Hot Jobs at Agricultural Research Council

Description
Asset Management Plans & Strategies:

• Analysing the organisation's asset portfolio.
• Assess the current condition of the asset portfolio.
• Assist with establishing long-term goals and objectives for asset performance by considering factors such as lifecycle costs, maintenance requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist with the development comprehensive plans to optimise asset utilisation and drive financial and operational efficiencies.
• Implement and maintain an asset management System.

Asset Maintenance:

• Assist with the establishment and implementation of maintenance programs, ensuring regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and necessary repairs are carried out to ensure the reliability and longevity of assets.
• Monitor key performance indicators and utilise data and metrics to optimise asset performance, minimise downtime, and address any operational issues.

Asset Acquisition & Disposal:

• Collaborate with various stakeholders to evaluate potential investments, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and make informed decisions regarding asset acquisitions or divestitures.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and manage the documentation and reporting associated with asset transactions.

Asset risk management:

• Identify and monitor the risks associated with an organisation's assets, such as properties, plant and equipment.

Asset valuation and value sustainability:

• Contributes to the oversight of determining the fair value or worth of an asset, while focuses on maintaining and enhancing the value of assets over time.

Requirements

• B Degree, with specialisation in Asset Management or relevant NQF 7 Asset Management qualification.
• A Postgraduate Diploma/Degree (Honours /Masters) will be an added advantage.
• Relevant registration with a professional membership body (SAAMA) at minimum level of CTAM: Certified Technician in Asset Management. 
• 5 years working experience, at a managerial level, across the asset management lifecycle.
• Managing teams and assets across a geographical spread.  

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Description

• Assist with daily mass-rearing of multiple insect biological control agents on Parthenium hysterophorus and Chromolaena odorata.
• Watering of plants exposed to insects in rearing facilities.
• Other basic daily activities as per instruction and training
• Maintenance of stock and test plants in holding facilities (propagation, re-potting, watering, application of fertilizers, pruning, weed- and pest control).
• Cleaning and basic maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Record keeping for insect and plant production.
• Harvesting and packaging of biocontrol agents.
• Occasional fieldwork with technicians and researchers during single and multi-day trips for field trials and the release of biocontrol agents.

Requirements

• A Grade 12 Certificate.
• At least 1 year prior experience of insect rearing and/or relevant entomological activities.
• Basic level of computer literacy (e-mail; data entry on Excel spreadsheets).
• Meticulous execution of repetitive tasks.
• Ability to undertake tasks without micro-supervision.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, under instruction and with flexibility in undertaking tasks.
• Ability for daily physical work in glasshouses, under uncomfortable conditions, and with occasional extended hours if required during field work.
• Expected to assist with weekend watering duties monthly.
• Code B/EB driver’s license required. Driving experience would be advantageous.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:

• 24 JANUARY 2025.

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Description

• Compiling and executing technical activity plans for the implementation of field and greenhouse trials relating to breeding of leafy, fruit or seed vegetables.
• Plan, conduct and supervise the execution and collection of data.
• Capture and process technical data with basic analysis.
• Compile technical reports.
• Manage project facilities, material and equipment and ensure optimal utilization of resources.
• Assist with compiling and managing project budgets.
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Assist in rendering technical or other research services at a national level.

Requirements

• BSc degree or Advance Diploma (NQF 7) in Plant Breeding / Horticulture / Plant Production; or a National Diploma (NQF 6) plus 2 years applicable experience.
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under open-field conditions.
• Good understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control, irrigation systems (installation, operation and maintenance), and sustainable field management.
• Experience and good understanding of indigenous vegetable production will be an added advantage.
• Experience and good understanding of plant breeding will be an added advantage.
• Good understanding of irrigation scheduling and use of soil water content monitoring equipment will be an added advantage.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• A valid driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:

• 24 JANUARY 2025

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Description

• Compiling and executing technical activity plans for the implementation of field trials relating to cotton and other industrial crops.
• Plan, conduct and supervise the execution of trials and collection of data.
• Capture and process technical data with basic analysis.
• Compile technical reports.
• Manage trials, project facilities, material and equipment and ensure optimal utilization of resources.
• Assist with compiling and managing project budgets.
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Assist in rendering technical or other research services at a national level.

Requirements

• BSc degree or National Diploma (3 years) in Plant Breeding / Horticulture / Plant Production; or a relevant 2-year qualification at a recognised institution plus 3 years applicable experience.
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under open-field and glasshouse conditions.
• Good understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control, irrigation systems (installation, operation and maintenance), and sustainable field management.
• Experience and good understanding of cotton and industrial crops production will be an added advantage.
• Experience and good understanding of plant breeding and cultivar evaluation will be an added advantage.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Willing to travel nationally at regular intervals for monitoring and evaluation of off-site production trials.
• A valid driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:

• 22 JANUARY 2025

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Description

• Receipt of invoices from campuses
• Review vendor invoices for accuracy such as name of the supplier, relevant vat number, price and quantity.
• Ensuring that processing of invoices complies with VAT legislation.
• Ensure signed GRN and invoices are attached and processed for Payment.
• Ensuring invoices are appropriately matched to purchase orders.
• Filing and housekeeping.
• Supplier are paid within agreed terms credit terms.
• Receipt of invoices from campuses
• Review vendor invoices for accuracy such as name of the supplier, relevant vat number, price and quantity
• Ensuring that processing of invoices complies with VAT legislation.
• Ensure signed GRN and invoices are attached and processed for Payment.
• Ensuring invoices are appropriately matched to purchase orders.
• Filing and housekeeping.
• Supplier are paid within agreed terms credit terms.
• Clearing up of the GRN (liability) account.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Adhere to deadlines especially weekly deadlines.
• Build relationships with both Internal and External stake holders.
• Provide ad hoc assistance to Auditors and Management.

Requirements

• B Com Accounting, National diploma or equivalent qualifications with an extensive experience of 3 to 5 years in Accounts Payable section.
• Basic accounting and VAT knowledge.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise extreme discretion.
• Ability to maintain payment register.
• Ability to liaise with Travel agent.
• Ability to resolve Accounts payable queries and liaise with colleagues at all levels.
• Ability to work effectively, accurately and under pressure.
• Proficiency in the Ms Office suite.
• Willing to work overtime.
• Deadlines driven.
• Pay attention to detail.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:

• 23 JANUARY 2025.

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Description

• Supports the management of research, development and innovation.
• Plan and undertake research on Plant Pathology, with a focus on viral diseases of vegetables, industrial crops and medicinal plants.
• Plan and undertake research and development of conventual and rapid detection techniques and characterisation of viral pathogens.
• Manage research projects and allocated resources.
• Actively sources new national research opportunities and funding.
• Contribute to diagnostic and advisory services.

Requirements

• PhD in Microbiology, Plant Virology, Plant Pathology, or related disciplines.
• At least three years’ experience related to plant virology research.
• Experience in general plant virology, molecular biology and bioinformatic analysis.
• Experience in disease diagnosis and pathogen characterisation will be an added advantage.
• Authored or co-authored a minimum of three peer reviewed publications relevant to the position.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and teamwork skills, with an ability to work within multidisciplinary teams.
• A valid driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION:

• 21 JANUARY 2025