About the Role
The Department of Agriculture is seeking a dedicated Senior Laboratory Assistant to join its team in Stellenbosch, located in the picturesque Western Cape. This vital role focuses on preparing samples and conducting routine analyses that are crucial for ensuring the quality of agricultural products, dairy, processed foods, and liquor. By being part of this team, you will directly contribute to public health and safety, making significant impacts on the community by helping to maintain food standards and quality assurance.
As a Senior Laboratory Assistant, you will engage in a variety of tasks that support the agricultural sector, which is an important pillar of South Africa’s economy. Your work will not only enhance the efficiency of laboratory operations but also ensure that the products reaching consumers meet the highest safety and quality standards. This role is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are passionate about public service and making a difference in the agricultural landscape of South Africa.
About the Department
The Department of Agriculture plays a critical role in overseeing and promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food safety across the nation. Its mission encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including the development of policies that support farmers, the regulation of agricultural products, and the promotion of food security. Working within this department means you are contributing to the welfare of the community and the nation, ensuring that South African agriculture remains robust and resilient.
What You’ll Do
- Prepare samples for analysis to determine quality and composition of various agricultural products.
- Conduct routine analyses and record results accurately.
- Label and collect samples from a range of sources, including fruits, vegetables, and processed foods.
- Maintain laboratory equipment and perform basic maintenance checks.
- Assist in the preparation of media, stains, buffers, and reagents.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations within the laboratory environment.
- Perform administrative tasks such as inventory control and recordkeeping.
- Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment and maintain tidiness in the laboratory.
- Assist with the decontamination and disposal of used samples and hazardous materials.
What You’ll Need
- A Grade 12 Certificate is essential.
- A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in laboratory and horticulture settings.
- Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality systems and safety protocols.
- Familiarity with the Agricultural Product Standards Act and Liquor Products Act.
- Strong problem-solving skills and effective communication abilities.
- Proficiency in using laboratory and office equipment, alongside computer skills.
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to drive.
- Capable of working extended hours and handling hazardous chemicals as required.
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
Applicants must be in a possession of a Grade 12 Certificate.A Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in Laboratory and Horticulture.
Job Related Knowledge: Knowledge of the Public Service and Departmental prescripts /policies.
Agricultural Product Standards Act 119 of 1990, Liquor Products Act 60 of 1989.
Job Related Skills: Knowledge and application of the Laboratory quality systems.
Knowledge of work-related policies and procedures.
Laboratory techniques and safety.
Problem solving techniques.
Effective communication.
Provisioning administrative system (chemicals, equipment etc).
Data processing.
Applicable relevant analytical techniques.
Efficient managing of stores and ordering of miscellaneous stores.
Use of relevant laboratory and office equipment.
Manual dexterity.
Communication capabilities.
Insight capabilities in the application of quality assurance documentation.
Accuracy, thoroughness and timeous Ness.
Computer skills, application/usage of computer software.
Alert and troubleshooting skills.
Administrative and organisational skills Language capabilities with regard to the understanding of quality system documentation.
Planning and organising abilities.
Self developmentally inclined.
Team building.
Trainings skills/give guidance.
Extended working hours.
Handling of hazardous chemicals.
Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive.
Job Duties
Prepare samples and perform routine analysis for the determination of i.e.
chemical resides / dairy / processed food/liquor products composition components (quality control) which would, inter alia, entail the following; Labelling of samples.
Collecting/taking samples for preparation (i.
e.
fruit, vegetables, grain and or other agricultural products / processed foods bread, dried fruit, fruit juice, honey vinegar).
Preparation of sample material by e.
g.
weighing, drying, cutting etc.
Preparation of media (eliza kits).
Preparation and staining of smears.
Preparation of stains, buffers and reagents.
Visual inspection and collection of infected material if applicable.
Perform extractions and basic analyses of samples.
Record analyses results.
Storage of samples.
Packing and/or transport samples.
Assist in decontamination and disposal of used samples.
Removal of waste.
Perform basic maintenance on selected equipment and instrumentation.
Report all faulty equipment and instrumentation.
Perform verification and calibration on selected equipment 8 and instrumentation.
Maintain tidiness of laboratories, clean / sterilise glassware and equipment.
Clean laboratory facilities.
Clean glassware and laboratory equipment.
Perform administrative and related functions which would inter alia, entail the following: Inventory control of equipment and consumable for equipment.
Recordkeeping and updating of the identified register (i.
e.
Register book, sample referral, sample received, record of results, inventory of standards, reagents and chemicals, waste removal).
Assist with invoicing of analyses.
Comply with health and safety regulations.
