It is the Department’s intention to promote equity through the filling of posts, according to the set Employment Equity targets. To facilitate this process successfully, an indication of race, gender and disability status is required
APPLICATIONS: Applications may be posted to URS Response Handling, P. O. Box 11506, Tierpoort, 0056 or submitted electronically via email: daff@ursonline.co.za or via fax: 086 654 1824 or online: www.ursonline.co.za or deposited in the URS Response Handling boxes at any one of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ offices indicated below.
Pretoria: Reception, Agriculture Place, 20 Steve Biko Street (formerly Beatrix Street), Arcadia, Pretoria, Gauteng. Enquiries: URS Response Handling, tel. 012 811 1900.
Cape Town: Reception (Ground Floor), Foretrust Building, 3 Martin Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town, Western Cape.
Stellenbosch: Reception (Support Building), Quarantine Station, Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Pietermaritzburg: Reception (5th Floor), Old Mutual Building, 185 Langalibalele Street, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
King William’s Town: Reception (Ground Floor), Old SABC Building, 2 Hargreaves Avenue, King William’s Town, Eastern Cape.
Nelspruit: Reception (2nd Floor), Permanent Building, 27 Brown Street, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.
Makhado: Reception (Ground Floor), Magistrates Building, 103 Landros Street, Makhado, Limpopo
Mthatha: Reception (3rd Floor), PRD Building, 2 Sutherland Street, Mthatha, Eastern Cape
Closing date: 1 August 2014
NOTE: Applications must be submitted on a Z83 Form, obtainable from any Public Service department or on the internet at http://www.info.gov.za/documents/forms/employ.pdf which must be signed (an unsigned Z83 form will disqualify an application) and should be accompanied by a recently updated, comprehensive CV as well as copies of all qualification(s) [Matric certificate must also be attached] and ID-document and Driver’s licence [where applicable]. Non-RSA Citizens/Permanent Resident Permit Holders must attach a copy of his/her Permanent Residence Permit to his/her application.
Should you be in possession of a foreign qualification, it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Failure to submit all the requested documents will result in the application not being considered. Correspondence will be limited to short listed candidates only. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Suitable candidates will be subjected to a personnel suitability check (criminal record check, citizenship verification, financial/asset record check, qualification/study verification and previous employment verification).
Successful candidates will also be subjected to security clearance processes. Where applicable, candidates will be subjected to a skills / knowledge test.
Successful candidates will be appointed on a probation period of twelve (12) months. The Department reserves the right not to make appointment(s) to the advertised post(s). Applications submitted via email, fax or online must include the post title and reference number in the subject line and a scanned, signed Z83 form (a Z83 form without a physical signature will disqualify an application) together with all relevant documents as indicated above. Persons with disability are encouraged to apply.
LAND BORDERS MANAGER
REF NO: 288/2014
Directorate: Inspection Services
SALARY: R532 278 per annum (all inclusive flexible remuneration package)
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in possession of a National diploma or (B.Sc.) degree in Agriculture with Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Food Technology and/or Plant Genetics as a major subject(s) (you are required to furnish a credit certificate and/or statement of results). Candidates must have appropriate and extensive technical experience with regard to the global trade environment and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS), Technical Barrier to Trade (TBT), Convention on Bio-Diversity (CBD) principles, the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act 36 of 1983), the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984), the Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act 40 of 2000), the Plant Improvement Act, 1976 (Act 53 of 1976), the Liquor Products Act, 1989 (Act 60 of 1989), the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act 15 of 1997), the Agricultural Product Standards Act, 1990 (Act 119 of 1990) and other legislative mandates as well as sufficient experience in management and generic administrative processes. Computer skills in MS Office software. Good communication, coordination, conflict management, problem solving and negotiation skills. A valid driver’s licence as well as the ability to drive.
DUTIES: The incumbent will be responsible to manage the application of all relevant Acts and international agreements/protocols and obligations in the border environment. Coordinate and manage the provision of an effective ports of entry inspection services for regulated agricultural products. Stakeholder liaison and management of the resources (physical, human and financial) of the sub-directorate.
ENQUIRIES: Mr E. Maisha, tel. 012 309 8778.
