Job Summary

The Department of Agriculture is recruiting for a Laboratory Assistant position in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This opportunity falls under the Chief Directorate: Inspection and Quarantine Services and is suited to candidates who want to start a career in laboratory support within the public sector.

The role focuses on assisting with sample preparation, laboratory housekeeping, plant material support, routine diagnostic activities, and administrative recordkeeping. It is a strong opportunity for candidates with a Grade 12 certificate who are interested in laboratory work, attention to detail, and supporting scientific processes in a regulated work environment.

Job Description

The Laboratory Assistant will provide support for laboratory and quarantine-related activities involving the preparation and handling of samples used in the detection of plant pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and viruses. The successful candidate will assist with sample collection, preparation, storage, transport, basic routine analysis under supervision, and the maintenance of laboratory resources and workspaces.

The role also includes supporting seed and plant propagation, cleaning and sterilising laboratory equipment and glassware, monitoring temperature-controlled facilities, reporting faulty equipment, and maintaining records, registers, and inventory. This position is suitable for a candidate who is organised, safety-conscious, and able to work accurately in a laboratory support environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and resources for the detection of plant pathogens
• Process and label samples correctly
• Collect and prepare plant parts, water, soil, and tissue samples
• Prepare sample material through weighing, cutting, grinding, and related tasks
• Prepare media, stains, buffers, and reagents
• Store, pack, and transport samples appropriately
• Assist with decontamination and disposal of used samples
• Remove waste according to prescribed procedures
• Perform routine analysis on diagnostic samples under supervision
• Support seed and plant propagation
• Maintain plants and related growing materials
• Perform basic maintenance on selected equipment, instruments, and facilities
• Report faulty equipment when identified
• Maintain laboratory tidiness and cleanliness
• Clean and sterilise glassware, wash lab coats, and clean equipment
• Monitor the temperature of allocated facilities and equipment
• Perform recordkeeping, update registers and databases, and support inventory control

Requirements

• Must have a Grade 12 certificate
• No experience required
• Must have knowledge of:
  • Public Service and Departmental prescripts and policies
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act
  • Public regulations
  • Cultural diversity
• Must be computer literate in MS Office
• Must have a valid driver’s licence

Skills

• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate well with people at different levels
• Planning and organising skills
• Computer literacy
• Ability to work accurately in a laboratory environment
• Recordkeeping and administrative skills
• Teamwork
• Awareness of health and safety practices