Launch Your Agricultural Career: 2025 Assistant Agricultural Practitioner Posts Now Open Across 7 Provinces

Join South Africa’s Green Economy: 3-Year Fixed Term Contracts Now Available for Qualified Graduates

Are you passionate about agriculture and ready to make a meaningful difference in rural and farming communities? The Department of Agriculture is offering a national opportunity through the Assistant Agricultural Practitioner Programme, with 231 positions available across seven provinces.

This 3-year fixed-term contract offers aspiring agricultural professionals a hands-on platform to serve, grow, and contribute to food security, land development, and farmer empowerment at the grassroots level.

Position Overview

• Job Title: Assistant Agricultural Practitioner
• Contract Type: Three (3) Year Fixed-Term Contract
• Total Posts: 231 Nationwide
• Annual Salary: R193,359 per annum
• Additional Benefits: 37% in lieu of benefits (i.e., no medical aid, pension)

Note: Placements will be made according to provincial quotas. Applicants must indicate their preferred province when applying.

Available Posts by Province

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Educational Qualification

• A three-year National Diploma in Agriculture (NQF Level 6 or higher)

Professional Registration

• Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)

Driver’s License

• A valid Code B driver’s license is required

Experience: No previous experience is required. This is an entry-level opportunity designed to give newly qualified professionals workplace exposure.

Key Competencies and Skills

Ideal candidates will demonstrate a mix of technical knowledge and people skills suited for community-based agricultural development:

• Knowledge of agricultural extension methodology
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Basic public speaking and presentation skills
• Group facilitation and interpersonal skills
• Basic report writing and administrative abilities
• Willingness and physical ability to visit farms and rural projects regularly

What You Will Do: Duties and Responsibilities

Assistant Agricultural Practitioners will be based within local agricultural districts and work directly with emerging and established farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural communities.

Extension Support and Advisory

• Assist in providing general agricultural advice to farmers and stakeholders
• Demonstrate best practices in:
  • Soil and water management
  • Crop and livestock production
  • Veld and resource utilization
  • Farm planning and layout

Training, Capacity Building, and Engagement

• Help organize farmer training days, workshops, and awareness sessions
• Assist in conducting farm visits using structured tools for impact tracking
• Work with senior advisors to identify training needs within communities

Project and Business Planning Support

• Help develop farm business plans
• Provide support to land reform beneficiaries
• Facilitate access to financial assistance information and government funding opportunities

Community Mobilisation and Development

• Support the formation of cooperatives, farmer associations, and interest groups
• Mobilize local stakeholders for joint agricultural initiatives
• Revive and support inactive agricultural projects

Food Security Initiatives

• Participate in the development of home gardens and household food security projects
• Assist with planning and rollout of community food programs and climate-resilient agriculture

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Maintain a database of farmers and activities
• Compile monthly and quarterly reports
• Assist in evaluating the impact and success of extension activities

Stakeholder Coordination

The role emphasizes partnerships. You will be expected to:

• Build relationships with other government departments, NGOs, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector
• Promote a pluralistic approach to extension services, ensuring diverse knowledge systems are used
• Support integrated rural development initiatives

Application Process by Province

Applications must be submitted only within your province of residence or preference. Below are the details for each province:

Free State Province

• Email: recruitment@dard.gov.za
• Hand Deliver: Admin Building, 1st Floor, Room 228, Glen College of Agriculture, Glen
• Contact: Ms S Hlekiso | Tel: 079 228 1042

Gauteng Province

• Apply Online: www.professionaljobcentre.gov.za
• Hand Deliver: Ground Floor, Main Entrance, 56 Eloff Street, Umnotho House, Johannesburg
• Contact: Ms Gugu Nevondo | Tel: 072 756 5262

KwaZulu-Natal Province

• Email: kznjobssouth@dard.gov.za
• Hand Deliver to one of the following:
  • Head Office: 01 Cedara Road, Cedara
  • South Service Centre: 4 Pin Oak Ave, Hilton
  • North Service Office: Verbena & Aloe Loop Street, Richards Bay
• Contacts: Mr NL Ntshangase | Tel: 033 343 8133 or Mrs RN Ndwandwe | Tel: 033 343 8498

Mpumalanga Province

• Email (Head Office): dardlearecruitment-ho@mpg.gov.za
• Districts:
  • Ehlanzeni: dardlearecruitmentehls@mpg.gov.za
  • Bohlabela: dardlearecruitmentehln@mpg.gov.za
  • Gert Sibande: dardlearecruitment-gs@mpg.gov.za
  • Nkangala: dardlearecruitment-nka@mpg.gov.za
• Postal Address: Private Bag X11219, Riverside Park, Mbombela, 1200
• Contact: Ms S.P Shongwe | Tel: 013 766 6003 or Ms N.E Hlatshwayo | Tel: 013 766 6110

Northern Cape Province

• Email: blommiejacobs@ncpg.gov.za or tpika@ncpg.gov.za
• Postal Address: Private Bag X5018, Kimberley, 8301
• Hand Deliver: 162 George Street, Kimberley
• Contact: Ms L Phayane | Tel: 067 166 2580

North West Province

• Email: Dardrecruitment-HO@nwpg.gov.za
• Hand Deliver: Director Human Resource Management, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Office, Training Centre Building, Onkgopotse Tiro Road, Mmabatho
• Contact: Ms K Modiegi | Tel: 018 384 3134

Western Cape Province

• Apply Online Only:
  • www.westerncape.gov.za/jobs
  • https://westerncapegov.erecruit.co
• Contact: Mr JD Aries | Tel: 021 808 5103

Application Deadline

Closing Date: 15 August 2025 at 16:00

Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Employment Equity Statement

In line with the Department’s transformation objectives, preference will be given to:

• Youth applicants
• Women
• Persons living with disabilities

Applicants are encouraged to indicate if they fall into any of these categories on their application.

Final Thoughts: Grow Your Future with Agriculture

This opportunity provides a meaningful platform to launch a career in agricultural extension, empower rural communities, and build practical experience in food systems, land development, and sustainability.

If you’re passionate about agriculture, ready to work in the field, and eager to contribute to national development — the Assistant Agricultural Practitioner Programme is your first step toward a professional future in South Africa’s agricultural sector.