CHIEF AGRICULTURAL FOOD AND QUARANTINE TECHNICIAN
REF NO: 290/2014
Directorate: Inspection Services
SALARY: R270 804 per annum
CENTRE: Oshoek
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in possession of a National diploma or (B.Sc.) degree in Agriculture with Botany, Plant Pathology, Pest Control, Entomology and/or Animal Health/Diseases as a major subject(s) (you are required to furnish a credit certificate and/or statement of results). Extensive experience in inspections within the import and export regulatory environment. Experience in and knowledge of the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act 36 of 1983), the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984), the Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act 40 of 2000), the Plant Improvement Act, 1976 (Act 53 of 1976), the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act 15 of 1997), the Agricultural Product Standards Act, 1990 (Act 119 of 1990) and the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act 36 of 1947) as well as various relevant international guidelines and rules. Good leadership skills with special emphasis on communication and conflict management. Supervisory skills coupled with knowledge of law enforcement. Candidates must be capable and willing to conduct inspections inter alia on trucks, in containers, etc. Computer skills in MS Office software. A valid driver’s licence and the ability to drive as well as the willingness to travel and work away from his/her home/office on short notice, work overtime during the week and weekends and work irregular hours (shifts) in the execution of his/her duties.
DUTIES: The incumbent will be responsible to perform office management duties and conduct inspections, sampling and other necessary functions, including punitive measures and administration, to exercise import and export control over agricultural products regulated by the various relevant international guidelines and rules. Functions will inter alia also include the training of and liaison with Customs and Excise, Home Affairs, SAPS, SANDF, Importers/Exporters and their agents etc. For this post, special emphasis is placed on office management, import and export control and the detection of unauthorised regulated goods imported by passengers and cargo. In addition to inspections, incumbents will also be responsible for detecting unauthorised regulated goods by means of x-ray machines. The incumbent will also be responsible for personnel management, reporting, asset management and inventory control as well as be expected to represent the Department in fora such as the BCOCC and others.
ENQUIRIES: Ms L. Moodley, tel. 012 309 8736.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: SECTORAL COLLEGES
REF NO: 273/2014
Directorate: Sectoral Colleges
SALARY: R270 804 per annum
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in possession of a National diploma or degree in Agriculture. Knowledge and understanding of all relevant legislation and regulations governing the Public Service including the Public Finance Management Act, 1991 (Act 1 of 1991) (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, the Public Service Act, 1994 (Act 101 of 1994), the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act 66 of 1995), Government’s vision, priorities and priority outcomes in terms of skills development, other relevant legislation (e.g. the Adult Basic Education and Training Act, 2000 [Act 52 of 2000], the Skills Development Act, 1998 [Act 97 of 1998], the South African Qualifications Authority Act, 1995 [Act 58 of 1995] [SAQA], the Further Education and Training Qualifications Act, 2006 [Act 16 of 2006]), the various SETA’s and their functions, SAQA processes and curriculum development, the mandate of the Agricultural Education and Training (AET) Strategy, the Norms and Standards for Agricultural Training Institutes (ATIs) in South Africa and the Batho Pele principles. Sound communication (verbal and written) skills. Good interpersonal relations, coordination, planning and liaison skills. Ability to work independently as well as within a team. Report writing and presentation skills. Computer skills in MS Office software. A valid driver’s licence and the ability to drive.
DUTIES: The incumbent will be responsible to ensure the implementation of programmes for Agricultural Training Institutes (ATIs) by facilitating the implementation of the Colleges Revitalisation Plan. Facilitate and implement the compilation of ATI student outputs and performance. Facilitate the development and review of ATI curriculum, learnerships and skills programmes at levels 1-7. Facilitate the articulation and linkage of ATI qualifications with Tertiary institutions. Facilitate and monitor the implementation of College business plans. Maintain a database of all graduate enrolments and College outputs as well as their status of employment. Monitor and evaluate the quality assurance and accreditation of ATIs and their higher education and further education training programmes with relevant bodies.
