Professional Scientist Grade A/B/C (Horticulture) REF NO: NSC09/2026 Job at Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: Kwazulu-Natal

SALARY : Grade A: R791 604 per annum, (all-inclusive OSD remuneration package) 

Grade B: R900 957 per annum, (all-inclusive OSD remuneration package) 

Grade C: R1 015 071 per annum, (all-inclusive OSD remuneration package) 

CENTRE : Makhathini Research Station 

REQUIREMENTS :

• An NQF level 08 four-year B.Sc in Agriculture degree majoring in Horticulture, compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist and a valid driver’s licence.
• Experience: 3 years’ relevant post qualification experience.
• Knowledge: Sound understanding of agricultural research methodologies and application of practices and techniques in horticulture, Labour Relations Act, Public Service Act, Public Administration Management Act, Public Service Regulations, Directive on Human Resources Management and Development for Public Service professionalization, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Departmental HRM and HRD Policies.

Skills:

• Technical: Analytical skills and data analysis, scientific methodology and models, research and development, writing of scientific papers, technical reports and popular articles, scientific editing and reviewing, communication at a scientific, technical and informative level, programme and project management, presentation and computer aided scientific applications.
• Generic: Leadership, mentorship, conflict management, financial management, planning and organizing, problem solving and analysis, creativity, decision making, change management, customer focus and responsiveness, communication, innovation, computer literacy, customer focus and responsiveness, networking, creating high-performance culture, self-disciplined and self-driven with the ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision. 

DUTIES :

• Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures with particular reference to horticultural research.
• Perform agricultural scientific analysis and regulatory functions. Conduct research and development. Human Capital development. Perform administrative functions.