Careers at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Performs routine activities related to open field production and general farm operations under supervision.
• Adheres to work plans and timeously provide verbal feedback on work activities and challenges encountered to supervisor.
• Attention to detail and highly safety conscious.
• Provides general research support.
• Visible compliance with Human Resource policies and procedures and Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Grade 10 (NFQ 2) plus 2 years’ experience in a wide range of farm environment work.
• Relevant experience in cultivation and maintenance of vegetable crops, including land preparations, planting, weeding, harvesting, fertilizer applications and irrigation set-up.
• Relevant experience in greenhouse sanitation practices, growth media preparations and seedling/plantlet production.
• Effective utilization of tools implements and research materials.
• Competence in driving a tractor will be an added advantage.
• Competence in herbicide and pesticide applications will be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 11 AUGUST 2025

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Description

• Assists with basic research services under supervision.
• Assist with land preparation, markers and seed counting.
• Assisting with planting, fertilization, weeding, watering and harvesting of glasshouse and field trials.
• Monitoring of unwanted pests (mealybugs, thrips, scale insects, fruit flies, and mites etc.) and spraying with pesticides (pest control).
• Assisting with the processing of samples for disease and pest analysis.
• Manual data capturing.
• Assist with upkeep of glasshouses and the farm.
• Provides support with organizing and hosting scientific events.
• Provides written and verbal feedback on work activities to supervisors.
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities.
• Correct use of research equipment and consumables according to specifications.
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures.

Requirements

• Grade 12.
• Understanding of basic agricultural practices.
• Good reading and writing skills.
• Good understanding of health and safety procedures.
• A valid South African Driver’s license will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Willing to work under adverse weather conditions.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 AUGUST 2025

go to method of application »

Description

• Assists with basic research services under supervision.
• Assist with land preparation, markers and seed counting.
• Assisting with planting, fertilization, weeding, watering and harvesting of glasshouse and field trials.
• Monitoring of unwanted pests (mealybugs, thrips, scale insects, fruit flies, and mites etc.) and spraying with pesticides (pest control).
• Assisting with the processing of samples for disease and pest analysis.
• Manual data capturing.
• Assist with upkeep of glasshouses and the farm.
• Provides support with organizing and hosting scientific events.
• Provides written and verbal feedback on work activities to supervisors.
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities.
• Correct use of research equipment and consumables according to specifications.
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures.

Requirements

• Grade 12.
• Understanding of basic agricultural practices.
• Good reading and writing skills.
• Good understanding of health and safety procedures.
• A valid South African Driver’s license will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Willing to work under adverse weather conditions.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 AUGUST 2025

go to method of application »

Description

• Assists with basic research services under supervision.
• Assist with land preparation, markers and seed counting.
• Assisting with planting, fertilization, weeding, watering and harvesting of glasshouse and field trials.
• Monitoring of unwanted pests (mealybugs, thrips, scale insects, fruit flies, and mites etc.) and spraying with pesticides (pest control).
• Assisting with the processing of samples for disease and pest analysis.
• Manual data capturing.
• Assist with upkeep of glasshouses and the farm.
• Provides support with organizing and hosting scientific events.
• Provides written and verbal feedback on work activities to supervisors.
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities.
• Correct use of research equipment and consumables according to specifications.
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures.

Requirements

• Grade 12.
• Understanding of basic agricultural practices.
• Good reading and writing skills.
• Good understanding of health and safety procedures.
• A valid South African Driver’s license will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Willing to work under adverse weather conditions.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 AUGUST 2025

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Description

• Pro-actively provide technical input within the context of the research projects.
• Provides timeous and reliable data which supports the objectives of the research project.
• Provide supervision and participate in data processing and interpretation of results.
• Correctly apply techniques within guidelines/standards/references.
• Ensures cost-effective utilization of research resources and other tools of trade as per ARC policies and guidelines.
• Provide technical assistance in crop and mechanization services of the Centre in liaison with Centre Management on farms and villages.
• Complete purchase requisitions, obtain quotations and purchasing of required research materials and consumables following the financial prescriptions.
• Compile quarterly progress reports to Project Manager and Centre Manager.
• Intellectual Property Assessment.
• Prepare a presentation and present during training events on horticulture/plant production/agronomic related topics.
• Assists in hosting field days.
• Assists in communication with farmers and extension officers.
• Assists with technical services.
• Involvement in Innovation and Commercialization activities.
• Contribute to publications and/or involvement in presentations.
• Regulatory Compliance with Health and Safety procedures.
• Provide sufficient supervision during the application of chemicals.
• Identify, mitigate and eliminate potential risks to research resources.
• Contributes towards training and development.

