Introduction
The Department of Agriculture has announced a General Worker vacancy for 2026 under the Directorate: Animal Health in Skukuza, Mpumalanga. This opportunity is aimed at individuals interested in animal care, quarantine operations, environmental maintenance, and support services within government agricultural facilities.
The position offers practical workplace experience in animal health operations, including assisting with animal husbandry, maintaining biosecurity standards, and supporting quarantine and wildlife-related activities. For many job seekers, especially those with basic education qualifications and practical work experience, this role provides an opportunity to enter the public sector and gain valuable hands-on experience.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the requirements, responsibilities, and application instructions before submitting their applications.
What Is the Department of Agriculture General Worker Post?
The General Worker position is a support-level government role within the Directorate: Animal Health. Employees in this role assist with maintaining animal holding facilities, cleaning workstations, supporting quarantine operations, and ensuring biosecurity standards are followed.
The position also involves practical duties related to animal care, maintenance of grounds and fences, and assisting veterinary staff during animal health operations.
Vacancy Overview
| Position | General Worker |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | 3/3/1/26/2026 |
| Department | Department of Agriculture |
| Directorate | Animal Health |
| Salary | R144 024 per annum |
| Salary Level | Level 02 |
| Location | Skukuza |
| Closing Date | 12 May 2026 at 16:00 |
| Application Method | Email or Hand Delivery |
Purpose of the Position
The role supports animal health and quarantine operations within the Department of Agriculture. Workers help maintain clean and safe animal facilities while supporting daily operational activities involving wildlife and large animals.
The department aims to ensure proper animal care, disease control, and safe quarantine procedures through effective operational support.
Minimum Requirements
Educational Requirement
Applicants must have:
- ABET or Basic Education qualification
Recommended Experience
Previous experience working with:
- Wild animals
- Large animals
- Animal holding facilities
Although experience is recommended, applicants with practical exposure to animal care and maintenance duties may also be considered.
Knowledge Requirements
Applicants should have basic understanding of:
- Public Service Regulations
- Procurement procedures
- Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
- Health and safety procedures
- Planning and organizing
Knowledge of biosecurity and workplace safety practices may be beneficial.
Required Skills
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Good communication skills
- Planning and organizing abilities
- Interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Listening skills
- Analytical thinking
- Ability to work extended hours when required
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The position involves both cleaning and animal support responsibilities.
Facility Cleaning and Maintenance
Duties include:
- Cleaning workstations
- Disposing of infectious material
- Washing floors and walls
- Cleaning predator cages, stables, and bomas
- Maintaining quarantine grounds and gardens
Animal Care Responsibilities
Workers will assist with:
- Caring for animals and birds
- Supplying correct food to quarantined animals
- Monitoring animal health
- Reporting illness rapidly
- Recording daily health parameters
- Basic animal husbandry
Biosecurity and Waste Management
Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining biosecurity standards
- Operating incinerators
- Incinerating waste and carcasses
- Recording disposal of items
- Removing waste and foreign objects from premises
Fence and Grounds Maintenance
The role also requires:
- Mowing lawns
- Trimming edges
- Removing vegetation from fences
- Inspecting electric fences daily
Veterinary and Wildlife Assistance
Employees may assist with:
- Clinical work
- Necropsies
- Game capture operations
- Carrying equipment and implements
Key Features of the Opportunity
- Government employment opportunity
- Stable annual salary
- Entry-level public sector position
- Exposure to wildlife and animal health operations
- Opportunity to gain practical agricultural experience
- Workplace training and operational exposure
Employment Equity Information
According to the vacancy notice, the department encourages applications in line with Employment Equity targets, including:
- Coloured, Indian, and White males
- African, Coloured, and White females
- Persons living with disabilities
How to Apply
Application Methods
Applications can be submitted through:
Email Application
Send applications to:
GWrecruit26@nda.gov.za
Hand Delivery
Deliver applications during office hours to:
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia
Pretoria
0002
Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- Completed Z83 form
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Important:
- Documents must be submitted in PDF format
- Maximum file size: 10MB
Important Application Instructions
Shortlisted Candidates Must Provide:
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified qualification documents
- Service certificates (where applicable)
- SAQA evaluation reports for foreign qualifications
Failure to provide required documentation may result in disqualification.
Practical Tips for Applicants
Submit Applications Early
Avoid last-minute submissions to reduce the risk of:
- Server delays
- Email delivery problems
- Technical issues
Ensure Your CV Is Updated
Include:
- Animal care experience
- Grounds maintenance work
- Cleaning or operational support experience
- Any agricultural or wildlife exposure
Follow Instructions Carefully
Incomplete applications or incorrect file formats may not be considered.
Important Things to Know
Late Applications Will Not Be Accepted
Applications received after:
12 May 2026 at 16:00
may not be considered.
The Department Will Not Be Responsible for Technical Delays
Applicants are responsible for ensuring successful submission before the deadline.
Working Conditions May Be Physically Demanding
The role may involve:
- Extended working hours
- Outdoor work
- Working with large animals
- Cleaning hazardous areas
Applicants should be prepared for practical and physically active duties.
Enquiries
For more information, applicants may contact:
Dr Linmarie de Klerk-Lorist
Telephone: (013) 735 9082
Conclusion
The Department of Agriculture General Worker Vacancy 2026 provides an important opportunity for individuals interested in agriculture, wildlife operations, and animal health support services. Based in Skukuza, Mpumalanga, the position offers stable government employment and practical exposure to quarantine and animal care operations.
Candidates who meet the minimum education requirements and possess practical experience working with animals or maintenance operations are encouraged to apply before the closing date. Careful attention to application instructions and document requirements will improve the chances of successful consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the salary for the General Worker position?
The salary is R144 024 per annum at Level 02.
Where is the job located?
The position is based in Skukuza.
What qualifications are required?
Applicants need ABET or Basic Education qualifications.
Is experience with animals required?
Previous experience working with wild or large animals is recommended but may not always be mandatory.
What is the closing date for applications?
The closing date is 12 May 2026 at 16:00.
