SENIOR RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: AGRONOMY (SHARED SERVICES)
Salary (R381 841 – R572 759 p.a) all-inclusive remuneration package

Key Performance Areas:

• Co-ordination and execution of research field trials at Roodeplaat for various vegetable, industrial and medicinal crops as part of the Research and Development shared service support unit,
• Ensures sustainable utilisation of field trial sites by maintaining soil fertility, undertaking regular soil analysis with corrective actions when required, checking irrigation water qualities and implementing a rotational crop system,
• Maintain the general appearance of field trials sites,
• Identifies the need for human resources and manages the allocated resources,
• Plans and co-ordinates own research activities and those of supervised employees in the shared support R&D unit,
• Independently conducts specialist research/technical support, diagnostics, and other services within the unit,
• Manages allocated facilities, fields, material and equipment and ensures optimal utilization of resources,
• Collects, captures, processes, and interprets technical data and makes internal recommendations,
• Compiles detailed technical reports and submits to project managers and researchers,
• Recommends new technologies to be optimized,
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level,
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities,
• Assists with identifying business opportunities as part of the crop rotation system for unutilised trial sites,
• Compiles and manages allocated project budgets for trial management,
• Participates in transfer of technology and promotion in the form of presentations, posters, workshops, training, products, services, literature, information days, courses and other events.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Horticulture / Plant Production or related field, plus 3 years applicable experience,
• Alternatively Honours degree or postgraduate Diploma (NQF level 8) in Horticulture / Plant Production or related field, plus 6 years applicable experience,
• Agricultural research knowledge, skills and experience,
• Ability to design, set-up and manage research trials under open-field conditions, including irrigation scheduling for crops growing under open-field and protected environments,
• 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,
• Experience in data collection including environmental monitoring data,
• Experience and demonstrable knowledge in vegetable and/or medicinal plant production, with experience in, and good understanding of specifically potato, sweet potato, cotton, leafy & seed vegetables, hemp and medicinal plant production as an added advantage,
• Practical skills, such as small repairs on irrigation system, tools and implements will be an added advantage,
• Experience in managing people, with management of larger teams (30 plus people) will be an added advantage,
• Excellent planning and organising skill is a key differentiating advantage,
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills,
• Ms Office suite
• Compliance to safety standards as prescribed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act,
• A valid driver’s license.

Enquires: Dr M Truter: (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.