ENQUIRIES: Mr S. Nompozolo, tel. 012 319 7211
SENIOR AGRICULTURAL FOOD AND QUARANTINE TECHNICIAN
REF NO: 285/2014
Directorate: Inspection Services
SALARY: R227 802 per annum
CENTRE: Cape Town International Airport
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in possession of a National diploma or (B.Sc.) degree in Animal Health with Animal Diseases as a major subject (you are required to furnish a credit certificate and/or statement of results) as well as a dog training or dog handling certificate. Knowledge of canine motivation, dog psychology, behaviour patterns and olfactory perceptions and abilities. Relevant experience in a related field and experience and knowledge of the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act 36 of 1983), the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984), the Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act 40 of 2000), the Plant Improvement Act, 1976 (Act 53 of 1976), the Agricultural Products Standards Act, 1990 (Act 119 of 1990), the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act 15 of 1997), the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act 36 of 1947) and various relevant international guidelines and obligations. The ability to interpret regulatory information and standard operating procedures. Good communication (verbal and written), negotiation, liaison and analytical skills as well as the ability to work under pressure. Computer skills in MS Office software. A valid driver’s licence and the ability to drive as well as the willingness to travel and work away from his/her home/office on short notice, work overtime during the week and weekends and work irregular hours (shifts) in the execution of his/her duties.
DUTIES: The incumbent will be responsible to handle detector dogs for the examination of passengers, baggage, cargo and international mail for regulated articles in compliance to, inter alia, various relevant international guidelines and obligations. Interview passengers and inspect suspect baggage, cargo trucks, busses and other vehicles and take appropriate risk management actions for non-compliant regulated products. Work with other Government departments that are also responsible for international travellers. Assist other Agricultural Food and Quarantine Technicians at secondary inspections when not conducting dog handling duties. Maintain and assist other Dog Handlers with canine health, wellbeing and training. Perform demonstrations or public relations activities when requested. Supervise personnel. Represent the Department on fora and at meetings.
ENQUIRIES: Mr L. Mochena, tel. 011 390 7501.
VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER
REF NO: 293/2014
Directorate: Inspection Services
SALARY: R227 802 per annum
CENTRE: Port Elizabeth
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in possession of a National diploma or (B.Sc.) degree in Environmental Health and/or Meat Hygiene as prescribed by the legislation/regulations under the Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act 40 of 2000) and/or the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984) (you are required to furnish a credit certificate and/or statement of results). Relevant experience in the field of import/export control of animal products. In-depth knowledge of legislation/acts, regulations, policies and import/export requirements of animal products. Capable and willing to conduct inspections, inter alia, in rail trucks, on trucks, in ships, in containers and cold storages, etc. Ability to work independently as well as within a team. Good interpersonal, organisational and communication (verbal and written) skills with the ability to manage conflict. Computer skills in MS Office software. A valid driver’s licence and the ability to drive.
DUTIES: The incumbent will be responsible to ensure the protection of the country’s human and animal health status by correctly applying stipulated importation conditions and applying sound judgement to ensure the compliance of imported animal products with relevant legislation and other national requirements. Facilitate the exportation of animal products through the inspection and direct supervision of exported consignments of animal products to ensure adherence to export protocols and relevant importation conditions. Collection of data and the maintenance of databases. Report compilation and keeping of accurate registers. Liaison with relevant stakeholders.
ENQUIRIES: Dr I. Burnand, tel. 041 585 8907.
FARMER SETTLEMENT PLANNER
REF NO: 240/2014
Directorate: Smallholder Development
SALARY: R227 802 per annum
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in possession of an appropriate Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture with Horticulture, Agricultural Economics and/or Extension Services as a major subject(s) (you are required to furnish a credit certificate and/or statement of results). Relevant working experience, including experience within Land and Agrarian reform structures and the analysis of the agricultural environment and economies. Knowledge of food security aspects and strategies. In-depth knowledge of smallholder development will serve as an advantage. Good communication (verbal and written), report writing and presentation skills. Ability to work independently as well as within a team. Ability to work well under pressure. Computer skills in MS Office software (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). A valid driver’s licence and the ability to drive as well as the willingness to travel in the execution of his/her duties.
DUTIES: The incumbent will be responsible for facilitating the development of smallholder producers and coordination of their support. Identification of smallholder producers as well as the identification and analysis of their needs. Coordinate the identification of and interactions with smallholder programmes’ stakeholders. Participate in Provincial land and agrarian reform structures whilst coordinating advisory services for smallholder development. Monitoring and evaluation of smallholder programmes. Consolidate smallholder activities and programmes into legislative frameworks.
