POST 01/01 SCIENTIST PRODUCTION GRADE A REF NO: 3/3/1/30/2025 (X2 POSTS)
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
SCIENTIST PRODUCTION GRADE A (X2 POSTS)
Reference Number: 3/3/1/30/2025
Directorate: Genetic Resources
Salary: R761 157 per annum (The all-inclusive remuneration package will be determined in accordance with the Occupational Specific Dispensation – OSD)
Centre: Gauteng (Pretoria) – Head Office
JOB OVERVIEW
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Scientist Production Grade A within the Directorate: Genetic Resources. Two (2) posts are available at the Head Office in Pretoria. This position is intended for professionals with strong scientific expertise in plant-related disciplines who are committed to supporting agricultural development, biodiversity conservation and regulatory compliance in South Africa.
The successful candidates will be responsible for implementing and administering scientific and regulatory processes related to plant variety evaluation, registration and protection. The role requires the application of scientific knowledge in botany, plant breeding, genetics and plant biotechnology, as well as a thorough understanding of relevant agricultural legislation. The incumbent will work closely with internal stakeholders, applicants and international bodies to ensure compliance with national and international standards, including the requirements of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, the Plant Improvement Act and the UPOV Convention.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
The successful candidates will be responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining relevant systems and procedures that support the evaluation and protection of plant varieties. This includes verifying applications and technical questionnaires submitted by applicants in terms of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act. The incumbents will ensure that all documentation submitted complies with legislative and technical requirements.
A core function of the role involves the establishment and management of plant variety trials. This will be done in collaboration with the Directorate’s Farm Manager, applicants or their appointed agents, where applicable. The incumbents will identify trial locations for candidate and comparative varieties and liaise with farm managers regarding field identification and trial layout. Regular site visits will be conducted to monitor trials, collect data and engage with applicants and stakeholders on matters related to their applications.
The incumbents will conduct technical and scientific analyses through the systematic collection of data on candidate and standard varieties, following prescribed national or international guidelines. This includes observation and evaluation of candidate varieties in accordance with the guidelines of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) or applicable national test guidelines. Variety characterization and detailed documentation will form an essential part of the work.
Data analysis will be conducted to assess compliance with Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) requirements as prescribed by relevant legislation. The incumbents will compile comprehensive variety descriptions and DUS reports and confirm whether candidate varieties meet the prescribed standards. All data will be accurately processed, captured and maintained within the relevant databases.
In addition, the incumbents will provide scientific and technical support and advice to registrars, Plant Improvement Organizations and applicants. This includes guidance on the completion of technical questionnaires submitted under the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act. The role also entails research and development activities, including drafting or contributing to UPOV and national test guidelines, reviewing scientific publications and conducting internet-based research related to PBR and variety listing applications.
The successful candidates will participate in national, regional and international forums and liaise with relevant scientific bodies to exchange technical and scientific knowledge. They will also ensure the effective management of reference collections, filing systems, crop and seed registers and may conduct or participate in research related to variety characteristics or ring tests, as applicable.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Applicants must be in possession of a Bachelor of Science Honours degree or an MTech qualification with Botany, Agronomy, Horticulture, Genetics, and/or Plant Biotechnology as a major subject. Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNSP) as a Professional Natural Scientist is required.
Candidates must have a minimum of three (3) years’ post-qualification experience in botany, plant taxonomy, plant breeding or the administration of agricultural legislation.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Applicants must demonstrate sound knowledge of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, Plant Improvement Act, UPOV Convention, plant morphology and physiology, statistics and crop-specific principles. The role requires strong planning, organizing, research, problem-solving and analytical skills. Computer literacy, particularly in MS Office applications and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
Candidates must be willing to work under harsh environmental conditions and be able to travel both nationally and internationally. A valid Code EB driver’s licence is required.
APPLICATIONS
Applications may be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to:
20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002
Alternatively, applications may be submitted via email to:
SPrecruit302025@nda.agric.za
ENQUIRIES
Mr SJ Ndlazi
Tel: (012) 319 6084 / 072 460 4582
NOTE
African and Indian Males, Coloured Females, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
