Agriculture · Circular 31 of 2026

Professional Scientist Grade A/B/C (JUNCAO Mushroom)

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Overview

Professional Scientist Grade A/B/C (JUNCAO Mushroom) at Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Cedara Research Station.

Requirements

  • An NQF level 08 four-year B.Sc in Agriculture degree majoring in Microbiology and/or Plant Pathology, compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist and a valid driver’s licence.
  • Experience: 3 years’ relevant post qualification experience.
  • Knowledge: Sound understanding of agricultural research methodologies and application of practices and techniques.
  • Sound and broad knowledge of laboratory instrumentation maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting.
  • Knowledge of microbiology and/or plant pathology.
  • Knowledge of the Labour Relations Act, Public Service Regulations, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Departmental HRM and HRD Policies, Occupational Health and Safety Standards.
  • Skills: Technical: Analytical skills and data analysis, scientific methodology and models, research and development, writing of scientific papers, technical reports and popular articles, scientific editing and reviewing, communication at a scientific, technical and informative level, programme and project management, presentation and computer aided scientific applications, professional judgement, policy development and analysis.
  • Generic: Leadership, mentorship, conflict management, financial management, planning and organizing, analytical, problem solving and analytical thinking, creativity, decision making, change management, customer focus and responsiveness, communication, innovation, computer literacy, customer focus and responsiveness, networking, creating high-performance culture.

Duties

  • Conduct research and development.
  • Perform agricultural scientific analysis and regulatory functions.
  • Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures.
  • Human Capital Development and Management.
  • Perform administrative functions.

How to apply

Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts through the online e-Recruitment system at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs. Applications submitted electronically will be taken as a final application and may not be amended or supplemented in any way after the closing date indicated in the advertisement. All applications must be addressed to the Acting Head of Department and for reference numbers starting with SSC may be hand delivered or couriered to 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton, 3245. All applications for reference numbers starting with NSC may be hand delivered or couriered to Lot no. 11634, Corner of Via Verbena and Loop Street, Veldenvlei, Richards Bay, 3900.

Enquiries: Dr. SR Bezuidenhout Tel No: (033) 355 9657

Notes

Applicants using the manual application process must submit their applications on the prescribed form Z83 (Please Use The New Z83 Form Which Is Effective From 01 January 2021) obtainable from any Public Service Department or at www.dpsa.gov.za and all applications must be accompanied by a comprehensive CV. Applicants must ensure that the Z83 application form is completed in full, duly signed and initialled, as failure to do so may lead to disqualification of the application during the selection process. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other related/supporting documents on or before the day of the interview following the communication from Human Resources. Applicants may also visit any one of our Designated Online Application Centres (DOACS) where our friendly staff will assist you with applying online or receiving your hardcopy application. You can find the list of Designated Online Application Centres (DOACS) at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). No late applications will be accepted. Failure to comply with the above instructions will result in the disqualification of your application. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other will be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. OTHER POSTS

Post 31/192, sourced from the DPSA Circular 31 of 2026. Apply directly to Department of Agriculture and Rural Development by 11 September 2026, quoting reference SSC15/2026. This is an unofficial index; the advert in the circular is authoritative.

Location
Cedara Research Station, KwaZulu-Natal
Salary
R791 604 – R1 015 071 p/a
Closing date
11 September 2026
Reference
SSC15/2026
How to apply →

Apply directly to the department, by the closing date, quoting the reference.