Department of Agriculture

Location: Gauteng: Pretoria (Roodeplaat: Variety Control)

Requirements

Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate. No experience.

Duties

• Plant seeds and seedlings for evaluation of new plant varieties in terms of the Plant Breeders Rights Act and Plant Improvement Act.
• Plant seeds/seedlings in seedling trays/plant bags/ pots in the greenhouse/ field.
• Group seedling trays according to randomization.
• Sprays insecticide/ fungicide in the greenhouse.
• Apply fertilizers in the field. Plant seeds in identified rows in the field.
• Re-insert plant markets in the trial field.
• Label plant markets for trade and post control, seedling trays/field trials.
• Provide administrative and technical services for Distinctness, Uniformity & Stability (DUS) evaluations.
• Monitor and provide report of trials.
• Count numbers of plants per row in trials.
• Take measurements of plants/plant parts on selected varieties.
• Record measurements in the relevant UPOV datasheet.
• Maintain the filling system. Mark label/ packets, harvest and thrash selected material.
• Operate irrigation system. Process seed of standard varieties.
• Retrieve seeds of identified varieties from cold store.
• Weigh seed and divide seed into seed packets.
• Label seed packets (varieties denomination, trial number, row number).
• Randomize seeds.
• Distribute seed packets as required (e.g. for cold room, greenhouse, field trials).
• Assist with general maintenance of the farm.
• Routine activities in respect of crop production.
• Cleaning of buildings and stores.
• Maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Maintenance of farmyard.

About The Department of Agriculture

The South African Department of Agriculture (often operating within the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development – DALRRD) is the national government body responsible for agricultural policy, food security, and rural development. Its mission is to build an inclusive, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector, focusing on land reform, job creation, and sustainable resource management.

Core Functions and Responsibilities of The Department of Agriculture

• Agricultural Development: Promotes sustainable livestock and plant production, game farming, and natural resource management.
• Food Security & Safety: Implements national frameworks for food security and ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks for food safety.
• Land Reform & Development: Facilitates land acquisition, distribution, and the implementation of agrarian reform programs.
• Rural Infrastructure: Facilitates rural infrastructure development strategies to improve socio-economic growth.
• Biosecurity & Technical Support: Oversees plant and animal health, manages agricultural risks, and provides research and technical services.
• Trade & International Relations: Promotes economic development, market access for agricultural products, and manages international relations for the sector.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email ASOrecruit22@nda.gov.za

You can also check the DPSA vacancy list on this link. Then go to page 5 for this particular post.

ALSO CHECK: The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) New Job List – Circular 14 of 2026

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