Trials Officer at McCain Foods

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

As part of the Agronomy team, the Trials Officer will be responsible for assisting with field trials (planning; implementation; monitoring) in order to evaluate new potato varieties and optimization trials (N; plant population; etc.). The incumbent will also be required to supervise temporary labour on the trial site as needed, including maintenance of equipment and general housekeeping, assist with soil water monitoring of potatoes planted in all regions and assist with aphid monitoring on McCain seed potato production fields.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Planting, data collecting, harvesting and statistical analysis of statistical field trials on the Delmas and Western farm trial sites.
• Planting, monitoring and evaluation of large-scale commercial trials on farms.
• Maintenance of trials: see that irrigation is sufficient, regular scouting for symptoms of disease and insect damage.
• Supervise the application of pesticides and fertilizer according the trial plan.
• Labour supervision; complete and submit time sheets as required.
• Ensure that OHS compliance
• Maintenance of equipment and machinery on the trial site.
• Responsible for more than 60 soil water probes, installation, removal, maintenance and record keeping on a software dashboard.
• Set up water traps for aphid monitoring, weekly collection of samples and delivery to the University of Pretoria.
• Receive visitors at the trial site.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum BTech Agriculture or equivalent qualification
• Minimum 2 – 3 years practical experience in trial planting, harvesting, data capture and relevant potato agricultural experience.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and willing to travel.
• Knowledge and experience in executing on-farm trials
• Knowledge & experience in (irrigated) crop production. Potato growing experience preferred.
• Data collection, data processing and reporting
• Computer literate (MS Office and statistical analysis software)
• Experience in operation irrigation systems preferred
• Self-driven, and able to execute jobs independent
• Basic knowledge of GPS systems and electronic equipment controls

Closing Date: 14th, July 2022