The Department of Agriculture General Worker vacancy 2026 (Ref No: 3/3/1/26/2026) is an entry-level opportunity within the Directorate: Animal Health. This position is ideal for candidates interested in wildlife, animal care, and biosecurity operations within a high-level government environment.
This role offers hands-on experience working with animals in controlled facilities, including quarantine stations and wildlife handling environments.
Job Overview
The Department of Agriculture is recruiting a General Workers to support animal health operations, including cleaning, animal care, facility maintenance, and biosecurity control.
This position plays a critical role in maintaining hygiene standards, preventing disease spread, and supporting veterinary and wildlife management teams.
Salary and Centre Details
- Salary: R144 024 per annum (Level 02)
- Centre: Mpumalanga – Skukuza
- Directorate: Animal Health
- Reference Number: 3/3/1/26/2026
Key Knowledge and Skills Required
Candidates should have an understanding of:
- Public Service Regulations
- PFMA (Public Finance Management Act)
- Procurement procedures
- Health and safety standards
- Cultural diversity in the workplace
- Planning and organisational processes
Essential skills include:
- Good communication skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical and interpretation skills
- Listening and teamwork skills
- Ability to work extended hours
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The General Worker will be responsible for a wide range of animal health and facility maintenance duties.
Animal Care and Biosecurity Duties
- Clean workstations and dispose of infectious material safely
- Clean predator cages, stables, and animal bomas
- Remove bedding and wash floors and walls of animal holding facilities
- Maintain strict biosecurity standards at all times
- Supply correct feed to animals in quarantine
- Monitor and report animal illness or abnormalities immediately
- Record daily animal health parameters
- Perform basic animal husbandry tasks
These duties help ensure the health and safety of animals under government care.
Waste Management and Sanitation
- Operate incinerators for safe waste disposal
- Incinerate refuse and biological waste materials
- Record all disposed items accurately
- Remove waste and foreign objects from premises
Proper waste management is critical in preventing disease outbreaks and maintaining environmental safety.
Facility and Grounds Maintenance
- Maintain quarantine grounds, gardens, and surrounding areas
- Mow lawns, trim edges, and clear vegetation from fences
- Clean and maintain animal holding environments
- Ensure general cleanliness of all operational areas
Security and Infrastructure Monitoring
- Conduct daily inspections of electric fences
- Ensure fencing systems are functioning properly
- Assist in maintaining perimeter security of animal facilities
Veterinary and Wildlife Support Duties
- Assist with clinical veterinary work and procedures
- Support necropsies (animal post-mortems)
- Help with game capture operations when required
- Carry equipment and assist technical staff in field operations
- Support carcass disposal and incineration processes
This provides exposure to advanced animal health and wildlife management operations.
Work Environment
This position is based in Skukuza, Mpumalanga, an area known for its proximity to wildlife and conservation operations.
The work environment includes:
- Animal quarantine facilities
- Wildlife handling and veterinary areas
- Outdoor field environments
- Biosecure controlled zones
It is a physically demanding role that requires discipline, attention to detail, and strict adherence to safety protocols.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- ABET or Basic Education qualification
- Previous experience working with wild or large animals is recommended (advantageous)
- Willingness to work extended hours when required
This role is suitable for individuals who are physically fit and interested in animal care or conservation environments.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their applications using one of the following methods: Use Z83 Form (Download Z83 Form here)
- Hand delivery:
20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 - Email applications:
GWrecruit26@nda.gov.za
Ensure the reference number 3/3/1/26/2026 is clearly indicated.
Closing date: 15 May 2026
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