Crossing Officer (39362) at Ntice Sourcing Solutions

Job Description

• Our client, South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) a division of the South African Sugar Association (SASA) has a permanent opportunity available for aCrossing Officer based in Mount Edgecombe, North Coast, KwaZulu-Natal.
• This role reports to the Crossing Breeder and works closely with the Plant Breeders and Crossing and Selection Manager.
• The primary responsibility of this position is the planning and co-ordination of all routine operations and research activities at the Plant Breeding Crossing facility. The job offers participation in a wide range of activities including field and glasshouse work, data collection, data capture and analysis and participation in research projects. The Crossing Officer is also responsible for the supervision of the dedicated team of eight people who work in cross-related activities.

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Post Graduate Degree in Plant Breeding, Agriculture, Crop Science, Horticulture or a related field
• At least 2 years' experience in managing an operation with strict timelines of scheduled work that links to the future work milestones and an ability to meet strict deadlines and milestones in a Plant Breeding environment
• Experience in supervising a diverse team of technical employees is essential

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Knowledge of Glasshouse/photoperiod management, including but not limited to temperature, light and humidity control
• Knowledge of precision irrigation and precision fertiliser application
• Knowledge of seed germination and seedling management
• Experience in a breeding program particularly with crossing
• Ability to manage complex sugarcane seed bank
• Experience in managing and maintaining germplasm collection and/or crop genetic resources
• Ability to manage and maintain crossing infrastructure
• Ability to recognise existing pests and diseases associated with sugarcane and knowledge of control measures
• Excellent organising ability and experience in setting weekly, monthly and annual work programmes
• A strong background in data collection, data capture and maintenance of databases
• A valid driver's licence with 2-year experience in driving