Department of Agriculture Chief Agricultural Food and Quarantine Technician REF NO.
Based in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, the Department of Agriculture is seeking a dedicated Chief Agricultural Food and Quarantine Technician.
This vital role is central to ensuring the safety and quality of agricultural products entering and leaving our country.
As a Chief Agricultural Food and Quarantine Technician, your daily responsibilities will include the application and enforcement of critical legislation and international agreements, conducting thorough inspections, and making informed recommendations in accordance with relevant prescripts.
Your work will directly impact the health and safety of our communities and the agricultural sector, as you will be tasked with identifying and addressing illegal imports and ensuring compliance with both national and international standards.
This role not only involves monitoring and inspecting agricultural products but also engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including trade organizations and the private sector.
By providing advisory services and liaising with various entities, you will help foster a safer and more compliant agricultural environment.
This position offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced professionals looking to make a significant difference in public service.
With a focus on community well-being, you will play a crucial role in protecting local farmers and consumers alike from non-compliant products.
The stability and growth potential within the Department of Agriculture make this role a highly attractive proposition for those seeking a long-term career in government jobs.
Moreover, you will have the chance to lead a team, support staff development, and ensure the effective utilization of resources.
This leadership aspect not only enhances your own career trajectory but also plays a fundamental part in building a competent and responsive public service workforce.
Joining the Department of Agriculture means becoming part of a mission-driven team that prioritizes the health of South Africa’s agricultural landscape.
If you are passionate about safeguarding our food systems and have the relevant experience, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
Requirements
Successful Applicants must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and a Minimum of National Diploma in Agriculture (NQF 6).Job Related Work Experience: Minimum of three (3) years relevant experience.
Job Related Knowledge: Applicants must have knowledge of Public Service Regulations.
International Agreements, Conventions and Bilateral Agreements relating to phytosanitary, sanitary and food quality matters.
Relevant legislation and regulations, norms and standards.
Export and import programmes and their requirements.
Job Related Skills: Ability to communicate well and interact with people at different levels.
Planning and Organising skills.
Technical skills.
Law enforcement.
Interpersonal skills.
Problem solving and decision-making skills.
Analytical skills.
Negotiation skills.
Listening skills.
Computer literacy.
Report writing.
Customer focus and responsiveness.
Communication and Information Management.
Project Management.
Networking and building bonds.
Applied Strategic thinking.
Budgeting and Financial Management.
Developing others.
Impact and Influence.
Diversity Management.
Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive.
Work extended working hours.
Travelling.
Relief duties.
Job Duties
Application and enforcement of legislation and international agreements.Conduct inspections and make recommendations in terms of the relevant prescripts and take appropriate actions.
Conduct searches of passengers, motor vehicles, etc with regards to illegal imports of regulated agricultural products by the appropriate means, i.
e.
physical inspections, sniffer dogs or X- ray machines.
Prohibition of the sale of imported and locally produced agricultural products that do not comply with the relevant legislative prescripts.
Seize and confiscate non-compliant agricultural products.
Handle consignments destined for export that do not comply with the requirements of international agreements or rejected by the Assignees.
Provide advisory services to stakeholders.
Liaise with and provide advice to stakeholders (e.
g.
trade organizations, industries, private sector institutions, importers/exporters, legal representatives, assignees, etc) regarding the operational application of relevant Acts, prescripts, certification schemes, norms and standards.
Supervision of staff.
Allocate and ensure quality of work.
Ensure capacity and development of staff.
Ensure capacity and development of staff.
Ensure proper utilisation of equipment.
Assess staff performance.
Apply discipline.
