Scientific Technician (Production Level): Soil Plant Water Interaction (Riviersonderend Tygerhoek), Ref No. AGR 56/2026

Job Purpose

The Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government has an employment opportunity for a competent and suitably qualified individual to render technical execution of research trials for the development of new technology and the adaptation of existing technology aimed at improving farming efficiency in soil plant water interaction. 

Tracking Number

Enquiries

Remuneration

Grade A: R 407 337 - Grade C: R 610 131 per annum (Salary will be determined based on post registration experience as per OSD prescribed).

Note on remuneration: Cost-to-employer (CTE) remuneration packages for certain occupation-specific dispensations (OSD), the middle-management service (MMS) and contract positions are inclusive of all costs related to service benefits or obligations including basic salary, 13th cheque, medical assistance, housing assistance, pension-fund contributions, etc. MMS remuneration packages are flexible and may be individually structured as prescribed. Where remuneration is not indicated as CTE, employees' service benefits or obligations are funded or co-funded in terms of the applicable prescripts or collective agreements.

Notes

Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend interviews on a date and time determined by the department and will be required to submit duly completed and signed vetting and supporting documentation within the timeframe communicated by the WCG and prior to the interview date. Failure to provide the required duly completed and signed vetting and supporting documentation within the prescribed timeframe, without reasonable justification, may result in the shortlisted candidate not being considered further in the current recruitment and selection process.

All shortlisted candidates 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 must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. The selection process will be guided by the EE targets of the employing department.

By applying for this position, you are consenting to the Western Cape Government contacting your previous employers/managers for an employment reference. Reference checks will include enquiries relating to your disciplinary records and reasons for leaving.

Should you experience difficulties with your online application, technical support is available from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16.00. Contact the helpline at 086 137 0214. For all other queries relating to the position, kindly contact the enquiries person as indicated in the advert. Please ensure that you submit your application before the closing date as no late applications will be considered.

Render technical assistance in research projects for the development of more efficient farming practices; Administer the creation/adaptation/maintenance of the necessary infrastructure in accordance with the project plan; Perform all administrative and related functions; Render advice and disseminate technical information to applicable role players; Keep up to date with regard to the applicable prescripts, policies, procedures, technologies and new developments in the subject field. 

National Diploma in Soil Science or equivalent qualification; Compulsory registration with SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions) as a Certificated Natural Scientist in the appropriate field of practice; 3 years post qualification technical scientific experience; A valid driving licence. 

Knowledge of the following: Soil Science research trials; Major small grain crops in the Western Cape; Soils in the Western Cape climate smart agriculture; Settings, calibration and basic maintenance of appropriate equipment and implements; Technical scientific inputs needed for research trials in the field; Farm work related to research; Technical planning skills; Computer literacy in MS Office Package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc); Communication (written and vertbal) skills; Ability to work independently and as part of a team.