Assistant Agricultural Practitioner Job Opportunity (231 Posts)

Assistant Agricultural Practitioner Job Opportunity (231 Posts) – Multiple Provinces, South Africa

Are you passionate about agriculture and eager to support sustainable farming practices? The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (PDARD) is offering 231 Assistant Agricultural Practitioner positions across seven provinces in South Africa. This is a three-year fixed-term contract with placement in Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North-West, and Western Cape. Join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering farmers and promoting agricultural development. Apply by 15 August 2025 to make a meaningful impact in South Africa’s agricultural sector!

Why Join PDARD as an Assistant Agricultural Practitioner?

The PDARD is committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and rural development across South Africa. As an Assistant Agricultural Practitioner, you’ll work directly with farmers, providing technical support, facilitating training, and promoting sustainable practices. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to food security, support agricultural projects, and grow your career in a vital sector. With 231 posts available, this is a chance to make a difference in your province while gaining valuable experience in extension services.

Key Benefits

• Competitive Salary: R193,359 per annum, plus a 37% allowance in lieu of benefits.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Secure a three-year contract with opportunities for professional growth.

• Impactful Work: Support farmers and communities in achieving sustainable agricultural outcomes.

• Training & Development: Gain hands-on experience and access to professional development resources.

• Inclusive Opportunity: Preference given to youth, women, and people living with disabilities.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant Agricultural Practitioner, you will:

• Provide Agricultural Advice: Assist in delivering general agricultural guidance to internal and external clients to ensure sustainable development.

• Demonstrate Farming Methods: Support efficient resource use (e.g., soil, water, veld, and finances) through practical demonstrations.

• Organize Events: Assist in coordinating farmers’ days, information sessions, and farm visits to assess impact and develop farm business plans.

• Facilitate Training & Support: Source technical input from specialists, provide information on financial assistance, and support agricultural projects, food security initiatives, and land development programs.

• Promote Community Engagement: Assist in mobilizing interest groups to form cooperatives, farmers’ associations, or other entities, and facilitate training needs identification.

• Support Sustainable Production: Promote best practices, evaluate production systems, and provide ongoing support to ensure sustainability.

• Administrative Duties: Maintain databases, compile monthly and quarterly reports, and ensure compliance with Public Service prescripts and departmental policies.

• Asset Management: Ensure safekeeping of physical assets where applicable.

Requirements

To qualify for this Assistant Agricultural Practitioner role, you need:

• Education: A three-year Diploma in Agriculture (NQF Level 6 or higher).

• Registration: Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).

• Experience: No experience required; entry-level candidates are welcome.

• Driver’s License: A valid Code B driver’s license.

• Competencies:

  • Knowledge of extension methodology and group dynamics.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

  • Basic reporting and public speaking skills.

  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients and farmers.

  • Willingness to physically visit farms or projects in the assigned area.

Why This Role Stands Out

This Assistant Agricultural Practitioner position offers:

• Widespread Impact: Work across seven provinces (Free State: 36 posts, Gauteng: 44 posts, KwaZulu-Natal: 34 posts, Mpumalanga: 52 posts, Northern Cape: 30 posts, North-West: 21 posts, Western Cape: 14 posts).

• Community Engagement: Directly support farmers and rural communities, fostering sustainable agricultural growth.

• Career Development: Gain hands-on experience in extension services, project facilitation, and stakeholder collaboration.

• Inclusive Hiring: Preference for youth, women, and people with disabilities, aligning with Employment Equity (EE) goals.

• Dynamic Role: Engage in fieldwork, training, and administrative tasks in a diverse and rewarding environment.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by 15 August 2025 at 16:00 via the specified channels for each province:

• Free State: Email to recruitment@dard.gov.za (Attn: Ms S Hlekiso) or hand-deliver to Admin Building, 1st Floor, Room 228, Glen College of Agriculture, Glen.

• Gauteng: Apply online at http://professionaljobcentre.gov.za or hand-deliver to Ground Floor, Main Entrance, 56 Eloff Street, Umnotho House, Johannesburg.

• KwaZulu-Natal: Email to kznjobssouth@dard.gov.za or hand-deliver to Cedara Office Reception (Head Office), 01 Cedara Road, Pietermaritzburg; South Service Centre Offices, 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton; or North Service Office, Lot 11634, Corner of Verbena and Aloe Loop Street, Veld ‘n Vlei, Richards Bay.

