Current Opportunities at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Planning and coordinating of own work activities according to project plans
• Contributes towards projects
• Conducts research support, collect, captures and assist with the processing of data
• Provide verbal/written reports on work activities and be able to present results to stakeholders
• Assists with managing of project budgets and adhere to financial administrative controls
• Assists with technology transfer initiatives in the institution. 
• Assists in optimizing equipment use and/or processes and/or systems
• Provides input in the optimization of new technologies
• Assist with technical services.

Requirements

• National Diploma or equivalent NQF6 in Agronomy, Crop or Plant Production, Agriculture or related field. 
• Agricultural research knowledge, skills and experience
• Ability to set up and manage research trials 
• Experience and good understanding of soil cultivation methods, weed control, fertilization, spraying for diseases and pest control, irrigation systems, soil health and sustainable field management
• Experience and good understanding of potato, sweet potato, cotton, hemp and other medicinal plants will be an added advantage
• Practical skills such as small repairs on irrigation system, tools and implements will be an added advantage
• Experience with managing people will be an added advantage
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to operate a tractor will be added advantage

go to method of application »

Description

• Assist in providing advice and guidance to employees and management on labour matters.
• Assist in providing advice and guidance to management regarding the management of poor performance.
• Assist with handling of Disciplinary and grievance processes.
• Assist all three ER Managers in compiling disciplinary and grievance bundles.
• Assist in coordinating appeals, grievance hearings and review of disciplinary hearings.
• Serve as the ER help desk for day to day operational ER queries.
• Assist HCM in the different institutes in drafting warnings to be issued to employees; Maintain records of ER training, disciplinary, appeal and grievance processes.
• Serve as the Employee Wellness Officer for the Central Office.
• Regular engagements with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth and conducive employee/employer environment.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Labour Law / Labour Relations / HR or equivalent at an NQF level 6.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant practical experience.
• Report writing skills.
• CCMA or Bargaining Council representation experience.
• Sound knowledge of SA labour legislation.
• Valid Driver’s license.

go to method of application »

Description

• Performs accurate retrieval services and access to information according to the needs of clients
• Provides timeous and accurate document delivery according to the client's specifications
• Oversee the circulation and use of library material in a responsible way
• Successfully performs CAS to all library clients
• Successfully assist in the availability and preservation of information sources to support institutional programs
• Ensures physical and electronic access to all types of material in own collection and remote resources - using appropriate library systems
• Maintains and controls the library collection within the library scope according to the collection policy
• Ensures that the needs of library clients are met in a satisfactory manner
• Keeping library clients up to date on new developments, including trials, products, and other library news
• Ensures that the library is responsive to all its client's needs
• Organises and participates in the training of clients and library personnel
• Actively participate in ARC-LIS matters, meetings and projects
• Actively participate in Institute and Corporate matters, meetings and projects
• Ensure that facilities and equipment are maintained in order to execute core
• business in a rapidly changing information environment
• Ensures compliance with OHS policies and procedures
• Ensures that the budget is managed, and uitilised in a cost-effective and proactive manner
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities to the benefit of the organisation
• Active membership with professional bodies, e.g. LIASA, and attending library-related meetings.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in library science or equivalent plus 5 years of relevant library experience.
• 5 years of experience as a Librarian in the academic or research field will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of Library Management Systems.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in the MS Office suite.
• Good communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and information provision skills.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to library and information science.
• Strong and proven managerial capacity.

go to method of application »

Description

• Agricultural research and technology development.
• Evaluate research needs, develop, plan and conduct research projects, which includes proper implementation and financial control.
• Submit project proposals and seek new clients in collaboration with other researchers and technicians.
• Optimally use and supervise human resources allocated to relevant projects.
• Technology transfer.
• Mentoring young scientists/technicians / postgraduate students and discharging duties in a multidisciplinary research team.
• Acquisition and maintenance of research equipment, computers, peripherals and specialised software.
• Publish articles in peer-reviewed journals, newsletters, conference proceedings and other media.

Requirements

• PhD in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) / Remote Sensing or Natural Sciences.
• Minimum of three relevant peer-reviewed publications.
• The candidate must have a proven research background in GIS / Remote Sensing modelling, as well as generating external funding.
• Experience in statistical analysis and conservation techniques would be an added advantage.
• Ability to work with communities and conduct fieldwork.
• Willingness to travel away from home for intermediate periods.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Valid driver’s licence (code 8/EB).

go to method of application »

Description

• Preparation of soil and plant samples (sorting, milling, grinding and sieving), movement of samples between various laboratories, packing of samples for storage, discarding of soil samples (20 L buckets) and washing soil containers.
• Operating heavy machinery for milling and grinding of samples.
• Correct usage of laboratory equipment and maintaining it in good working order.
• Washing of glassware and preparation for use.
• Keep store clean and in good condition.
• Compliance with Occupational Health & Safety regulations and procedures.
• Assist with basic research services under supervision.
• Data capturing.

