The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a premier science institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital and foster innovation in support of the agricultural sector. It provides diagnostic, laboratory, analytical, agricultural engineering services, post-harvest technology development, agrochemical evaluation, consultation and advisory services, food processing technology services as well as various surveys and training interventions. Through its wider network of research institutes and experimental farms, the ARC provides a strong scientific base and a broadly distributed technology transfer capacity to the entire agricultural industry in South Africa.

The ARC-Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC– VIMP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position at Roodeplaat (Pretoria):

SENIOR RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: LEGUMINOUS, LEAFY AND FRUIT VEGETABLES (AGRONOMY)
Salary (R381 841 – R572 759 p.a) all-inclusive remuneration package

Key Performance Areas:

• Co-ordinates and executes field trials, by compiling and executing technical activity plans,
• Identifies the need for human resources in projects and manages the allocated resources,
• Plans and co-ordinates own and/or other technical project work activities,
• Manages project facilities, materials and equipment,
• Ensures optimal utilisation of resources,
• Independently conducts specialist research/technical support, diagnostics, and other services within a project,
• Collects, captures, processes and interprets technical data and makes internal Project recommendations,
• Compiles detailed technical reports and submits to project managers and/or relevant managers,
• Optimises and implements equipment and/or processes and/ or systems,
• Recommends new technologies to be optimised,
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level,
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities,
• Renders diagnostic, technical or other services at a national level,
• Is aware of Intellectual Property opportunities,
• Manage allocated facilities, fields, material and equipment and ensure optimal utilization of resources,
• Assists with identifying new business opportunities,
• Participates in transfer of technology and promotion in the form of presentations, posters,
• Workshops, training, products, services, literature, information days, courses and other events,
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Requirements:

• MTech or MSc Degree in Horticulture/Plant Production or related field, plus 3 years applicable experience,
• Alternatively BSc (Hons) degree or Advance Diploma (or equivalent NQF7) plus 6 years applicable experience,
• Agricultural research knowledge, skills and experience,
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under open-field conditions,
• Experience and good understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control, irrigation systems, soil health and sustainable field management,
• Demonstrable knowledge of irrigation scheduling, use of scientific equipment and use of soil water content monitoring equipment,
• Ability to set up research experiments and collect scientific data for analysis,
• Experience and good understanding of vegetable, and indigenous leafy and root crops production will be added advantage,
• Practical skills such as small repairs on irrigation system, tools and implements will be an added advantage,
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills,
• Proficiency in Ms office suite,
• Compliance to safety standards as prescribed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act,
• Valid driver’s license.

Enquires: Dr HT Araya: (012) 808 8000

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 09 NOVEMBER 2022

A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to South African citizens.

Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license and nationality. NB: Non-RSA Citizens/work permit holders must attach certified copies) as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees must be e-mail to VOPICV@arc.agric.za

SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity. The company has the right not to appoint.