The Department of Agriculture (DOA) is inviting suitably qualified South Africans to apply for the position of Resource Conservation Inspector (Ref No: 3/3/1/65/2026). This permanent government vacancy is based in De Aar, Northern Cape, and offers a competitive annual salary of R413,001.
The successful candidate will support the Directorate: Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction by monitoring and managing migratory pest outbreaks such as locusts, blackflies, and quelea birds, while promoting environmental protection and sustainable agricultural practices.
Applications close on 17 August 2026 at 16:00.
Resource Conservation Inspector Vacancy Summary
| Vacancy Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Department of Agriculture (DOA) |
| Position | Resource Conservation Inspector |
| Reference Number | 3/3/1/65/2026 |
| Directorate | Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction |
| Location | De Aar, Northern Cape |
| Salary Level | Level 8 |
| Annual Salary | R413,001 per annum |
| Employment Type | Permanent |
| Closing Date | 17 August 2026 (16:00) |
Financial Overview
| Salary Information | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Salary | R413,001 |
| Estimated Monthly Salary (Before Deductions) | Approximately R34,417 |
| Salary Level | Level 8 |
Monthly earnings are calculated by dividing the annual salary by 12 and are shown before tax and statutory deductions.
About the Position
The Department of Agriculture is recruiting a Resource Conservation Inspector to strengthen environmental monitoring and disaster risk reduction efforts in the Northern Cape.
The role focuses on monitoring and controlling migratory agricultural pests, conducting ecological assessments, supporting research initiatives, managing environmental data, and delivering awareness and training programmes to stakeholders.
Successful candidates will work closely with communities, agricultural stakeholders, and government partners to protect crops, biodiversity, and natural resources.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- Grade 12 (Matric) Certificate.
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in one of the following:
- Agriculture
- Environmental Management
- Nature Conservation
- Pest Management
- A minimum of two (2) years’ relevant experience.
- A valid South African driver’s licence.
- Willingness to travel extensively.
- Ability to work extended hours when required.
Knowledge Requirements
Candidates should have knowledge of:
- Agricultural Pests Act
- National Environmental Management Act (NEMA)
- National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA)
- Public Service Act
- Public Service Regulations
- Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
- Labour Relations Act
- National Water Act
- Policy development processes
Required Skills
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Geographical Information System (GIS) skills
- Policy development and analytical skills
- Research and monitoring abilities
- Inspection and auditing skills
- Project planning and management
- Leadership and coordination skills
- Negotiation skills
- Report writing and presentation skills
- Computer literacy
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work with discretion and professionalism
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
Locust Monitoring and Control
- Monitor locust outbreaks.
- Verify reported outbreaks.
- Conduct ecological risk assessments.
- Organise and coordinate control operations.
- Inspect and monitor control teams.
- Conduct post-control impact assessments.
- Identify research needs.
- Manage chemical storage in locust control areas.
Blackfly Monitoring
- Monitor blackfly larvae populations.
- Identify suitable control sites.
- Determine appropriate dosage rates.
- Execute blackfly control operations.
- Evaluate environmental impact after treatment.
- Recommend research and improvement measures.
Quelea Bird Control
- Verify reported outbreaks.
- Assess infestation levels.
- Conduct ecological risk assessments.
- Coordinate control operations.
- Monitor remediation activities.
- Evaluate environmental impact.
- Recommend future research priorities.
Training and Awareness
- Plan and coordinate training programmes.
- Train migratory pest controllers.
- Conduct public awareness campaigns.
- Promote environmental conservation practices.
Data Management
- Capture outbreak information.
- Maintain migratory pest databases.
- Map affected areas.
- Prepare monitoring reports.
Skills and Career Opportunities
This position provides valuable experience in:
- Environmental Management
- Agricultural Inspection
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Disaster Risk Reduction
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Government Environmental Services
- Pest Management
- Ecological Monitoring
- GIS Mapping
- Public Sector Project Management
Experience gained may support future career progression into environmental compliance, conservation management, agricultural advisory services, and senior government inspection roles.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Completed and signed Z83 Application Form
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Shortlisted applicants will later be required to provide:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified qualification certificates
- Driver’s licence
- Service certificates (where applicable)
- SAQA evaluation report for foreign qualifications
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Complete the latest Z83 Application Form.
- Prepare a detailed CV.
- Save the documents as a PDF (maximum 10 MB for email submissions).
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Applications can be submitted by:
- Hand delivery
Late applications will not be considered.
Where to Apply
Email Applications
Hand Delivery
Department of Agriculture
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia
Pretoria
0002
Closing Date
17 August 2026 at 16:00
Applications received after the closing time will not be considered.
Employment Equity
The Department has indicated the following Employment Equity target for this vacancy:
- African Females
- Coloured Females
- Persons living with disabilities
Suitably qualified applicants from all designated groups are encouraged to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
South African applicants who meet the educational and experience requirements.
Is this a permanent government position?
Yes. The advertisement is for a permanent Level 8 government post.
Is a driver’s licence compulsory?
Yes. A valid driver’s licence is listed as a requirement.
Is travelling required?
Yes. The position involves extensive travelling and occasional extended working hours.
Can applications be emailed?
Yes. Applications may be emailed to NCIrecruit65@nda.gov.za.
What documents are required initially?
Only a completed Z83 form and a detailed CV are required during the initial application stage.
Key Takeaways
- The Department of Agriculture is recruiting a Resource Conservation Inspector in De Aar, Northern Cape.
- The position offers an annual salary of R413,001 (approximately R34,417 per month before deductions).
- Applicants need a National Diploma (NQF 6), Grade 12, two years’ relevant experience, and a valid driver’s licence.
- Duties include monitoring and controlling locusts, blackflies, and quelea birds, conducting ecological assessments, managing environmental data, and delivering training.
- Applications close on 17 August 2026 at 16:00.
Editorial Policy
This article is based exclusively on the official Department of Agriculture vacancy notice for Resource Conservation Inspector (Ref No. 3/3/1/65/2026). All information relating to salary, qualifications, duties, application procedures, and closing dates has been summarised directly from the official advertisement. No assumptions have been made regarding recruitment outcomes, benefits, or employment conditions beyond those stated in the official notice.
Official Sources and References
- Department of Agriculture (DOA)
- Official Vacancy Circular – Resource Conservation Inspector (Ref No. 3/3/1/65/2026)
- National School of Government (NSG) – Nyukela Pre-entry Programme information
Tip for Applicants
Before submitting your application, ensure your Z83 form is fully completed and signed, and that your CV clearly highlights your environmental management, agriculture, pest management, GIS, inspection, and research experience. If shortlisted, have your certified qualifications, ID, driver’s licence, and any required supporting documents readily available to avoid delays during the selection process.