• Mpumalanga: Email to dardlearecruitment-ho@mpg.gov.za (Head Office), dardlearecruitment-ehls@mpg.gov.za (Ehlanzeni), dardlearecruitment-ehln@mpg.gov.za (Bohlabela), dardlearecruitment-gs@mpg.gov.za (Gert Sibande), or dardlearecruitment-nka@mpg.gov.za (Nkangala), or hand-deliver/post to respective district offices (see addresses in the document).

• Northern Cape: Email to blommiejacobs@ncpg.gov.za or tpika@ncpg.gov.za, or hand-deliver to 162 George Street, Kimberley, 8301, or post to Private Bag X5018, Kimberley, 8301.

• North-West: Email to Dardrecruitment-HO@nwpg.gov.za (Attn: Ms. Keneilwe Modiegi) or hand-deliver to Director Human Resource Management, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Office, Training Centre Building, Corner Onkgopotse Tiro Road, Mmabatho.

• Western Cape: Apply online at www.westerncape.gov.za/jobs or https://westerncapegov.erecruit.co.

Required Documents:

• A completed and signed new Z83 Form (effective from 01 January 2021), available at https://www.dpsa.gov.za/newsroom/psvc/.

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining your qualifications and skills.

• Note: Do not submit certified copies of qualifications or other documents unless shortlisted. Shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies of Identity Document, Grade 12 Certificate, qualifications, SACNASP registration, and driver’s license on or before the interview date.

Application Tips:

• Indicate your province of preference and the relevant reference number (e.g., FSDARD01/2025 for Free State) on your application.

• Tailor your CV to highlight your agricultural qualifications and communication skills.

• Ensure compliance with the new Z83 form requirements to avoid disqualification.

• Submit applications before the deadline, as late submissions will not be considered.

Additional Information

• Closing Date: 15 August 2025 at 16:00.

• Location: Multiple provinces (Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North-West, Western Cape).

• Job Type: Three-year fixed-term contract.

• EE Focus: Preference for youth, women, and people with disabilities to promote representivity.

• Feedback: If you do not hear from PDARD within three months of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

• POPIA Compliance: By applying, you consent to your personal information being processed under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) for recruitment purposes only. Information will be treated with confidentiality and used solely for recruitment.

• Vetting: Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks (e.g., criminal record, citizenship, credit checks, qualification verification) and two pre-entry assessments (practical and integrity). The successful candidate will undergo security vetting and must sign an employment contract and performance agreement.

About PDARD

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (PDARD) drives agricultural innovation and rural development across South Africa. With a focus on sustainability, food security, and community empowerment, PDARD supports farmers through extension services, training, and technical assistance. These 231 Assistant Agricultural Practitioner roles are critical to achieving these goals, offering a platform to work directly with farmers and stakeholders in diverse agricultural settings.

Our Values

• Sustainability: Promote environmentally and economically sustainable farming practices.

• Inclusivity: Foster representivity through Employment Equity initiatives.

• Collaboration: Build partnerships with farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural stakeholders.

• Excellence: Deliver high-quality extension services to support agricultural growth.

Why Work Across Seven Provinces?

This role offers the chance to work in diverse agricultural landscapes, from the fertile fields of KwaZulu-Natal to the arid regions of the Northern Cape. Each province presents unique opportunities to engage with local farmers, address regional challenges, and contribute to national food security. Whether in Gauteng’s urban-adjacent farms or Mpumalanga’s rural projects, you’ll make a tangible impact.

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Enquiries

For more information, contact the relevant provincial representative:

• Free State: Ms NF Ngulube, (079) 228 1042

• Gauteng: Ms Gugu Nevondo, (072) 756 5262

• KwaZulu-Natal: Mr NL Ntshangase, (033) 343 8133 or Mrs RN Ndwandwe, (033) 343 8498

• Mpumalanga: Ms SP Shongwe, (013) 766 6003 or Ms NE Hlatshwayo, (013) 766 6110

• Northern Cape: Ms L Phayane, (067) 166 2580

• North-West: Ms K Modiegi, (018) 384 3134

• Western Cape: Mr JD Aries, (021) 808 5103

Join PDARD Today!

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as an Assistant Agricultural Practitioner! With 231 posts across seven provinces, this three-year contract role offers a chance to support farmers, promote sustainable agriculture, and grow your career. Apply by 15 August 2025 via the specified provincial channels. We look forward to welcoming passionate, community-focused individuals to our team!

PDARD is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to promoting representivity. We encourage applications from youth, women, and people with disabilities to join our mission-driven team.

Apply Now