Scientific Technician Production Grade A (Ref No: 3/3/1/37/2026)
Scientific Technician Production Grade A (Ref No: 3/3/1/37/2026)
Location: Roodeplaat Genebank, Pretoria, Gauteng
Salary: R407 337 per annum (OSD)
Closing Date: 12 June 2026 at 16:00
About the Position
The Department of Agriculture is seeking a qualified and experienced Scientific Technician Production Grade A to join the Genetic Resources Directorate at the Roodeplaat Genebank in Pretoria. The successful candidate will support the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- BSc Degree or National Diploma in:
- Botany
- Agronomy
- Horticulture
- Agriculture
- Or a related qualification
- Registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Certified Natural Scientist
- At least 3 years of relevant post-qualification experience in:
- Botany
- Horticulture
- Agronomy
- Agriculture
- Conservation of plant genetic resources
- Valid driver’s licence
Knowledge and Skills Required
Knowledge
- Conservation and sustainable use principles
- Plant methodologies
- Plant collection strategies
- Seed processing and storage
- Data management
Skills
- Planning and organisation
- Problem-solving
- Research skills
- Computer literacy
- Communication skills
- Ability to travel nationally and regionally
Key Responsibilities
Conservation Activities
- Support ex-situ conservation programmes
- Process collected and harvested plant materials
- Clean, package, label, count, fumigate and store seed accessions
- Maintain shade houses and field trials
- Apply fertilisers, pesticides, irrigation and weed control
- Assist with characterisation of gene bank accessions
In-Situ and Community Conservation
- Assist with community seed banks
- Support on-farm conservation projects
- Monitor and register harvested materials
- Assist with repatriation of gene bank materials
- Participate in plant collection missions
Technical and Scientific Functions
- Conduct germination testing
- Perform moisture content analysis
- Prepare materials for safe duplication at the SADC Plant Genetic Resources Centre (SPGRC)
- Assist with Material Transfer Agreement requests
- Assess gene bank facilities and equipment
Research and Reporting
- Collect and record research data
- Contribute to research outputs and reports
- Analyse information related to plant genetic resources
- Provide inputs for national, regional and international reporting requirements
Employment Equity
Preference will be given to Coloured and White Males and Persons with Disabilities.
Enquiries
Ms ML Mokoena
Tel: 060 972 9702
How to Apply
Submit a completed Z83 Application Form together with a detailed CV using one of the following methods:
Email Application
Hand Delivery
Department of Agriculture
Agriculture Place
20 Steve Biko Street
Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Closing Date: 12 June 2026 at 16:00