending on the position.

What is the salary for the ICT System Administrator?

The ICT System Administrator position is advertised at R487,197 per annum, Salary Level 09.

What is the salary for the Senior Agricultural Scientist?

The Senior Agricultural Scientist (Senior Lecturer) position is advertised at R487,197 per annum, Salary Level 09.

Is the Human Resource Practitioner position permanent?

No. The supplied advert states that the four Human Resource Practitioner posts are offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The salary is R338,106 per annum plus 37% in lieu of benefits.

What qualification is required for the Driver/Messenger position?

The Driver/Messenger position requires a Grade 10/ABET qualification, a valid Code 8 driver’s licence and at least seven months of relevant experience.

How do I apply for the Department of Agriculture vacancies?

Applicants must submit a completed Z83 form and detailed CV by email or hand delivery. Each vacancy has its own application email address, so applicants should use the email address specified for the position they are applying for.

Final Application Reminder

Before submitting your application, verify the reference number, requirements, application email address and closing date for the specific Department of Agriculture vacancy.

The Department has stated that late applications will not be considered and that failure to comply with the application requirements may result in disqualification.

Applicants should also ensure that information supplied in their applications is accurate. The Department warns that false or fraudulent qualifications submitted by applicants will be reported to the South African Police Service and may result in a criminal case.

Closing date: 16 October 2026 at 16:00.