Job Description

Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government has an opportunity for a suitably qualified and competent individual to support the manager of the sub-programme: Land Use Management and/or rezoning of agricultural land to contribute towards the compilation of sustainable development plans.
Minimum Requirements
An appropriate 3-year National Diploma at NQF Level 6 (equivalent or higher qualification) in Natural Resource Management / Environmental Management / Agriculture or Town Planning; A minimum of 3 years appropriate post-qualification experience in land use planning and agricultural resource management; A valid (Code B or higher) driving licence. NB: People with disabilities that restrict driving abilities, but who have reasonable access to transport, may also apply.
Recommendation
BSc Degree at NQF level 7 or higher in Natural Resource Management / Environmental Management / Town Planning or Agriculture Resource Management; Working knowledge of the following: Land Use Planning (legislation, National, Provincial and Municipal); Drafting change of land use application and assessment thereof; Evaluation of the conservation of agricultural Resources Act, Spatial Development Frameworks, subdivision, rezoning and Environmental Impact Assessments; Agricultural sector and management of natural resource management, crop production systems, water and irrigation and social physical properties; Management skills in human resources, financial and project management; Experience in MS Office, ArcView/GIS programs; Operation of unmanned aircraft systems (drone) with valid remote pilot certificate/licence with VLOS rating.
Key Performance Areas
Provide support to the land use manager with regards to assessing environmental assessment and change of land use applications and provide comments and recommendations to the competent authority; Liaise with other relevant state departments, programs and specialists regarding controversial applications; Independently conduct site visits, attend meetings and stakeholder engagements; Facilitate the representation of the department and the sub-programme in workshops and stakeholder engagements; Develop sector plans, land use management guidelines and agro-ecosystem reports to promote sustainable management of agricultural land use; Evaluate and provide advice on the administration of SALA and implementation of other land use legislation.
Competencies
Knowledge of the following: Theory, design and implementation of agricultural resource management plans; Assessment of change of land use applications; Legal compliance of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), Conservation of Agricultural Resource Act (CARA), Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act (SALA) and National Water Act (NWA); Technical/scientific report writing; Applying expertise and technology; Operation of unmanned aircraft system; Technical design and analysis; Research and development; Computer-aided engineering applications; Technical consulting. Skills needed: Written and verbal communication; Proven computer literacy; Planning and organising; Problem solving and analysis; Self-motivated; Committed; Ability to work under pressure and under adverse field conditions.
Remuneration
R 397 116 - R 467 790 per annum (Salary level 8)
Note on remuneration in addition to service benefits or obligations for qualifying employees (medical assistance, housing assistance, pension-fund contributions, etc) are funded or co-funded in terms of the applicable prescripts or collective agreements
Notes
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit copies of their documentation for verification purposes. These candidates will be required to complete a practical assessment and attend the interview on a date and time as determined by the department and may also be required to undergo competency assessments/proficiency test. The selection process will be guided by the EE targets of the employing department.
By applying for this position, you are consenting to the Western Cape Government contacting your previous employers/managers for an employment reference. Reference checks will include enquiries relating to your disciplinary records and reasons for leaving.
Should you experience difficulties with your online application, kindly note that technical support (challenges with online application) is only available from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16.00. You may contact the helpline at 0861 370 214. Otherwise, all other queries relating to the position, kindly contact the enquiries person as indicated in the advert. Please ensure that you submit your application before the closing date as no late applications will be considered.