The Department of Agriculture has announced an exciting employment opportunity for individuals seeking work in the agricultural and maintenance sector. The Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI) is currently recruiting for a Handyman position under reference number 3/3/1/31/2026. This opportunity is ideal for hardworking individuals who have experience in farm work, fence making, building maintenance, and general agricultural support services.
The post is based in Middelburg in the Eastern Cape and offers a salary of R170 226 per annum at salary level 03. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements and are passionate about practical maintenance work are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
This vacancy provides a valuable opportunity for applicants who are looking to establish or grow their careers within the public service sector while contributing to the maintenance and development of agricultural infrastructure. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting farm operations, maintaining equipment, and ensuring that facilities are kept in good condition.
Position Details
- Job Title: Handyman
- Reference Number: 3/3/1/31/2026
- Institution: Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI)
- Department: Department of Agriculture
- Salary: R170 226 per annum
- Salary Level: Level 03
- Location: Middelburg, Eastern Cape
The Department is seeking dedicated individuals who are physically fit, reliable, and capable of performing maintenance and agricultural support duties. The role requires practical skills and the ability to work independently as well as within a team environment.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants interested in this position must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Applicants must be in possession of Grade 9 or an NQF Level 1 qualification.
- Candidates should have between 1 and 2 years of relevant experience in farm work and/or fence-making activities.
- A competency certificate in fence making will serve as an added advantage.
The department is particularly interested in individuals who possess practical knowledge and experience related to farm maintenance and infrastructure support. Candidates with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn will be well suited for this role.
Knowledge Required for the Position
To perform effectively in this role, applicants should have basic knowledge and understanding of the following:
- Public Service and departmental policies and prescripts.
- General farm work and agricultural activities.
- Use of hand tools and maintenance equipment.
- Cleaning procedures for buildings, tools, and machinery.
- Harvesting and storage of feed such as lucerne.
- Fence erection and repair techniques.
Knowledge of safety procedures and proper maintenance practices will also be beneficial. The department values individuals who can work responsibly and contribute positively to the upkeep of the institution’s facilities and farming operations.
Skills and Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate the following skills:
Good Communication Skills
Applicants should be able to communicate clearly with supervisors and fellow workers. Effective communication is important when reporting damages, maintenance issues, or farm-related concerns.
Planning Skills
The role requires someone who can plan daily maintenance activities and prioritize tasks efficiently.
Interpersonal Skills
Candidates must be able to work well with others in a team environment. Respect, professionalism, and cooperation are essential within the workplace.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The handyman will be responsible for a variety of maintenance and farm support functions. The duties associated with this position are diverse and require someone who is flexible and willing to assist where needed.
Maintenance of Office Buildings
The successful candidate will assist with maintaining office buildings and ensuring that all facilities remain functional and safe. Duties include:
- Conducting regular inspections of buildings and equipment.
- Reporting breakages, defects, and maintenance problems.
- Assisting with electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, and renovation work.
- Replacing damaged materials where necessary.
Regular inspections are important to identify maintenance issues before they become major problems. The handyman will therefore play a critical role in preserving the condition of government property and facilities.
Maintenance of Farm Equipment and Infrastructure
The candidate will also assist with maintaining agricultural infrastructure and equipment used on the farm. Responsibilities include:
- Repairing fences and water systems.
- Maintaining furniture, tools, and equipment.
- Inspecting fences and conducting repairs when required.
- Safekeeping of maintenance tools and supplies.
- Detecting and repairing leaks and broken pipes.
- Constructing and maintaining farm structures such as hail shelters, tractor shade ports, and support frames.
These tasks are essential for ensuring that the agricultural institute operates smoothly and that infrastructure remains in good working condition.
Conducting Routine Farm Work
The position also involves assisting with routine agricultural and farming activities. Some of the tasks include:
- Installing irrigation pipes and pumps.
- Digging trenches.
- Assisting with combating veld fires.
- Performing agricultural duties such as weeding, irrigation, and sowing.
- Maintaining gardens, paddocks, recreation grounds, and irrigated land.
This aspect of the role requires physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors under different weather conditions.
General Maintenance Duties
The successful candidate will also assist with general cleaning and maintenance duties around the facility. These include:
- Removal and disposal of refuse.
- Cleaning gutters.
- Sweeping roads and parking areas.
- Washing and cleaning official vehicles.
- Cleaning buildings, machinery, and equipment.
Maintaining a clean and organized environment is important for health, safety, and operational efficiency.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This vacancy is more than just a job opportunity. It is a chance for individuals with practical skills and agricultural experience to become part of the public service sector. Government jobs provide stability, structured working environments, and opportunities for growth.
For many applicants, positions like these create pathways toward long-term employment and skills development. Working at an agricultural development institute also offers exposure to farming operations, infrastructure maintenance, and teamwork in a professional environment.
Individuals who enjoy working with their hands, solving practical problems, and contributing to agricultural development may find this position highly rewarding.
Work Environment and Expectations
The handyman role requires someone who is dependable and capable of handling physically demanding tasks. The successful applicant may be required to work both indoors and outdoors depending on operational requirements.
Because the position involves maintenance and farm support services, applicants should be comfortable using tools and equipment and should be willing to perform manual labor when necessary.
Candidates who have previous experience in farming communities, maintenance work, or construction-related activities may adapt quickly to the working environment.
Tips for Applicants
If you are planning to apply for this position, consider the following tips to improve your application:
Highlight Relevant Experience
Clearly mention any previous experience related to:
- Farm work
- Fence making
- Maintenance work
- Plumbing or carpentry
- Irrigation systems
- Agricultural support duties
Even informal experience can be valuable if it demonstrates your practical abilities.
Prepare Supporting Documents
Ensure that you have the following documents ready:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Updated CV
- Any certificates related to maintenance or fence making
Make sure your documents are clear, organized, and up to date.
Demonstrate Reliability
Government departments value employees who are responsible and trustworthy. During the application process, emphasize your willingness to work hard, follow instructions, and contribute positively to the workplace.
Employment Equity Consideration
The Department has indicated that the Employment Equity target for this post includes Africans and persons with disabilities.
This demonstrates the department’s commitment to promoting transformation and creating equal employment opportunities within the public sector.
Applicants who fall within these categories are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Interested applicants may submit their applications through hand delivery or via email.
Hand Delivery Applications
Applications can be delivered during office hours to:
20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia
Pretoria
0002
Email Applications
Applications may also be emailed to:
HMrecruit31@nda.gov.za
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are attached when submitting applications via email.
Enquiries
For further information regarding the vacancy, applicants may contact:
Mr Thabo Molekwa
Telephone: (049) 802 6633
Potential applicants are encouraged to use the enquiry details if they require clarification regarding the application process or job requirements.
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Final Thoughts
The Handyman vacancy at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute presents an excellent opportunity for individuals with maintenance and farming experience to secure employment within the Department of Agriculture.
With a competitive government salary, practical work responsibilities, and the opportunity to contribute to agricultural operations, this position may be suitable for candidates seeking stable employment and career development.
The role requires dedication, practical skills, and a willingness to perform a wide range of maintenance and agricultural support tasks. Individuals who are hardworking, disciplined, and eager to contribute to public service are encouraged to apply.
If you meet the minimum requirements and are interested in working in the agricultural sector, do not miss this opportunity