ENQUIRIES: Mr R. Tuckledoe, tel. 012 319 8117.
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN PRODUCTION GRADE A-C
REF NO: 270/2014
Directorate: Genetic Resources
SALARY: R222 150–R340 539 per annum (salary to be determined according to experience in line with the OSD dispensation)
CENTRE: Roodeplaat
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in possession of a National diploma or (B.Sc. or B.Tech) degree in Agriculture or Biological Sciences with Plant Production, Botany, Agronomy, Horticulture, Genetics and/or Plant Biotechnology as a major subject(s) (you are required to furnish a credit certificate and /or statement of results). Compulsory registration (or proof of your application for registration) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Certificated Natural Scientist. Three years post-qualification scientific experience in plant breeding, plant variety evaluations and botanical systematic analysis. Knowledge and understanding of the Plant Breeders Rights Act, 1976 (Act 15 of 1976) and its relation to the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plant (UPOV) as well as the Plant Improvement Act, 1976 (Act 53 of 1976). Relevant experience in the execution and management of plant variety evaluation trials. Planning and organising skills. Good communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills. Computer skills in MS Office software. A valid driver’s licence and the willingness to travel countrywide and internationally in the execution of his/her duties.
DUTIES: The incumbent will be responsible for the planning and compiling of statistical trials; supervision of the establishment; maintenance of the trials; and data collection and statistical analysis of the trials for Plant Breeder’s Rights (PBR) and Variety listing, as well as for Trade- and Post-Control seed samples. Evaluation of the conformity of candidate varieties to distinctness, uniformity and stability requirements. Compiling comprehensive variety descriptions of the varieties and maintenance of the relevant database. Commenting on Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) Test Guidelines, as well as providing technical inputs to national test guidelines in the absence of UPOV test guidelines. Provide technical and advisory services on all matters related to PBR and variety listings. Source technical information from various sources and incorporate it into standardised protocols and methodologies.
ENQUIRIES: Ms F.H. Nel, cell. 082 656 3689
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN PRODUCTION GRADE A-C
REF NO: 269/2014
Directorate: Genetic Resources
SALARY: R222 150–R340 539 per annum (salary to be determined according to experience in line with the OSD dispensation)
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in possession of a National diploma or (B.Sc.) degree in Agriculture with Botany, Plant Production, Plant Breeding and/or Genetics as a major subject(s) (you are required to furnish a credit certificate and/or statement of results). Compulsory registration (or proof of your application for registration) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Certificated Natural Scientist. Three years post-qualification experience in the field of plant genetic resources. Knowledge of plant morphology, seed technology and seed storage as well as plant production, breeding methods, biodiversity of crops for food and agriculture and small holder farming systems are recommended. Knowledge of legislation and international or regional agreements and guiding principles in conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources will serve as an advantage. Interpersonal and interviewing skills are essential for working with different communities and individual farmers. Good technical report writing skills as well as the ability to analyse various datasets from crop characterisation and evaluation trials. Planning and organising skills. Good communication (verbal and written) skills. Computer skills in MS Office software. A valid driver’s licence and the ability to drive are essential as well as the willingness to travel countrywide to rural communities in the execution of his/her duties.
DUTIES: The incumbent will be responsible for implementing in-situ conservation strategies, including on-farm conservation projects, for long term conservation of landraces, especially those possessing special traits and social losses. Monitoring on-farm conservation projects. Contribute towards the functions of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Policy through the characterisation of biological resources and practices of local communities. Maintain a database on the status of on-farm conservation projects of crop species as well as activities that promote their cultivation, such as seed diversity fairs to facilitate exchange of genetic material and prevent social losses. Maintain an in-situ conservation database for crop species and other mandate species in existing reserves as well as wild crop relatives. Assist in the collection of all plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (landraces, wild relatives and endangered medicinal plants) from all ecological zones. Assist in characterisation, multiplication and regeneration activities of the National Plant Genetic Resources Centre (NPGRC).
