Senior Agricultural Scientist (Senior Lecturer) Job at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute
| Job Title | Senior Agricultural Scientist (Senior Lecturer) Job at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute |
| Company | Government jobs |
| Job Reference | 3/3/1/44/2026 |
| Category | Government Jobs |
| Location | Pretoria, ZA |
| Employment Type | Full Time |
| Date Posted | 2026-06-26T17:56 |
| Closing Date | 2026-07-10T19:55 |
| Status | Open for Applications |
| Salary | ZAR 320147 - 487197 per year |
Senior Agricultural Scientist (Senior Lecturer) Job at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute - Job Description
Introduction
If you've got a degree in Animal Production and a passion for shaping the next generation of agricultural professionals, the Department of Agriculture (DOA) has a Senior Lecturer post worth your attention. Advertised as Senior Agricultural Scientist (Senior Lecturer) under reference number 3/3/1/44/2026, this role is based at the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute in Middelburg, Eastern Cape. It's a Level 9 government post offering R487,197 per annum, and applications close on 10 July 2026 at 16:00.
This is more than a teaching job — it's a curriculum-building, research-driven, mentorship-heavy role for someone who wants real influence over how agricultural education is delivered in South Africa.
About the Company
The Senior Lecturer post at Grootfontein sits within the Animal Production discipline and combines classroom teaching with curriculum design, practical training oversight, and applied agricultural research. You'll be working directly with students completing vocational and higher education training, while also liaising with industry stakeholders to keep the course content relevant to what's actually happening on farms and in the agricultural sector.
The role demands someone comfortable wearing multiple hats: lecturer, researcher, mentor, administrator, and occasional farm advisor — since part of the job involves supporting students managing live production units (mini-farms).
Responsibilities
As Senior Lecturer, your day-to-day duties will include:
• Developing and reviewing the academic curriculum for Animal Production, aligned with Higher Education Quality Committee standards
• Identifying training gaps and building new course material, study guides, and syllabus content
• Preparing and delivering lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions
• Compiling exam papers and memorandums, marking assessments, and moderating results
• Mentoring students managing production units — covering strategic planning, day-to-day livestock operations, data collection, and marketing
• Conducting desktop research on emerging agricultural techniques and feeding findings into coursework
• Giving verbal and written advisory support to farmers in your subject area
• Supervising and developing subordinate staff, managing performance, and overseeing departmental assets and budgets
• Compiling monthly and quarterly progress reports
• Serving on academic and subject committees
Required Qualifications
To qualify for this post, you'll need:
• A Grade 12 Certificate
• A Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture (Animal Production)
• A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• A minimum of 3 years' supervisory experience
• Solid knowledge of Public Service legislation and the Batho Pele principles
• Understanding of government policy on Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development
• Strong computer literacy
• Formal training, presentation, and facilitation skills
• A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel
• Willingness to work extended hours and handle pressure in a fast-paced academic environment
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted before 10 July 2026 at 16:00. You'll need a completed Z83 form along with a detailed CV in PDF format, no larger than 10MB.
Submit your application:
• By email: SASrecruit44@nda.gov.za
• By hand delivery: 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 (during office hours)
Enquiries: Mr Themba Cebani — (049) 802 6605
Equity target: African Males and Persons with Disabilities
Note that the Department won't acknowledge receipt of your application due to high application volumes, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you don't hear back within 3 months of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION
• Lead with curriculum and research experience. Since this role is heavily focused on developing course content, highlight any prior involvement in curriculum design, academic programme review, or applied agricultural research — even informal projects count.
• Quantify your supervisory experience. Don't just state "3 years' supervisory experience" — mention team size, what you managed, and outcomes you achieved.
• Show your subject depth. The advert specifically wants "a strong knowledge of the subject area combined with a broad subject background." Use your CV to demonstrate range across animal production topics, not just one narrow specialism.
• Have your PGCE and degree certificates ready and certified. These will be required before interviews, so don't leave certification until the last minute.
• Prepare for two pre-entry assessments. All shortlisted candidates undergo a practical exercise and an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment — both scored as part of the final selection criteria.
• Submit early. Late applications caused by server issues will not be considered under any circumstances, regardless of fault.
• Apply only once, correctly. Duplicate applications or applying for multiple posts within one submission can lead to disqualification — submit a fresh, separate application for this post only.