Jobs 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. 

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REQUIREMENTS :

• Applicant must be in possession of BSc Agric in Animal Production/Animal Science or BTech in Animal Science or Advanced Diploma in Animal Science. Registration with SACNASP.
• Job Related Work Experience 2 years relevant experience. Knowledge of the Animal Improvement Act,1998 (Act 62 of 1998) and related Acts and regulations.

DUTIES :

• Provision of technical and regulatory advice on animal products (live animals and genetic material) in line with the Animal Improvement Act, 1998 (Act No 62 of 1998) or AIA. Provide technical and regulatory support to ensure genetic integrity of animals. Provide advisory services and training of farmers and relevant stakeholders on breeding standards. Provide presentations in terms of the AIA. Evaluation of donor animals to ensure quality of animal products (semen, ova, eggs and embryos). Monitoring, packaging, labelling and storage of genetic material according to legal warranties and standards. Import and Export control of animal products in line with Animal improvement Act, 1998(Act 62 of 1998). Assist with administration of AIA permits for import and export of animal products (live animals, semen, ova, eggs, and embryos). Evaluation of genetic profiles before issuance of permits Confirm approval of donor animals before issuance of permits. Provide technical authorisations to ensure importation of genetically superior animals. Assist with recognition and registration of import agents for animal products. Liaison with clients in relation to animal improvement.
• Liaison with the animal production industry on technical and regulatory issues. Communicate technical and legislative issues on animal improvement. Engagement with academic and research institutions on animal improvement matters. Liaison with international regulatory bodies on animal improvement issues. Participate in breeders’ societies ‘annual general meetings to discuss constitution amendments to the AIA. Render administrative functions. Supervise junior staff in the animal improvement office. Update and maintain database on import and export of animal products and reproduction operators. Assist the animal improvement office with bank reconciliations. Consolidate monthly reports in the animal improvement office.