The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is recruiting applicants for the vacancy: GENERAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANT REF NO: 3/2/1/2023/586.
SALARY: R241 485 per annum (Level 06)
CENTRES: Roodeplaat
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be in a possession of Grade 12 Certificate with Life Sciences (Biology) and Mathematics Literacy as a passed subject. A minimum of 1 year working experience in a seed testing laboratory.
Job related knowledge: Seed testing knowledge.
Job related skills: Seed science skills (morphology, taxonomy, physiology). International seed testing processes and methodologies.
Quality assurance practices. Laboratory safety measures. Communication skills (verbal and written). Planning and organizing skills.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduction of the physical purity analysis. Assess physical status of sample, weigh and report. Apply appropriate dividing technique, weigh and report.
Interpret purity technical requirements for the applicable seed kind (Pure Seed Definition). Apply the PSD to conduct analysis procedure. Study other seed if found and observe seed characteristics according to familiarities.
Compare seed with seed identification literature and confirm comparison with seed in reference collection. Describe, weigh and report results.
Package components for record purposes and additional testing. File laboratory report in specified area. Report non-conformances and incidents.
Conduction of the germination test, i.e. planting and evaluation. Planting: Verify and interpret the applicable planting requirements for the seed kind.
Prepare containers and substrate according to prescribed method. Apply appropriate dividing technique for obtaining a planting work sample.
Position seed in / on substrate, complete planting procedure and place into correct germination apparatus (temperature specific). Report planting details on germination work sheet.
File laboratory report in specified area. Report non-conformances and incidents. Evaluation: Verify and interpret the applicable technical seedling evaluation criteria for the seed kind.
Report any general observations. Apply technical judgement to assess the physical appearance of the replicate. Group seedlings and left over seed according to prescribed categories.
Report number of seedlings and left over seed per group / category and describe abnormalities on germination work sheet. Finalize test or extend incubation period when required according to International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Rules.
File laboratory report in specified area. Reporting of non-conformances and incidents. Conduction of
tests related to seed analysis, other than the purity analysis and germination test, as required for quality determination.
Verify seed kind. Read, interpret and apply test technical methodology applicable to test type as requested. Consult relevant officials, if required. Report results on work sheet.
File laboratory report in specified area. Report non-conformances and incidents. Implement quality assurance system, occupational health and safety measures, as well as good laboratory practices.
Monitoring and calibration of apparatus. Maintain tidiness of work area / surfaces. Apply health and safety measures in accordance with legislation and prescribed procedures, e.g. make use of Personal Protection Equipment.
Apply rules and standards for handling, packaging, filing and storage to maintain quality of sample and documents. Filing of records / documents. Report of non-conformances and incidents.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications can be submitted by post to: Private Bag X833, Pretoria, 0001 or hand delivered during office hours to: 600 Lilian Ngoyi Street (formerly known as Van der Walt Street), Berea Park, Pretoria, 0002 or to Agriculture Place, 20 Steve Biko (formerly Beatrix) Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
The Z83 form must be fully completed, duly signed, dated and initialed by the applicant.
Download the advert in PDF form from the link below, as well as the new Z83 form.
ENQUIRIES
Ms A Chonco Tel No: (012) 319 6059
