About the Role
The Department of Agriculture is looking for a dedicated Land Use Officer to join their team in Pretoria, Gauteng. This role is essential for promoting the preservation and sustainable development of agricultural land, which plays a vital part in ensuring food security and environmental balance within the community. As part of your daily responsibilities, you will work closely with municipalities and various stakeholders to maintain agricultural land use, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices that benefit both the land and its users.
In your role as a Land Use Officer, you will conduct essential assessments and provide technical inputs on land use applications. Your work will directly influence the development of norms and standards that govern land use in South Africa, making this position not only a job but a meaningful contribution to public service and community well-being.
About the Department
The Department of Agriculture is committed to fostering sustainable agricultural practices that support both the economy and the environment. With a mission to enhance agricultural productivity while ensuring the protection of natural resources, the department plays a significant role in the lives of South Africans. Working here means becoming part of a team that impacts food security and promotes responsible land use across the nation.
What You’ll Do
- Promote the preservation and sustainable development of agricultural land.
- Assist in developing norms and standards related to land use.
- Provide technical inputs for SALA/PDALA assessment criteria and regulations.
- Review and update lists of properties for exclusion from SALA/PDALA.
- Conduct desktop analyses for evaluating SALA/PDALA applications, including map compilation.
- Determine land use status and ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
- Compile technical evaluation reports and present applications to the evaluation review committee.
- Maintain a record of application progress and provide regular reports on land use statistics.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and provide guidance on land use procedures and compliance.
- Attend to inquiries from the public, professionals, and stakeholders related to land use matters.
- Participate in intergovernmental forums and advise on land use issues.
What You’ll Need
- A Grade 12 certificate and a National Diploma in Agriculture disciplines (NQF Level 6).
- A minimum of one year of relevant experience.
- Knowledge of Public Service Regulations, PFMA, CARA, SALA, and PDALA.
- Familiarity with natural agricultural resources and environmental legislation in South Africa.
- Strong communication skills to interact effectively at various levels.
- Planning, management, and organizational skills.
- Problem-solving and analytical abilities, alongside negotiation and listening skills.
- Proficiency in computer literacy and report writing.
- A valid driver’s license, with a willingness to work extended hours and travel as needed.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to: 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email [email protected].
Requirements
Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 certificate and a National Diploma within Agriculture disciplines (NQF Level 6).A minimum of one (1) year experience.
Job related knowledge: Public Service Regulations.
PFMA.
CARA.
SALA.
PDALA.
Natural agricultural resources of South Africa.
Natural resources / environmental legislation.
Job related skills: Ability to communicate well and interact with people at different levels.
Planning.
Management and Organising.
Creativity.
Law enforcement.
Interpretation skills.
Problem solving.
Analytical skills.
Negotiations skills.
Listening skills.
Computer literacy.
Report writing.
Valid driver’s license.
Working extended hours and travelling.
Job Duties
Promote the preservation and sustainable development of agricultural land.Assist with the development of norms and standards.
Provide technical inputs on SALA / PDALA assessment criteria.
Provide technical inputs on the development of PDALA Regulations.
Promote the preservation of agricultural land by municipalities and other stakeholders.
Review and update list of properties to be excluded from SALA / PDALA.
Implement regulatory, technical, strategic and administrative frameworks.
Conduct desktop analysis to provide technical inputs on the evaluation of SALA / PDALA applications, including compilation of maps.
Determine land use status: agricultural land / non-agricultural land and nature of applications.
Consult applicable legislations concerning land use.
Review applications to ensure compliance with land use guidelines and legislations.
Compile technical evaluation reports for the review of SALA / PDALA applications based on the desktop analysis and technical interpretation in relation to the application details.
Submit applications to committee with recommendations to make 6 determinations about application based on the guidelines, norms and standards.
Present applications to the evaluation review committee for consideration by the Delegate of the Minister.
Maintain a record of applications progress for applications under review.
Provide monthly reports on hectares retained or lost and related statistical information on land used related applications.
Verify completeness of new applications.
Update the Helpdesk and related operational systems.
Draft monthly progress reports.
Assess, interpret and create maps, aerial photography and satellite images of Agricultural land.
Collaboration with relevant spheres of government and affected stakeholders involved with the administration of land use.
Apply technical and legislative and compliance in responding to land use and related enquiries.
Advise stakeholders / applicants on procedures, norms and standards on land use matter related to SALA / PDALA to ensure compliance to the legislations.
Attend to enquires of public, professional land surveyors, planning community and attorneys.
Participate with demarcation of agricultural land with municipalities and departments responsible for municipalities and traditional areas.
Participate in intergovernmental and other stakeholders’ forums.
Advise and take remedial actions on the land use matters.
Human Capital Development.
Allocate and ensure quality of work.
Ensure capacity and development of staff.
Ensure proper utilization of equipment.
Assess staff performance.
Apply discipline.
