Directorate: Genetic Resources (Variety Control)
SALARY : R791 604 per annum, (OSD), (all-inclusive package to be structure in
accordance the OSD rules)
CENTRE : Western Cape: Stellenbosch
REQUIREMENTS : Applicant must be in possession of a Grade 12 certificate and BSc (Hon) or M
Tech with Botany, Agronomy, Horticulture, Genetics and / or Plant
Biotechnology as a major subject. Compulsory registration with South African
Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNSP) as a Professional Natural
Scientist.
Job Related Work Experience: A minimum of three (3) years’ post
qualification in the field of botany, plant taxonomy, plant breeding or
administration of legislation related to Agriculture. Plant Breeders’ Rights Act.
Plant Improvement Act. UPOV Convention. Plant Morphology and Physiology.
Statistics.
Job Related Skills: Computer skills (MS Office). Problem skills,
Communication skills. Conflict management oral and written communication
skills. Planning and organization skills. Knowledge and operation of laboratory
apparatus. Numeracy, mathematical and statistical skills. Problem solving
6 PUBLIC skills. Research, Plant variety evaluations, Analytical skills. Ability to work
effectively and efficiently. Valid driver’s license.
DUTIES : Develop and implement relevant systems, and procedures. Verifying
applications and technical questionnaires submitted by applicants in terms of
the Plant Breeding’s Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act. Establishment
of trials in collaboration with the directorate’s farm Manager, applicant or their
appointed agent as applicable. Identify location of all candidates and
comparative varieties/ liaise with farm manager on field identification. Engage
with clients on matters related to their applications and do site visits.
Perform technical scientific analysis. Collect data on candidates and standard varieties
according to prescribed guidelines. Observation and evaluation of candidates
to the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV)
or National Test guidelines as applicable. Variety characterization and
documentation. Data analysis on candidates and standard varieties. Compile
variety descriptions and DUS reports for candidates’ varieties. Confirm that
candidates’ varieties comply to prescribed DUS requirements in terms of the
relevant legislation. Data processing. Provide technical support and advice.
Collect and provide technical / scientific data, information and advice to
Registrars and Plant Improvement organisations. Provide technical support
and advice to applicants in relations to Technical Questionnaires submitted in
terms of the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act.
Research and development. Draft and/ or provide input to UPOV and / provide
to UPOV and / or national test guidelines. Review and study scientific
publications, including internet searches, relevant to received PBR/VL
applications. Participate at national, regional and international for a.
Liaise with relevant scientific bodies on technical /science related matters and exchange
of knowledge thereof. Ensure management of reference collections. Ensure
proper management of filling system and crop and seed registers. Conduct or
participate in research pertaining to variety characters or ring tests as
applicable.
ENQUIRIES : Mr SJ Ndlazi Tel No: (012) 319 6086
APPLICATIONS : Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve
Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email
SPrecruit41@nda.gov.za.
NOTE : EE Target: African, Indian, White Males and African, Indian Females and
Persons with disability.