Requirements

• MSc or MTech. Degree in Horticulture / Plant Production / Agronomy or related field with 2 years relevant experience, or B Hons in Horticulture / Plant Production / Agronomy or related field with 6-8 years relevant experience.
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under open-field conditions.
• Understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control.
• Experience and good understanding of fruit and vegetable crop production propagation techniques will be an added advantage.
• Advanced Computer Literacy.
• Registration with relevant scientific registration body, will be advantageous.
• Valid driver's licence.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 13 AUGUST 2025

go to method of application »

Description

• Pro-actively provide technical input within the context of the research projects.
• Provides timeous and reliable data which supports the objectives of the research project.
• Provide supervision and participate in data processing and interpretation of results.
• Correctly apply techniques within guidelines/standards/references.
• Ensures cost-effective utilization of research resources and other tools of trade as per ARC policies and guidelines.
• Provide technical assistance in crop and mechanization services of the Centre in liaison with Centre Management on farms and villages.
• Complete purchase requisitions, obtain quotations and purchasing of required research materials and consumables following the financial prescriptions.
• Compile quarterly progress reports to Project Manager and Centre Manager.
• Intellectual Property Assessment.
• Prepare a presentation and present during training events on horticulture/plant production/agronomic related topics.
• Assists in hosting field days.
• Assists in communication with farmers and extension officers.
• Assists with technical services.
• Involvement in Innovation and Commercialization activities.
• Contribute to publications and/or involvement in presentations.
• Regulatory Compliance with Health and Safety procedures.
• Provide sufficient supervision during the application of chemicals.
• Identify, mitigate and eliminate potential risks to research resources.
• Contributes towards training and development.

Requirements

• MSc or MTech. Degree in Horticulture / Plant Production / Agronomy or related field with 2 years relevant experience, or B Hons in Horticulture / Plant Production / Agronomy or related field with 6-8 years relevant experience.
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under open-field conditions.
• Understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control.
• Experience and good understanding of fruit and vegetable crop production propagation techniques will be an added advantage.
• Advanced Computer Literacy.
• Registration with relevant scientific registration body, will be advantageous.
• Valid driver's licence.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 13 AUGUST 2025

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Description

• Contribute towards research projects.
• Assist in coordinating work activities and supervising junior staff.
• Utilize and maintain facilities, material and equipment.
• Conduct research diagnostics and other services.
• Collect, capture and process data.
• Provide reports on work activities and results.
• Adhere to quality standards.
• Assist in the preparation for presentations.
• Assist with the training of junior staff.
• Assist with technical services.
• Comply with Occupational Health and Safety regulations and procedures.

Requirements

• National Diploma/ B-Tech in Horticulture or any other equivalent qualification.
• At least 2 years’ applicable experience.
• Ability to work in the field.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Proficiency in the MS Office suite.
• Good health and physical ability.
• A valid driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 13 August 2025

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Description

• Implementation, maintaining and improving the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Control of quality scheme requirements and proficiency testing schemes.
• Handling the maintenance and distribution of the quality manual and associated documents.
• Demonstrating implementation of QMS during 3rd party assessments.
• Coordinating clearance of non-conformances during the assessments.
• Implement and update management standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Function as the nominated representative as required by SANAS ISO 17025.
• Planning and coordinating the performance of QMS to Management.
• Coordinating QMS training for Management.
• Plan and schedule Management reviews.
• Compile and analyse customer feedback trends.
• Work closely with Laboratory Manager & project leaders to ensure compliance.
• Facilitate and monitor method validation process in the laboratory.
• Coordinate and administer the improvement system.
• Build relationships with all technical and professional personnel.
• Build relationships with suppliers and clientele.
• Assist with the evaluation and root cause analysis of proficiency tests, customer complaints, audit findings and improvement requests.
• Identify non-conformances in timely and unbiased approach to achieve customer satisfaction.
• Plan, schedule and perform quality assessments to provide certainty that the quality control activities are being done effectively.
• Be able to statistically evaluate data.
• Provide guidance and direction to laboratory personnel with respect to quality control and proper documentation in implementing methodologies and data reporting.
• Provide constant feedback to Management on status of quality in the laboratory.
• Ensure that the laboratory accreditation under ISO 17025 is not jeopardised.
• Adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Requirements

• Degree or BTech in Analytical Chemistry or Quality Management.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Quality Management Systems and SANAS accreditation.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in method validation.
• Must currently be a Technical Signatory / Nominated Representative or have previously held these positions.
• Significant knowledge of quality systems and their effective management.
• Knowledge of SANAS ISO/IEC 17025: 2017.
• Knowledge of chemistry laboratory testing procedures.
• Understand the benefits of standardized good working practices.
• Effective planning and organization.
• Outstanding attention to detail.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Valid driver's licence (code: 8/EB).
• Registration with SACNASP (or evidence that registration could be obtained)

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 13 AUGUST 2025