2026 Career Opportunities - SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN at DPSA
| Job Title | SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN |
| Company | DPSA |
| Job Reference | 3/3/1/37/2026 |
| Category | Government Jobs |
| Location | Pretoria, ZA |
| Employment Type | Full Time |
| Date Posted | 2026-06-02T15:58 |
| Closing Date | 2026-06-12T17:56 |
| Status | Open for Applications |
| Salary | ZAR 369751 - 407337 per year |
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN - Job Description
Introduction
To apply, submit a completed Z83 form and detailed Curriculum Vitae (PDF
document to a maximum of 10 megabytes) via e-mail or hand delivery. The
Department will not be held responsible for server delays. Late applications
due to technical issues will not be considered.
Shortlisted candidates must
provide certified copies of required documents (Identity Document,
qualifications, etc) where necessary and service certificates to support senior
management experience to Human Resources before the interviews, including
South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation reports for foreign
qualifications.
Failure to comply will result in disqualification. To be appointed
at Senior Management Service (SMS) level, you must complete the SMS Pre
entry programme offered by the National School of Government (NSG).
Find
course details here: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry
programme/ appointment is subject to successful competition of the Nyukela
Programme: Pre-entry Certificate to SMS and submission of proof.
All
shortlisted candidates, including SMS shall undertake two pre-entry
assessments. One must be a practical exercise, and the other must be an
Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment. Selection panels shall score both
technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process.
NB:
Please note that false or fraudulent qualifications submitted by applicants will
be reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS), and a criminal case
Applications: Please submit your application before the closing date as late
applications will not be considered.
Do not submit duplicate applications. If
applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for each post. Due to
high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications.
Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not
heard from us within 3 months, please consider your application to be
unsuccessful.
Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a
moratorium be placed on the filling of posts or the Department is affected by
any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts,
the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and re
advertise the post at any time in the future.
Important: DOA is an equal
opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative
action.
Responsibilities
Perform procedures and functions relevant to ex situ conservation activities
relevant to conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for
food and agriculture. Process collected and harvested material, including
accessions in active collection (cleaning, fumigation, counting, packaging,
labelling and storage).
Maintain material planted in shade house/field trials
(includes application of fertilizer and pesticides, weeding, irrigation, where
applicable etc.) Assist with characterization activities pertaining to gene bank
accessions. Perform procedures and functions relevant to in-situ/on-farm
conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and
agriculture.
Assist with establishment and monitoring of in situ/on-farm
conservation projects and community seed banks. Process and register
harvested materials collected from on-farm conservation projects. Assist in
identification and preparation of gene bank material for repatriation. Assist with
activities pertaining to plant collection missions. Perform technical scientific
analysis and regulatory functions relevant to conservation and sustainable use
of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Plant and monitor gene
bank accessions identified for multiplication and characterisation. Conduct
germination testing of identified/selected accessions. Package and label
accessions with acceptable germination percentages. Conduct moisture
content analysis.
Assist with preparation of material identified for safe
duplication at the SADC Plant Genetic Resources Centre (SPGRC). Assist in
preparation of material requested under the Material Transfer Agreement.
Assess the needs and status of Gene bank facilities and equipment.
Conduct
Research and Development to conservation and sustainable use of plant
genetic resources for food and agriculture. Collect and record data on
accessions planted, using recognised descriptors.
Contribute to development
of research outputs on conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic
resources for food and agriculture.
Assist on collecting and analysing
information/data on sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and
agriculture.
Provision of inputs/information for reports required by relevant
national/regional/international bodies.
Required Qualifications
Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 certificate and BSc or National
Diploma with Botany, Agronomy, Horticulture, Agriculture as a major subject or
relevant qualification. Compulsory registration with South African Council for
Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Certified Natural Scientist.
Job
Related Work Experience:
Minimum of 3 years post qualification in the field of
botany, horticulture, agronomy, agriculture or conservation of plant genetic
resources. Job Related Knowledge: Conservation and sustainable use
3
principles. Plant methodology, Plant collection strategies. Seed storage. Seed
processing. Data management. Job Related Skills: Planning. Problem Solving.
Research.
Computer literacy.
Communication skills. Driver’s license.
Organising skills. National and regional travelling
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve
Biko Street, Agriculture Place, ARCADIA, Pretoria, 0002 or by email
STPrecruit37@nda.gov.za.