ENQUIRIES: Ms N. Feldman, tel. 012 319 6366
DOG HANDLER ASSISTANT
REF NO: 292/2014
Directorate: Inspection Services
SALARY: R123 738 per annum
CENTRE: Cape Town International Airport
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in possession of a Grade 12 (Matric) Certificate. Experience in and knowledge of the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act 36 of 1983), the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984), the Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act 40 of 2000), the Plant Improvement Act, 1976 (Act 53 of 1976), the Liquor Products Act, 1989 (Act 60 of 1989), the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act 15 of 1997), the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act 36 of 1947) and various relevant international guidelines and obligations. Preference will be given to applicants who have some experience in the handling, caring and training of K9’s as well as the day-to-day running of kennels. Good communication (verbal and written) skills and basic computer skills. Candidates must be capable and willing to help with inspections at airports as well as postal centres. A valid driver’s licence and the ability to drive as well as the willingness to work shifts / overtime on short notice and work irregular hours as the need arises.
DUTIES: The incumbent will assist dog handlers in conducting inspections, sampling and other necessary functions, including punitive measures and administration and play a leading role in the enforcing of import and export control over agricultural products (including meat products, seeds, liquor, fertilizers, farm feeds, agricultural remedies and plant and plant products) regulated by the various acts, thereby preventing the introduction of pests and diseases or any other harmful plant organism and other regulated goods into the RSA as well as the national and international distribution thereof. For this post, special emphasis is placed on import control through sniffer dogs and the detection of unauthorised regulated goods imported by passengers or cargo. In addition to assisting with inspections, the incumbent will be responsible for detecting unauthorised regulated goods by means of x-ray machines or sniffer dogs at the ports of entry as well as be responsible for the training, health and safekeeping of sniffer dogs while working at the ports of entry.
ENQUIRIES: Mr L. Mochena, tel. 011 390 7501
Interview Hints and Tips
Arrive on time for the interview. Plan your trip and leave early if you have to or if you are unfamiliar with the area. Give yourself enough time to find the building as well as parking. You also need keep your diary open after the interview. Your interview might be running longer than anticipated.
Remember to take a few extra copies of your CV with you. One copy is for you should you have to refresh your memory. The other copies are for the interviewer and anyone else sitting in on the interview. You only need to produce these if there is a need for them.
Be careful not to over- or under-dress for an interview. The golden rule is to look professional and smart even if everyone else at the company is wearing jeans. Speak to your employment agency for guidance with specific acompanies.
Women:
- More conservative outfit and coordinate all the colours
- Moderate shoes
- Limited jewellery
- Make sure your hairstyle is neat and hair clean
- Not too muck make-up and perfume
- Nails must be neat and clean
Men:
- Conservative suit with a white long sleeve shirt
- Conservative tie (no cartoon characters)
- Dark socks, professional shoes
- Limited jewellery
- Make sure your hairstyle is neat and hair clean
- Not too much aftershave
- Nails must be neat and clean
The interviewer will be judging the effect of your appearance on customers as well as staff. Your "look" must project the fact that you are the perfect '"fit" for that specific position and company.
Get rid of chewing gum and check your overall appearance before walking into the organisation's premises.
Switch your cellphone off once the interviewer knows that you have arrived for the interview - never, ever take a call during an interview. If there is a medical emergency in your family and your phone needs to be on then inform the interviewer and ask for permission to leave your phone on. In most cases the person will agree to it.
Remember to take a file with pen paper with you to the interview. This will assist you in making notes and to write down questions you might want to ask later.
The interview starts when the first question is asked. Right? Wrong. The interview starts the minute you arrive at the company and you will be under scrutiny by everyone who knows that interviews are being held. Be friendly with cleaning staff, secretaries and everyone else you encounter on your way to the interview. This will make you feel more positive as well as leave positive people in your wake. The last thing you need is for a staff member to mention how rude you were before the interview. Or for the secretaries to tell the manager that you had an attitude with them and you thought you were important!
Studies have shown that most interviewers make up their mind within the first few minutes. You therefore need to greet your interviewer by making comfortable eye contact, shaking hands firmly and introducing yourself in a confident manner.
Make a connection and build a relationship with the interviewer. Remember that they are already happy with your CV and now wants to check you out. Your attitude will be more important than most of your answers.
Only sit down when offered a chair.
If you are offered any coffee or tea you have three choices: Coffee, tea or nothing. Do not go and ask for something not offered - the organisation might not have it on the premises and the interviewer could feel embarrassed.
Keep an eye on your body language and avoid fidgeting, biting your nails, playing with your car keys, etc.