Provincial Administration: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Vacancies

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and is committed to the promotion of diversity and equity in employment. Women and people living with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reserves the right not to fill any advertised post. Invited candidates will attend interviews at their own cost due to budgetary constraints.

• Assistant Agricultural Practitioner

Ref No: SSC01/2026

No. of Posts: x75

Fixed Term: 3-year contract)

Remuneration: R193 359 per annum, (plus 37% in lieu of service benefits)

Centres:

• Zululand District
• King Cetshwayo District
• uMzinyathi District
• uMkhanyakude District
• Amajuba District
• uMgungundlovu District
• ILembe District
• uGu District
• Harry Gwala District
• uThukela District
• eThekwini District

Requirements:

• A three-year Diploma in Agriculture (NQF level 06) or higher. Compulsory registration with SACNASP. No experience required. A valid driver’s licence. Knowledge, competencies and skills: Knowledge of extension methodology, 107 good communication skills (verbal and written), basic reporting skills, a basic level of public speaking, understanding of group dynamics and ability to communicate with clients and farmers. Applicants must be prepared to physically visit farmers (farms or projects) within the areas where they will be placed.

Duties:

• To assist in rendering general agricultural advice to internal and external clients and to ensure sustainable development. Assist in demonstration of farming methods, to ensure efficient utilization of resources like soil, water, veld, money, and others. Assist in organizing farmers day and information sessions etc. Assist in conducting farm visits and use visitation tools for impact assessment and the development of farm business plans. Source technical and functional input from specialists as required by producers. Assist in providing clients with information concerning financial assistance. To assist in providing technical support on all agricultural projects, food security initiatives, and land development support programs, assist with planning, advice, facilitation of training and after-care. Assist in identification and mobilize interest groups to form entities or institution. Assist in organizing meetings to identify training needs. Assist to facilitate capacity building and provide aftercare. Assist in the facilitating the development and implementation of business plans. Assist in the establishment and revival or inactive projects. Assist in establishing and maintaining home gardens. To assist in promoting a pluralistic approach and partnerships with relevant agricultural stakeholders and organized agriculture. Assist in gathering and analysing relevant information, assist with identification of problems areas and prioritization thereof, e.g. conduct extension surveys. Assist to facilitate the establishment of cooperatives, farmer’s associations, interest groups etc. To assist in the promotion of sustainable production of agricultural products thus working with Agricultural advisors. Facilitate the identification of real and perceived needs. Establish structures to address the needs identified. Assist in building capacity of clients in to enable them to fulfil their own needs. Assist in providing inputs for the implementation of best practice, technologies, and latest trends. Support the implementation of programs. Assist in evaluating the success / effectiveness of production systems. Provide continuous support to ensure sustainable production. Perform administrative and related functions. Study technological advances and best practices to enable him / her to perform the extension function according to the required standards. Keep relevant database up to date (including a register of farmers within the area of operation). Compile and submit monthly and quarterly reports. Comply with the Public Service prescripts, departmental policies, procedures, technologies, and new developments to be able to render efficient and effective extension services. Safe keeping physical assets (where applicable).

Enquiries: Mr NL Ntshangase Tel No: (033) 3438133

Applications: Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts through the online e-Recruitment system Applications submitted electronically will be taken as a final application and may not be amended or supplemented in any way after the closing date indicated in the advertisement.

All applications must be addressed to:

The Head of Department and may be hand delivered or couriered to:

• 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton, 3245.

Applications may also be posted to:

• Private Bag X6005, Hilton, 3245.

 Applicants are discouraged from sending applications through registered mail because the Department will not be responsible for non-collection of these applications. Applicants may submit their completed and signed Z83 application forms and CV’s directly to the following email address: kznjobssouth@kzndard.gov.za

Best Before: 30 January 2026

Note:

Applicants using the manual application process must submit their applications on the prescribed form Z83 (Please use The New Z83 Form which is effective from 01 January 2021) obtainable from any Public Service Department and all applications must be accompanied by a comprehensive CV. Applicants must ensure that the Z83 application form is completed in full, duly signed and initialled, as failure to do so may lead to disqualification of the application during the selection process. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other related/supporting documents on or before the day of the interview following the communication from Human Resources. Applicants may also visit any one of our Designated Online Application Centres (DOACS) where our friendly staff will assist you with applying online or receiving your hardcopy application.

No late applications will be accepted. Failure to comply with the above instructions will result in the disqualification of your application. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

---