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Senior Certificate.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery for milling and grinding of samples, and to move around 20 L buckets of soil to be discarded.
• Ability to be rapidly trained and mentored.
• Client-focused and customer service disposition.
• Ability to prioritise multiple tasks simultaneously and to take initiative.
• Organisational skills.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office suite.

go to method of application »

Description

• Schedule task accordingly.
• Strip, cleaning and rebuild of engine.
• Welding of building structure and implements.
• Modification of implements.
• Maintain a complete database of all actions and repair, and welding of building and equipment’s.
• Address any farm maintenance request related to welding.
• Complies with OHS regulations and procedures.

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent qualification, relevant 1-2 years’ experience and trade test
• Valid Driver’s license
• Adhere to OHS Regulations
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• A team player with ability to perform routine work.

go to method of application »

Description

• Scheduled service and repair of farm implements and tractors.
• Strip, cleaning and rebuild of engine.
• Modification of implements.
• Services and repair tractors according to job request.
• Tractors repairs during planting and harvesting seasons.
• Maintain a complete database of all actions and repair, and equipment.
• Address any farm maintenance request.
• Loading of requisitions and reporting.
• Complies with OHS regulations and procedures.

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent qualification, relevant 1-2 years’ experience and trade test.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Adhere to OHS Regulations.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• A team player with ability to perform routine work.

go to method of application »

Description

• Initiates and manages research projects relating to plant-related bacteria, by ensuring successful completion of research projects in compliance with set standards, client needs/specifications, within budget and on time.
• Experimental design, timeous execution, data capturing, data analysis and reporting of project deliverables according to scientific standards and in line with overall Corporate Strategy of the ARC.
• Actively sources and secures new research opportunities, assists with identifying new business opportunities and capable of securing external funding.
• Manage allocated resources (facilities, manpower, material, and equipment) to ensure efficient deployment and utilisation of resources.
• Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, manual productions, radio and TV talks, and other marketing events.
• Contribute to diagnostic and advisory services.

Requirements

• PhD in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, or related disciplines (e.g. Biotechnology).
• At least three years’ research experience in general bacteriology (isolation, purification, identification, characterisation, preservation) related to plant pathogenic bacteria, post master’s level.
• Experience in glasshouse and field work (surveys or screening trials) will be an added advantage.
• Experience in molecular biology and bioinformatic analysis will be an added advantage.
• Authored or co-authored a minimum of two peer review publications relevant to the position.
• Evidence of popular article publications will be an added advantage.
• Evidence of performing r

go to method of application »

Description
Advertising

• Advertise ARC products and services on select media platforms that relate to participation at events, publications and relevant platforms.
• Comply with marketing and communication strategies.
• Comply with corporate identity and messaging.

Physical/Virtual Events

• Showcase ARC products and services at relevant stakeholder events (e.g. agricultural shows) and platforms.

Stakeholder Management and Admin

• Ongoing engagement with key stakeholders regarding scheduled and ad hoc events and advertising.

Communication

• Responding to enquiries both telephonically and by e-mail.
• Communication with relevant stakeholders.

Events

• Sharing the enquiries desk.
• Download images of events for library of engagements.

Requirements

• National Diploma or bachelor’s degree in marketing, Public Relations and Communications or related field.
• 3-5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Track record in Digital Media, Communication, Public Relations and Marketing.
• Knowledge of online marketing and social media strategies.
• Ability to stay up to date with the latest multimedia and social media platforms and trends.
• Experience in a scientific research environment will be an added advantage.
• Creativity and ability to undertake marketing research.
• Global mindset and relationship building expertise and skills.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to write and capture engaging and compelling content.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in the MS Office suite.
• Professional membership: Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA) registration at Associate Marketer level will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver’s licence (code 08/EB).

go to method of application »

Description

• Mechanical maintenance of plant machinery.
• Manufacturing of parts as per drawings/samples on a centre lathe/milling machine.
• Pipe fitting with refrigeration knowledge.
• Repair of equipment.
• Ensure well maintained assets.

Requirements

• N6 Mechanical Certificate with Fitter and Turner Trade Test Certificate.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a wide range of artisan work (Mechanical).
• Drivers’ License will be an added advantage.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills.