The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for various professional and support positions across several districts. This recruitment drive focuses on strengthening agricultural infrastructure and animal health services through the appointment of State Veterinarians, Candidate Engineers, and Animal Health Technicians, among other roles. Applicants must submit documentation exclusively through the provincial e-recruitment system before the closing date of 20 March 2026 to ensure consideration for these opportunities.
Successful candidates will take on critical responsibilities ranging from technical engineering designs and disease surveillance to essential community animal health functions. The department prioritizes the advancement of youth and people with disabilities in alignment with established employment equity targets. Each position requires specific NQF-rated qualifications and, where applicable, valid registration with professional councils such as the South African Veterinary Council or ECSA.
AVAILABLE POSITIONS
- STATE VETERINARIAN (X8 POSTS)
- CANDIDATE ENGINEER (X6 POSTS)
- ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN (X25 POSTS)
- DATA CAPTURER (X6 POSTS)
- COMMUNITY ANIMAL HEALTH WORKER (X30 POSTS)
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Individuals from all racial groups are encouraged to apply, with a specific focus on meeting departmental Employment Equity (EE) targets. Women and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to submit their applications.
STATE VETERINARIAN (X8 POSTS)
Salary: R896 436 – R1 055 958 per annum (Level 11)
(All-inclusive remuneration package)
Centres & Reference Numbers:
Sarah Baartman District (X2 Posts)
Ref No: DoA01/03/2026
O.R. Tambo District (X4 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/02/03/2026
(KSD X2, Inqquza X1, TARDI X2)
Alfred Nzo District (X2 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/03/03/2026
(Umzimvubu, Matatiele)
Requirements:
- Appropriate qualification at NQF Level 8 in Veterinary Science (B.VSc or B.VMSC) recognized by SAQA
- Valid registration with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) (proof required at interview)
- Knowledge of relevant legislation:
- Animal Diseases Act No. 35 of 1984
- Meat Safety Act No. 40 of 2000
- Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act No. 19 of 1982
- Animal Protection Act No. 71 of 1962
- Animal Identification Act No. 6 of 2002
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite
- Valid driver’s license
Duties:
- Implementation of animal health legislation and policies
- Management of animal disease surveillance and control programs
- Facilitation of import and export of animals and animal products
- Delivery of primary animal health care services
- Mentoring of community service veterinarians
- Administrative duties including performance and disease reporting
CANDIDATE ENGINEER (X6 POSTS) (4-Year Contract)
Salary: R761 157 per annum (OSD)
Centres & Reference Numbers:
- Sarah Baartman District – Ref No: DoA/04/03/2026
- Joe Gqabi District – Ref No: DoA/05/03/2026
- O.R. Tambo District – Ref No: DoA/06/03/2026
- Alfred Nzo District – Ref No: DoA/07/03/2026
- Amathole District – Ref No: DoA/08/03/2026
- Chris Hani District – Ref No: DoA/09/03/2026
Requirements:
- Engineering Degree (BEng/BSc Eng) in Agriculture or Civil Engineering
- Registration with ECSA as a Candidate Engineer (required upon appointment)
- Valid driver’s license
- No prior experience required
DUTIES:
- Design new systems to solve practical engineering challenges and improve efficiency and enhance safety.
- Planning, designing, operating and maintenance of engineering projects.
- Development of cost-effective solutions according to standards.
- Evaluation of existing technical manuals, standard drawings and procedures to incorporate new technology.
- Promote safety in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Prepare inputs for the facilitation of resource utilisation.
- Adhere to regulations and procedures for SCM and HR administration.
- Report on service delivery.
- Keep up with new technologies and procedures.
- Research/literature studies on engineering technology to improve expertise.
- Liaise with relevant bodies/councils on engineering-related matters.
- Follow approved programme of development for registration purposes.
ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN (X25 POSTS)
Salary: R397 116 – R467 790 per annum (Level 08)
Centres & Reference Numbers:
Alfred Nzo District (X5 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/10/03/2026
(Winnie Madikizela Mandela X3, Ntabankulu X2)
Chris Hani District (X10 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/11/03/2026
(Inxuba Yethemba X2, Emalahleni X3, Dr A.B. Xuma X3, Enoch Mgijima X2)
O.R. Tambo District (X6 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/12/03/2026
(Nyandeni X2, KSD X2, Mhlontlo X2)
Joe Gqabi District (X2 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/13/03/2026
(Maletswai X1, Gariep X1)
Sarah Baartman District (X2 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/14/03/2026
(Nelson Mandela Metro X1, Dr Beyers Naude X1)
Requirements:
- NQF Level 6 qualification in Animal Health
- 1–2 years relevant experience
- Registration with SAVC as an Animal Health Technician
- Knowledge of Animal Health Regulatory Support Services
- Valid driver’s license
DUTIES:
- Plan and implement disease control measures, which will entail administering of vaccinations for animal diseases, collection of specimens, examination and dispatch of samples with regard to animal diseases, and collection of census data regarding farm animals.
