Department of Agriculture Auxiliary Services Officers -(X2 Posts)

The Department of Agriculture is inviting applications for Auxiliary Services Officer (Ref No: 3/3/1/22/2026) within the Directorate: Genetics Resources. This opportunity is based in Pretoria, Gauteng (Roodeplaat: Variety Control) and offers an entry-level pathway into agricultural research and plant genetics operations.

If you have completed Grade 12 and are looking to start a career in agriculture, seed production, or plant variety evaluation, this vacancy provides practical exposure in a scientific and farm-based environment.

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Job Overview

The Auxiliary Services Officer role is focused on supporting plant breeding trials, seed management, and field operations. Successful candidates will assist with both greenhouse and field-based agricultural activities, particularly those related to plant variety testing and genetic resource evaluation.

This position is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural innovation and plant improvement systems in South Africa.

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Salary and Centre

• Salary: R201 093 per annum (Level 04)
• Centre: Gauteng – Pretoria (Roodeplaat: Variety Control)
• Number of Posts: 2

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Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Auxiliary Services Officer will be responsible for a wide range of agricultural and technical support tasks, including:

Planting and Crop Trial Support

• Plant seeds and seedlings for evaluation of new plant varieties
• Prepare seedlings in trays, plant bags, or pots
• Group trays according to randomization requirements
• Plant seeds in greenhouse and field trial conditions

Crop Maintenance and Field Work

• Apply fertilizers in field trials
• Spray insecticides and fungicides in greenhouse environments
• Operate irrigation systems
• Maintain farmyard and general agricultural infrastructure

Plant Breeding and Evaluation Support

• Assist with Distinctness, Uniformity & Stability (DUS) evaluations
• Count plants per row in trial fields
• Take plant measurements and record data accurately
• Maintain UPOV datasheets for research purposes

Seed Processing and Management

• Retrieve and process seeds from cold storage
• Weigh and divide seeds into packets
• Label seed packets with correct trial and variety information
• Randomize and distribute seed samples for trials

Administrative and General Duties

• Maintain filing systems for research records
• Label and manage plant materials
• Assist with cleaning of buildings and agricultural stores
• Support routine farm production activities

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Work Environment

This role is based at the Roodeplaat Agricultural Research Facility in Pretoria, a key centre for plant variety testing and genetic resource management in South Africa.

The environment includes:

• Greenhouses
• Experimental field plots
• Seed storage facilities
• Irrigation-controlled farming systems

It is a hands-on position that combines agricultural labour with basic technical and administrative tasks.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Grade 12 / Matric certificate (mandatory)
• No prior work experience required
• Willingness to work in field, greenhouse, and laboratory-type agricultural environments
• Ability to follow technical instructions and maintain accuracy in data collection

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Application Process

Interested candidates can apply using the following methods: (Use Z83 form) Download Z83 form here

• Hand delivery:
  20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002
• Email applications:
  ASOrecruit22@nda.gov.za

Ensure your application clearly states the reference number: 3/3/1/22/2026.

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Employment Equity Consideration

The Department of Agriculture applies Employment Equity targets for this post:

• Coloured and White Males
• African Females
• Persons with disabilities

Applicants are encouraged to ensure their applications reflect these requirements where applicable.

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Enquiries

For further information, contact:

• Mr S.J Ndlazi
• Tel: (012) 319 6086 / 076 460 4582

Closing date: 15 May 2026