Department of Agriculture General Worker Vacancy 2026: Apply Before 12 May
The Department of Agriculture is inviting applications for a General Worker vacancy within the Directorate: Animal Health. This opportunity is based in Skukuza, Mpumalanga, and is suitable for applicants with basic education and a strong interest in animal care, quarantine facilities, cleaning, and general maintenance duties.
This role is ideal for candidates who are hardworking, physically fit, responsible, and willing to work around wild and large animals.
General Worker Vacancy Details
Position: General Worker
Department: Department of Agriculture
Directorate: Animal Health
Reference Number: 3/3/1/26/2026
Location: Skukuza, Mpumalanga
Salary: R144 024 per annum, Level 02
Closing Date: 12 May 2026 at 16:00
About the General Worker Role
The successful candidate will support the Animal Health Directorate by assisting with cleaning, animal care, biosecurity, quarantine facility maintenance, waste disposal, and basic animal husbandry tasks.
This position involves hands-on work in animal holding areas such as predator cages, stables, bomas, quarantine grounds, and related workstations. Applicants should be comfortable working in an environment where hygiene, safety, and attention to detail are very important.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- ABET or Basic Education
- Previous experience working with wild animals or large animals will be an advantage
- Ability to work extended hours when required
- Good communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Planning and organising ability
- Problem-solving skills
- Listening and analytical skills
Knowledge Required
Applicants should have basic knowledge or understanding of:
- Public Service Regulations
- Procurement procedures
- Public Finance Management Act principles
- Health and safety procedures
- Cultural diversity in the workplace
- Planning and organising duties
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The appointed General Worker will be responsible for a wide range of practical duties, including:
- Cleaning relevant workstations
- Disposing of infectious material safely
- Cleaning predator cages, stables, and bomas
- Removing bedding from animal holding facilities
- Washing floors and walls in animal holding areas
- Maintaining biosecurity standards at the workstation
- Operating the incinerator
- Incinerating refuse and waste
- Recording disposal of items
- Caring for animals and birds in accommodation areas
- Reporting any problems affecting animals
- Supplying the correct food to animals in quarantine
- Reporting illness quickly
- Recording daily animal health parameters
- Performing basic animal husbandry duties
- Maintaining quarantine grounds and gardens
- Maintaining the perimeter fence
- Mowing lawns and trimming edges
- Removing vegetation from fences
- Removing waste and foreign objects from the premises
- Inspecting the electric fence daily
- Ensuring the electric fence functions properly
- Assisting with clinical work
- Assisting with necropsies
- Assisting during game capture operations
- Carrying implements and equipment
- Assisting with carcass incineration
Skills Needed for This Job
To succeed in this role, applicants should be:
- Reliable and disciplined
- Comfortable working outdoors
- Able to follow instructions
- Physically fit for manual duties
- Able to work with animals in a safe and responsible manner
- Willing to maintain strict hygiene and biosecurity standards
- Able to report problems immediately
- Prepared to work extended hours when needed
Employment Equity Target
The Employment Equity target for this post is:
- Coloured, Indian and White males
- African, Coloured and White females
- Persons with disabilities
Applicants from these groups are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to:
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia
Pretoria
0002
Applications may also be submitted by email to:
Applicants should quote the correct reference number when applying:
Reference Number: 3/3/1/26/2026
Enquiries
For enquiries about this vacancy, contact:
Dr Linmarie de Klerk-Lorist
Telephone: 013 735 9082
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 12 May 2026 at 16:00.
Late applications may not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Why This Opportunity Is Worth Applying For
This Department of Agriculture General Worker vacancy is a good opportunity for candidates who want to work in the public sector while gaining practical experience in animal health support, quarantine operations, facility cleaning, biosecurity, and wildlife-related work.
Applicants who are passionate about animals, safety, and practical outdoor work should consider applying before the closing date.
