Job Description

The Department of Agriculture is inviting applications for a Tractor Driver position at the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI) in Middelburg, Eastern Cape.

The successful candidate will operate tractors with various implements to support general farming activities, including land cultivation, planting, tillage, harvesting, transportation of goods, fire fighting, fencing, mowing, road maintenance, and firebreak maintenance.

The role also includes operating specialised machinery, maintaining farm vehicles and implements, keeping logbooks, reporting defects, and assisting with fuel and oil handling.

This opportunity is suitable for candidates with Grade 10 / NQF Level 3, at least 1 year of relevant experience, and a valid Code C1 driver’s licence.

Position Details

• Position: Tractor Driver
• Reference Number: 3/3/1/36/2026
• Directorate: Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI)
• Location: Middelburg, Eastern Cape
• Salary: R170 226 per annum
• Level: 03
• Experience Required: Minimum of 1 year experience
• Driver’s Licence: Code C1
• EE Target: Africans and persons with disabilities

Responsibilities

• Operate tractors with various implements attached.
• Use implements such as ploughs, rippers, planters, and crop sprayers.
• Assist with land cultivation, planting, tillage, and harvesting.
• Transport various goods as required.
• Assist with fire fighting activities.
• Support fencing activities.
• Mow lawns and support general farming activities.
• Perform road maintenance duties.
• Perform firebreak maintenance works.
• Support construction-related functions using appropriate machinery.
• Operate specialised machinery where required.
• Use machinery such as harvesters, drilling equipment, excavators, and sewer jetting machines.
• Ensure safe storage, cleaning, and routine maintenance of vehicles.
• Ensure safe storage, cleaning, and routine maintenance of implements.
• Maintain farm vehicle monthly and kilometre logbooks.
• Report vehicle and machinery defects to the mechanical workshop on time.
• Assist with dispensing and receiving fuel and oils.

Requirements

• NQF Level 3 / Grade 10 certificate.
• Minimum of 1 year relevant experience.
• Valid Code C1 driver’s licence.
• Knowledge of establishment of pastures.
• Knowledge of planting and cultivation of crops.
• Basic calculation skills for mixing and application rates of herbicides and pesticides.
• Knowledge of calibration of planters and crop sprayers.
• Knowledge of functioning, maintenance, and repair of farm equipment and infrastructure.

Skills

• Tractor operation
• Operating specialised machinery
• TLB and bulldozer operation
• Using different farm implements
• Planting and harvesting crops
• Road maintenance
• Firebreak maintenance
• Farm equipment maintenance
• Vehicle logbook management
• Basic mechanical awareness
• Fuel and oil handling
• Crop spraying support
• Land cultivation
• Safety awareness
• Ability to follow instructions