Senior Laboratory Assistant

In brief

**Overview** This role is for a Directorate: Inspection Services within the Department Of Agriculture (Doa), based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The position offers a salary of R237,453 per annum (Level 05). The reference number for this vacancy is 3/3/1/86/2026. The Department's Employment Equity (EE) target for this position is African Males and Females, and persons with disability. **What you will do** Key responsibilities include: * Prepare samples and perform routine analysis for the determination of chemical residues, dairy, processed food, and liquor products composition components (quality control). This entails: * Labelling of samples. * Collecting/taking samples for preparation (e.g., fruit, vegetables, grain, other agricultural products, processed foods like bread, dried fruit, fruit juice, honey, vinegar). * Preparation of sample material by weighing, drying, cutting, etc. * Preparation of media (eliza kits). * Preparation and staining of smears. * Preparation of stains, buffers, and reagents. * Visual inspection and collection of infected material if applicable. * Perform extractions and basic analyses of samples. * Record analysis results. * Storage of samples. * Packing and/or transport samples. * Assist in decontamination and disposal of used samples. * Removal of waste. * Perform basic maintenance on selected equipment and instrumentation. * Report all faulty equipment and instrumentation. * Perform verification and calibration on selected equipment and instrumentation. * Maintain tidiness of laboratories, clean/sterilise glassware and equipment. * Clean laboratory facilities. * Clean glassware and laboratory equipment. * Perform administrative and related functions, including: * Inventory control of equipment and consumables. * Recordkeeping and updating of identified registers (e.g., Register book, sample referral, sample received, record of results, inventory of standards, reagents and chemicals, waste removal). * Assist with invoicing of analyses. * Comply with health and safety regulations. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * Applicants must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate. * A Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in Laboratory and Horticulture. * Job Related Knowledge: * Knowledge of the Public Service and Departmental prescripts/policies. * Agricultural Product Standards Act 119 of 1990. * Liquor Products Act 60 of 1989. * Job Related Skills: * Knowledge and application of Laboratory quality systems. * Knowledge of work-related policies and procedures. * Laboratory techniques and safety. * Problem solving techniques. * Effective communication. * Provisioning administrative system (chemicals, equipment etc). * Data processing. * Applicable relevant analytical techniques. * Efficient managing of stores and ordering of miscellaneous stores. * Use of relevant laboratory and office equipment. * Manual dexterity. * Communication capabilities. * Insight capabilities in the application of quality assurance documentation. * Accuracy, thoroughness and timeousness. * Computer skills, application/usage of computer software. * Alert and troubleshooting skills. * Administrative and organisational skills. * Language capabilities with regard to the understanding of quality system documentation. * Planning and organising abilities. * Self developmentally inclined. * Team building. * Training skills/give guidance. * Extended working hours. * Handling of hazardous chemicals. * Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive. **Who should apply** This role is suitable for a candidate with a Grade 12 Certificate and at least three years of experience in both laboratory and horticulture. The ideal applicant will possess a strong understanding of Public Service prescripts, departmental policies, and relevant Acts such as the Agricultural Product Standards Act and the Liquor Products Act. Essential skills include proficiency in laboratory quality systems, techniques, and safety, coupled with strong problem-solving, communication, data processing, and analytical abilities. Candidates should be adept at managing stores, using laboratory and office equipment, and demonstrate manual dexterity, accuracy, and thoroughness. Computer literacy, troubleshooting skills, administrative and organisational capabilities, and an understanding of quality system documentation are also required. The role demands a proactive individual who is self-developmentally inclined, works well in a team, and can provide guidance. Applicants must be prepared for extended working hours and the handling of hazardous chemicals, and possess a valid driver’s license. Preference will be given to African Males and Females, and persons with disability, as per the EE targets. **Deadline** Not specified **Reference** Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/department-of-agriculture-doa-vacancies-7#spani-ref-3-3-1-86-2026 Source: govpage

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