Apply for the Starke Ayres Administrative Assistant Contract Position
Are you organised, detail-oriented and looking to build your career in administration? Starke Ayres, a division of Plennegy (Pty) Ltd., is recruiting an Administrative Assistant on a fixed-term contract based in Kempton Park, Gauteng.
As one of Africa’s leading suppliers of premium vegetable, flower and lawn seed varieties, Starke Ayres offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in laboratory administration and supply chain operations. The successful candidate will provide administrative support to ensure the smooth running of seed sampling, seed testing and moisture testing processes.
If you have a Grade 12 (Matric) qualification and previous administrative experience, this could be the perfect opportunity to grow your career.
Job Overview
Details
Information
Company
Starke Ayres (Plennegy (Pty) Ltd.)
Position
Administrative Assistant
Employment Type
Fixed-Term Contract
Department
Administration
Industry
Supply Chain
Location
Kempton Park, Gauteng
Positions Available
1
Minimum Qualification
Grade 12 (Matric)
Experience
At least 1 year administrative experience
Salary
Market Related
About the Role
The Administrative Assistant will support the daily operations of the seed-testing laboratory by ensuring administrative processes are completed accurately and efficiently.
The role involves registering seed samples, preparing laboratory documentation, maintaining records, issuing laboratory reports and supporting various departments with administrative tasks. Attention to detail and accuracy are essential, as the work contributes to maintaining high-quality testing standards.
Key Responsibilities
Your responsibilities may include:
Sample Registration
Receive submitted seed samples.
Compare sample information with supporting documentation.
Register samples on laboratory systems.
Prepare documents for the required laboratory tests.
Sort and place samples into appropriate containers.
Laboratory Documentation
Complete OIC applications.
Register seed lots.
Prepare required testing documentation.
Maintain accurate laboratory records.
Reporting
Calculate germination results according to ISTA standards.
Record laboratory results.
Prepare laboratory reports.
Prepare preliminary OIC documentation.
Notify customers when reports or certificates are ready for collection.
Record Keeping
Maintain laboratory registers.
Keep germination, purity and moisture records up to date.
Maintain equipment records and filing systems.
Organise laboratory documentation.
Storeroom Administration
Monitor incoming stock.
Record outgoing stock.
Maintain stock records.
General Administration
Respond to enquiries from internal departments.
Support Production, Export, Marketing, Quality Assurance and Head Office.
Complete additional administrative duties assigned by management.
Represent the company professionally at all times.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
Grade 12 (Matric).
At least 1 year of administrative experience.
Valid driver’s licence.
Reliable transport.
Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should possess:
Excellent organisational skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Good communication skills.
Computer literacy.
Record-keeping skills.
Time management.
Problem-solving ability.
Ability to multitask.
Accuracy when working with data.
Professional attitude.
Teamwork.
Why Join Starke Ayres?
Starke Ayres is recognised as one of Africa’s leading seed specialists and supplies premium seed varieties to both commercial growers and home gardeners.
Working for the company offers opportunities to:
Gain experience in laboratory administration.
Develop administrative and organisational skills.
Work within a professional supply chain environment.
Build experience with an established agricultural business.
Expand your career in administration.
Documents Required
Prepare the following before applying:
Updated CV.
Certified South African ID.
Certified Grade 12 certificate.
Valid driver’s licence.
Copies of any additional qualifications (if applicable).
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official Plennegy careers portal before the vacancy closes.
Before applying:
Update your CV.
Highlight your administrative experience.
Include your driver’s licence information.
Ensure your contact details are accurate.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a permanent position?
No. This is a fixed-term contract position.
2. Where is the job located?
The position is based in Kempton Park, Gauteng.
3. What qualification is required?
Applicants must have Grade 12 (Matric).
4. How much experience is required?
At least one year of previous administrative experience.
5. Is a driver’s licence required?
Yes. Applicants must have a valid driver’s licence and reliable transport.
6. What department will I work in?
You will work in the Administration Department supporting the seed-testing laboratory.
7. What type of work will I perform?
You will handle sample registration, laboratory administration, reporting and record keeping.
8. What industry is this role in?
The position is within the agricultural supply chain industry.
9. Is laboratory experience required?
No. Previous administrative experience is the main requirement.
10. What salary is offered?
The company offers a market-related salary.
10 Interview Questions and Sample Answers
1. Tell us about yourself.
Sample Answer:
“I have administrative experience where I handled records, organised documents and supported office operations. I enjoy working accurately and ensuring everything is well organised.”
2. Why do you want to work for Starke Ayres?
Sample Answer:
“Starke Ayres is a respected agricultural company with a strong reputation. I would like to contribute my administrative skills while gaining experience in the supply chain industry.”
3. How do you stay organised?
Sample Answer:
“I prioritise my tasks, keep accurate records, maintain organised filing systems and ensure deadlines are met.”
4. Why is attention to detail important?
Sample Answer:
“Small mistakes in records or reports can affect laboratory results and customer information, so accuracy is extremely important.”
5. How would you handle multiple urgent tasks?
Sample Answer:
“I would prioritise the most urgent work, communicate with my supervisor if necessary and ensure every task is completed accurately.”
6. Describe your computer skills.
Sample Answer:
“I am comfortable using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook for documents, spreadsheets and communication.”
7. What would you do if you noticed incorrect information on a sample register?
Sample Answer:
“I would verify the information immediately, correct any errors according to company procedures and inform the relevant person if needed.”
8. Why should we hire you?
Sample Answer:
“I am organised, dependable, eager to learn and have experience performing administrative duties accurately and efficiently.”
9. How do you work under pressure?
Sample Answer:
“I stay focused, remain organised and complete tasks methodically while maintaining accuracy.”
10. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Sample Answer:
“I hope to continue growing within administration, develop specialist skills and progress into a senior administrative or office support role.”
Nonhlanhla Ndlovu is the founder and publisher of EduFeeds, a South Africa–focused platform that shares verified learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job opportunities for young people and job seekers.
With a strong focus on helping South African youth access real career opportunities, Nonhlanhla researches and verifies programmes from official company sources and public announcements before publication. EduFeeds aims to simplify the application process by providing clear guidance, requirements, and practical tips to help applicants apply with confidence.
Nonhlanhla continues to monitor updates from SETAs, companies, and training providers to ensure information on Edu Feeds remains current and useful. She focuses on publishing timely and accurate opportunity updates for the South African youth employment market.
