Professional Scientist Grade A/B/C: - Agrometeorologist – Agricultural Risk and Disaster Management

About the role

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KwaZulu-Natal) is hiring a Professional Scientist Grade A/B/C: - Agrometeorologist – Agricultural Risk and Disaster Management, based in Cedara Research Station. This is a permanent post, paying R791,604 a year. How to apply: Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts through the online e-Recruitment system at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs. Applications submitted electronically will be taken as a final application and may not be amended or supplemented in any way after the closing date indicated in the advertisement. All applications must be addressed to the Head of Department and for reference numbers starting with SSC may be hand delivered or couriered to 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton, 3245. All applications for reference numbers starting with NSC may be hand delivered or couriered to Lot no. 11634, Corner of Via Verbena and Loop Street, Veldenvlei, Richards Bay, 3900. Emailed applications will not be accepted. Reference number to quote: SSC33/2026 Closing date: 30 October 2026 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement methodologies, polices, systems and procedures.
• Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions.
• Conduct research and development.
• Human capital development.
• Perform administrative and professional duties.

Requirements

• An NQF level 08 in Agricultural Science or BSc Honours in Agricultural Science - Agrometeorology, compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist and a valid driver’s licence.
• Experience: 3 years’ postqualification experience in Agriculture Risk Reduction and Disaster Management.
• Knowledge:
• Disaster risk reduction
• Agricultural risk assessment
• Vulnerability assessment
• Exposure analysis and disaster impact assessment
• Climate variability and change, drought, floods, veld fires, severe weather, pests, diseases and other hazards affecting agriculture
• Early warning systems, seasonal monitoring, agricultural advisory services, and preparedness planning
• Agricultural research methodology, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, GIS mapping and technical reporting
• Relevant legislation, policies, norms and standards applicable to disaster management, agricultural risk management, natural resource management and public administration.
• Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations, Directive on Human Resources Management and Development for Public Service Professionalisation, Public Finance Management Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act and Departmental Policies.
• Skills:
• Technical: Agricultural disaster risk assessment
• Climate and hazard analysis
• Vulnerability and impact assessment
• Early warning interpretation
• GIS and computer-aided mapping applications
• Date analysis
• Applied research
• Technical report writing
• Scientific presentation
• Project planning
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Generic: Analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, stakeholder engagement, planning and organising, professional judgement, teamwork, customer focus, financial awareness, adaptability, ethics and accountability.