Scientific Technician Production Grade A at Department of Agriculture(DOA)

REQUIREMENTS :

• Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 certificate and BSc or National Diploma with Botany, Agronomy, Horticulture, Agriculture as a major subject or relevant qualification. Compulsory registration with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Certified Natural Scientist.
• Job Related Work Experience: Minimum of 3 years post qualification in the field of botany, horticulture, agronomy, agriculture or conservation of plant genetic resources. 

DUTIES :

• Perform procedures and functions relevant to ex situ conservation activities relevant to conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Process collected and harvested material, including accessions in active collection (cleaning, fumigation, counting, packaging, labelling and storage). Maintain material planted in shade house/field trials (includes application of fertilizer and pesticides, weeding, irrigation, where applicable etc.) Assist with characterization activities pertaining to gene bank accessions. Perform procedures and functions relevant to in-situ/on-farm conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Assist with establishment and monitoring of in situ/on-farm conservation projects and community seed banks. Process and register harvested materials collected from on-farm conservation projects. Assist in identification and preparation of gene bank material for repatriation. Assist with activities pertaining to plant collection missions.
• Perform technical scientific analysis and regulatory functions relevant to conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Plant and monitor gene bank accessions identified for multiplication and characterisation. Conduct germination testing of identified/selected accessions. Package and label accessions with acceptable germination percentages. Conduct moisture content analysis. Assist with preparation of material identified for safe duplication at the SADC Plant Genetic Resources Centre (SPGRC). Assist in preparation of material requested under the Material Transfer Agreement. Assess the needs and status of Gene bank facilities and equipment.
• Conduct Research and Development to conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Collect and record data on accessions planted, using recognised descriptors. Contribute to development of research outputs on conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Assist on collecting and analysing information/data on sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Provision of inputs/information for reports required by relevant national/regional/international bodies.