Senior Laboratory Assistant vacancy at Department of Agriculture. Location: Stellenbosch. Salary R237 453 p.a. Closes 16 October 2026.
| Job Title | Senior Laboratory Assistant |
| Employer | Department of Agriculture |
| Reference Number | 3/3/1/86/2026 |
| Circular Post No. | 35/04 |
| Category | Government Jobs |
| Location | Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Employment Type | Full Time |
| Date Posted | 7 October 2026 at 00:27 |
| Closing Date | 16 October 2026 at 16:00 |
| Status | Open for applications |
| Salary | R237 453 per year |
| Salary Level | Level 05 |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 / Matric |
| Experience Required | 3 years |
About this Senior Laboratory Assistant position
Introduction
The Department of Agriculture has advertised a vacancy for a Senior Laboratory Assistant in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, in Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026. The salary is R237 453 per year (Level 05). Applications close on 16 October 2026 at 16:00. Directorate: Inspection Services
Responsibilities
- Prepare samples and perform routine analysis for the determination of i.e. chemical resides / dairy / processed food/liquor products composition components (quality control) which would, inter alia, entail the following;
- Labelling of samples.
- Collecting/taking samples for preparation (i.e. fruit, vegetables, grain and or other agricultural products / processed foods bread, dried fruit, fruit juice, honey vinegar).
- Preparation of sample material by e.g. weighing, drying, cutting etc.
- Preparation of media (eliza kits).
- Preparation and staining of smears.
- Preparation of stains, buffers and reagents.
- Visual inspection and collection of infected material if applicable.
- Perform extractions and basic analyses of samples.
- Record analyses results.
- Storage of samples.
- Packing and/or transport samples.
- Assist in decontamination and disposal of used samples.
- Removal of waste.
- Perform basic maintenance on selected equipment and instrumentation.
- Report all faulty equipment and instrumentation.
- Perform verification and calibration on selected equipment and instrumentation.
- Maintain tidiness of laboratories, clean / sterilise glassware and equipment.
- Clean laboratory facilities.
- Clean glassware and laboratory equipment.
- Perform administrative and related functions which would inter alia, entail the following: Inventory control of equipment and consumable for equipment.
- Recordkeeping and updating of the identified register (i.e.
- Register book, sample referral, sample received, record of results, inventory of standards, reagents and chemicals, waste removal).
- Assist with invoicing of analyses.
- Comply with health and safety regulations.
Required Qualifications
- Applicants must be in a possession of a Grade 12 Certificate.
- A Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in Laboratory and Horticulture.
- Job Related Knowledge: Knowledge of the Public Service and Departmental prescripts /policies.
- Agricultural Product Standards Act 119 of 1990, Liquor Products Act 60 of 1989.
- Job Related Skills: Knowledge and application of the Laboratory quality systems.
- Knowledge of work-related policies and procedures.
- Laboratory techniques and safety.
- Problem solving techniques.
- Effective communication.
- Provisioning administrative system (chemicals, equipment etc).
- Data processing.
- Applicable relevant analytical techniques.
- Efficient managing of stores and ordering of miscellaneous stores.
- Use of relevant laboratory and office equipment.
- Manual dexterity.
- Communication capabilities.
- Insight capabilities in the application of quality assurance documentation.
- Accuracy, thoroughness and timeous Ness .
- Computer skills, application/usage of computer software.
- Alert and troubleshooting skills.
- Administrative and organisational skills Language capabilities with regard to the understanding of quality system documentation.
- Planning and organising abilities.
- Self developmentally inclined.
- Team building.
- Trainings skills/give guidance.
- Extended working hours.
- Handling of hazardous chemicals.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive.
How to Apply
Submit a completed, signed new Z83 form and a detailed CV quoting reference number 3/3/1/86/2026. The Z83 can be obtained from any Public Service department or from https://www.dpsa.gov.za/newsroom/psvc/
Applications: Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email SLArecruit86@nda.gov.za
Enquiries: Mr T. Pongolo Tel No: (021) 809 1640.
Closing date: 16 October 2026 at 16:00
Note: EE Target: African Males and Females and persons with disability.
Source: Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026 (issued 02 October 2026), Post 35/04. Always confirm the details against the official advert.