- Conduct inspections of livestock for the presence of notifiable diseases.
- Participate in awareness campaigns and other activities aimed at eradicating the spread of animal diseases.
- Render a support service to the State Veterinarian and Control Animal Health Technician regarding animal disease control, reproduction, and production advancement.
- Sample collection, and law enforcement which would, entail conducting inspections of animals, animal products, vaccine distribution points, and installations where animal products are processed.
- Assist the State Veterinarian with investigations relating to surveys, post-mortems, and animal diseases.
- Obtaining and processing epidemiological and other data.
- Collection of samples for analysis by the State Veterinarian and laboratory.
- Enforce animal disease legislation at auctions, veterinary roadblocks, and border posts.
- Provide extension services on animal health to animal owners.
DATA CAPTURER (X6 POSTS) (Re-advertisement)
Salary: R193 359 – R227 766 per annum (Level 04)
Centres & Reference Numbers:
- O.R. Tambo District – Ref No: DoA/15/03/2026
- Amathole District – Ref No: DoA/16/03/2026
- Chris Hani District – Ref No: DoA/17/03/2026
- Alfred Nzo District – Ref No: DoA/18/03/2026
- Sarah Baartman District – Ref No: DoA/19/03/2026
- Joe Gqabi District – Ref No: DoA/20/03/2026
Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NQF Level 4)
- Post-matric certificate in Computer Operations/Practice
- Knowledge of data capturing and raw data analysis
DUTIES:
- Provide data capturing services: Receive and record data.
- Capture data from available records into the required formats e.g. databases, table, spreadsheet.
- Provide data verification services: Verify query missing data and errors observed during data entry.
- Review and validate all data from the records.
- Submit data.
- Provide data management services: Make regular backups of data.
- Update registers and statistics.
- Provide record-keeping services: Keep and maintain records and files.
- Ensure records and files are properly sorted and secured.
- Provide information to components.
COMMUNITY ANIMAL HEALTH WORKER (X30 POSTS)
Salary: R163 680 – R192 810 per annum (Level 03)
Centres & Reference Numbers:
Amathole District (X6 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/21/03/2026
(Mbashe X3, Mnquma X1, Ngqushwa X1, Raymond Mhlaba X1)
Chris Hani District (X5 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/22/03/2026
(Inxuba Yethemba, Emalahleni X2, Dr A.B. Xuma X2)
Alfred Nzo District (X5 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/23/03/2026
(Ntabankulu X2, Matatiele X1, Winnie Madikizela Mandela X1)
Joe Gqabi District (X5 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/24/03/2026
(Maletswai X3, Gariep X2)
O.R. Tambo District (X5 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/26/03/2026
(Nyandeni X2, KSD X2, Ngquza X1)
Sarah Baartman District (X4 Posts)
Ref No: DoA/27/03/2026
(Nelson Mandela Metro X2, Dr Beyers Naude X2)
Requirements:
- Grade 10 / Standard 8
- Relevant experience in community dipping functions
- Preference given to local qualifying candidates
DUTIES:
- Count and record cattle for dipping.
- Ensure that the water level for dipping is correct.
- Mixing of dipping material.
- Monitor dipping.
- Clean entrance to dipping kraal and drainage area after each dipping.
- Do minor dipping tank repairs.
- Ensure that dipping material is safe guarded.
- Report to Animal Health Technician any defects and problems that need attention.
- Assist with vaccinations, treatments and restraining of animals during castration and dehorning.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & NOTES
CLOSING DATE: 20 March 2026 (23:59)
HOW TO APPLY: Applications must be submitted exclusively via the provincial e-recruitment system: https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za.
- No hand-delivered, emailed, faxed, or posted applications will be accepted.
- The system is available 24/7.
- For technical assistance, email [email protected] with your ID number and profile details (Mon-Fri, working hours only).
DOCUMENTATION:
- Z83 Form: Must be signed. Although the e-recruitment system Z83 is currently “unsignable,” applicants must scan and upload a signed physical Z83 form.
- Curriculum Vitae: A recently updated, comprehensive CV.
- Attachments: Copies of qualifications, ID, and driver’s license (certification is only required for shortlisted candidates).
- Foreign Qualifications: Must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo a personnel suitability check (criminal record, citizenship, financial, and qualification verification).
- Successful candidates will serve a 12-month probation period.
- Correspondence is limited to short-listed candidates. If you are not contacted within three months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.