Explore entry-level job opportunities at the Department of Defence. Open to matriculants and graduate kickstart your career in public service
Jumpstart Your Career: Entry-Level Admin Jobs at the Department of Defence
So, you’re thinking about getting your foot in the door with a government job here in South Africa? Let’s be real—admin work isn’t everyone’s idea of a thrill ride, but you know what? It pays the bills, gets your name out there, and can actually open up a bunch of doors down the line.
Entry-Level Jobs Opportunities
The Department of Defence (DoD) is on the lookout for some fresh talent, and honestly, these entry-level admin positions are as solid a starting point as any.
Let’s break down what’s on offer, who they’re looking for, and how you can throw your hat in the ring (without losing your mind over the paperwork).
Positions Available
1. Administration Clerk: Production
Location: Erasmuskloof, Pretoria
Reference: DEFRES/15/19/25/01
Salary: R228,321 – R268,950 per year (Level 05)
What You’ll Need:
- Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent. No degree? No problem.
- Knowing a bit about the Reserves is a bonus, but not a dealbreaker.
- Computer skills for days—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and if you can dabble in Dreamweaver, Fireworks, or Photoshop, even better.
- Communication chops (written and spoken). If you can write an email without looking like a bot, you’re halfway there.
- You’re the type who likes things neat and tidy—organized, analytical, and not afraid to solve problems.
- Can handle people and work solo without needing someone to hold your hand.
The Day-to-Day:
- Classic admin duties: keeping records, organizing, storing data, making copies, answering questions, and generally making sure the office doesn’t fall apart.
- Spruce up the Defence Reserves website and intranet (that’s where those fancy computer skills come in).
- Entry-Level Jobs Opportunities
- Keep tabs on office supplies—nobody wants to run out of coffee or toner.
- Handle the asset and document registers, plus help out with the paperwork for buying stuff.
How to Apply:
- Email: defres@telkomsa.net (make sure you put the job title and ref no. in the subject)
- Hand-deliver: Armscor Building, Cnr Boeing & Nossob St, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria
- Mail: Defence Reserves Division, Private Bag X161, Pretoria, 0001
2. Administration Clerk: Production
Location: Regional Office Northern Cape (Kimberley)
Reference: DEFRES/15/19/25/02
Salary: R228,321 – R268,950 per year (Level 05)
What You’ll Need:
- Matric or equivalent qualification
- Solid skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Communication and people skills—can you handle “office banter” and still get stuff done?
- Ability to keep things running smoothly without breaking a sweat
The Day-to-Day:
- All the admin basics: file documents, keep the records straight, answer those classic “did you get my email?” queries.
- Maintain a filing system that doesn’t resemble the Bermuda Triangle.
- Manage office supplies and registers, and help out with a bit of HR admin (think attendance and leave registers).
- Some basic finance admin—updating expenses and making sure the numbers add up.
3. Senior Secretary Grade II
Location: Armscor Building, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria
Reference: DETDSI/17/19/25
Salary: R228,321 – R268,950 per year (Level 05)
What You’ll Need:
- Matric (are we sensing a trend here?)
- Admin or secretarial experience is a plus—if you’ve run an office before, you’ll probably ace this.
- Typing skills that’ll make your old school IT teacher proud, plus you know your way around Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Lotus Notes.
- Organization is your middle name. Discreet and professional too, because you’ll be working with sensitive info.
- You’ll need to get a security clearance within a year (so, no dodgy skeletons in the closet).
The Day-to-Day:
- You’ll basically be the directorate’s right hand—answering calls, organizing travel, setting up meetings, and making sure the office doesn’t descend into chaos.
- Draft correspondence, compile reports, and keep the filing system tight.
- Organize meetings and events (yes, you’ll be in charge of snacks and invites).
- Take meeting minutes and manage a steady flow of paperwork.
How to Apply:
- Email: ncediwe.ledwaba@dod.mil.za (title and ref no. in the subject, please)
- Hand-deliver: Armscor Building, 370 Nossob Street, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria
- Mail: Department of Defence, Human Resource Division, Chief Directorate HR Development, Directorate Training Systems Integrity, Private Bag X159, Pretoria, 0001
How to Apply (Without Losing Your Cool)
Let’s keep it simple. You’ll need a Z83 form (grab it off the official Department of Defence website) and your latest CV. Highlight your skills, mention the job title, reference number, and location in your application. Only those who make the shortlist will need to send in certified copies of IDs, certificates, and transcripts—so don’t stress about those just yet.
Hot Tips & Deadlines
- Deadline: 23 June 2025. Don’t wait till the last minute—nobody likes to rush applications, and you don’t want to be that person who misses out because you forgot the date.
- Shortlisting: Only folks who make the cut will hear back. If you get ghosted, hey, it happens—dust yourself off and try again.
- Reference Numbers: Seriously, use the right one. HR isn’t going to play detective if you mess this up.
Why Bother With Admin in Defence? (Some Real Talk)
Look, admin jobs might not sound glamorous, but they’re the backbone of any organization—especially something as massive as the Defence Department. You get your foot in the door, learn how the system works, and if you play your cards right, you can move up fast. Plus, you’ll pick up skills that actually matter in the real world: organization, problem-solving, dealing with all sorts of people (yes, even the weird ones).
So, if you’re ready for a steady gig, some new challenges, and a chance to level up your career, don’t sleep on these opportunities. Throw your name in the hat—you never know where it might lead.
Entry-Level Jobs Opportunities
Good luck! If you land the job, don’t forget to flex a little (and maybe buy your new coworkers a round of coffee).
