CHIEF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER GRADE A

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Gauteng Province) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Agricultural Engineer (Grade A) to join its Chief Directorate: Agriculture. This is a vital leadership role focused on developing, implementing, and overseeing agricultural infrastructure and sustainable resource programmes across the province. If you are a registered Professional Engineer with a passion for driving agricultural development, we encourage you to apply.

About the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Gauteng is dedicated to fostering agricultural growth, promoting rural development, and ensuring food security within the province. We are committed to sustainable practices and innovative engineering solutions to support the agricultural sector and improve rural livelihoods.

Job Summary

As the Chief Agricultural Engineer, you will be responsible for providing strategic engineering advice and technical oversight for all agricultural and rural infrastructure development projects. You will lead the development of infrastructure specifications, manage project execution, set engineering standards, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and policies. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to achieving departmental objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement agricultural infrastructure specifications.
• Provide strategic engineering advice and technical oversight for agricultural and rural infrastructure development and sustainable resource programmes.
• Review and approve new engineering designs, ensuring adherence to design principles and theory.
• Coordinate design efforts and integrate across various disciplines to ensure seamless technology integration.
• Manage the execution of maintenance strategies by providing appropriate structures, systems, and resources.
• Set engineering maintenance standards, specifications, and service levels to ensure optimum operational availability.
• Allocate, control, monitor, and report on all resources effectively.
• Compile and manage risk logs according to sound risk management practices.
• Offer technical consulting services on engineering matters to minimise potential risks.
• Manage and implement knowledge-sharing initiatives within the directorate.
• Oversee short-term assignments and secondments in line with development plans and operational needs.
• Manage directorate funds in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and Treasury Regulations.
• Ensure spending aligns with departmental budget allocations, preventing over or underspending.

Requirements

To be considered for this challenging role, you must meet the following criteria:

• Education: Grade 12 Certificate PLUS a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering / Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural/Civil Engineering (NQF Level 7), as recognised by SAQA.
• Experience: A minimum of 6 years of post-qualification experience in Agricultural Engineering.
• Professional Registration: Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer.
• Driver’s Licence: A valid driver’s licence is essential.

Skills & Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of relevant Public Service Legislation, GDARD, and GPG policies.
• Proficiency in research methodologies.
• Strong strategic planning abilities.
• Understanding of GPG executive and political structures.
• Proven ability to create a high-performance culture.
• Excellent programme and project management skills.
• Solid maintenance skills and knowledge.

Salary & Benefits

This position offers an attractive all-inclusive salary package of R 1,266,450 Per Annum. The package can be structured according to the successful individual’s needs.

Location

This position is based at the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Head Office in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Application Process

Please note the application closing date is 12 August 2025. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

How to Apply:

1. Online Application (Preferred): Apply online directly via the Professional Job Centre: http://professinaljobcentre.gov.za
2. Manual Application: Alternatively, hand-deliver your application to: Ground floor, Main entrance, 56 Eloff Street, Umnotho House, Johannesburg.

Required Documents for Application:

• A fully completed, initialled, and signed NEW Z83 Form (obtainable from any Public Service Department or download from https://www.dpsa.gov.za/newsroom/psvc/). Applications submitted on an OLD Z83 form will not be accepted.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Important Note: Certified copies of your Identity Document, Grade 12 Certificate, highest required qualifications, and a driver’s licence (where necessary) will only be submitted by shortlisted candidates to Human Resources on or before the day of the interview. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation report issued by SAQA. It is your responsibility to provide proof of such evaluation.

For assistance with online applications, visit the centres at 78 Fox Street, Marshalltown or Maponya Mall at Thuso House (next to Home Affairs).

Important Considerations

• Applications will not be acknowledged due to the high volume expected. If you do not receive a response within 3 months, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• No late applications will be considered.
• Do not send applications via email or fax.
• If applying for more than one post, submit separate applications for each.
• Applicants must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary, or other allegations/investigations. Failure to disclose may lead to disqualification or termination of appointment.
• The successful candidate will be subject to a positive security clearance process and required to enter into an employment contract and sign a performance agreement.
• The Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process or re-advertise the post at any time due to factors such as a moratorium on filling posts, restructuring, or reorganisation.
• The Department is committed to promoting equity (Race, Gender, and Disability) in the Public Service. Coloureds, Indians, and People living with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply in line with the Employment Equity Plan.

Enquiries: Ms. I Thanjekwayo, 011 240 3085