Professional Scientist Grade A/B/C (Juncao Mushroom) Section REF NO: SSC15/2026 at Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: Kwazulu-Natal

REQUIREMENTS :

• An NQF level 08 four-year B.Sc in Agriculture degree majoring in Microbiology and/or Plant Pathology, 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. Sound and broad knowledge of laboratory instrumentation maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting. Knowledge of microbiology and/or plant pathology. Knowledge of the Labour Relations Act, Public Service Regulations, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Departmental HRM and HRD Policies, Occupational Health and Safety Standards.
• 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, professional judgement, policy development and analysis.
• Generic: Leadership, mentorship, conflict management, financial management, planning and organizing, analytical, problem solving and analytical thinking, creativity, decision making, change management, customer focus and responsiveness, communication, innovation, computer literacy, customer focus and responsiveness, networking, creating high-performance culture. 

DUTIES :

• Conduct research and development. Perform agricultural scientific analysis and regulatory functions.
• Develop and implement methodologies, policies, systems and procedures.
• Human Capital Development and Management. Perform administrative functions.