Jobs at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Installation and maintenance of ICT hardware maintain asset database, installation of legal, licensed software and approved network equipment.
• Installing Software upgrades and providing user support on software where possible.
• Consult, advice, and support where possible on use and/or installation of specialized software, hardware, and intelligent devices.
• Maintaining security of the network and applications.
• Consult with ICT Senior System Administrator, ICT Service Delivery Manager or CO Engineers where required to ensure information systems operate effectively.
• Performing backups in line with DRP, BCP and Backup and Restoration policies.
• Provide first- and second-line support to end users as per Ivanti incident management system.
• Maintain good relationships with end users and management in the absence of an ICT Senior System Administrator.
• Maintain or ensure effective delivery of ICT Strategy initiatives and projects.
• Maintain hardware and software asset register and ensure effective lifecycle planning processes. Maintain specialized software maintenance/annual licensing renewal.
• Ensure physical security of all computer equipment.
• Ensure required asset documentation for each insured asset device is completed, signed, and filed.
• Determining client’s computer needs and requirements on a continuous basis and plan service accordingly in the absence of an ICT Senior System Administrator.
• Ensure that telecommunications infrastructure is installed and maintained at optimal level.
• Ensure that telephone reports accounts are delivered in accordance with institute requirements.
• Taking part in Institute ICT management through reporting to the internal Institute ICT Committee and report monthly to the ICT Service Delivery Manager in absence of an ICT Senior System Administrator.
• Act, in liaison with the ICT Service Delivery Manager, as contact between the Institute’s and external Service Providers in the absence of an ICT Senior System Administrator.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or National Diploma in Information Technology or Computer Science.
• 5 years’ experience in an Information Technology field.
• Microsoft certification will be an advantage.
• ITIL certification will be advantageous.
• Good knowledge of ICT principles and financial policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Computer hardware and software.
• High-level ability to work independently.
• Good communication verbal and written skills.

go to method of application »

Description

• Work on a tractor with various implements, including bush cutter, slasher, spraying machine,
• fertilizer spread, planter etc. at a correct speed;
• Ensure proper soil preparation is done accurately, timeously and in a professional manner;
• Safe transportation of workers, farm produce, fertilizers, and other farm equipment;
• Pruning, suckering, canopy management and harvesting of fruit trees / vineyards;
• Basic maintenance of the tractor, implements, irrigation & trellis systems;
• Reporting of any symptoms of defects and breakages on the tractor & implements;
• Time management with execution of individual & team tasks;
• Record keeping of day-to-day work done, diesel usage, spraying programs.
• Assist with general farm work.
• Comply with all requirements of the OHS Act.

Requirements

• 3 years proven experience operating tractors. 
• Grade 12 would be an advantage.
• Basic understanding of farm operations and crop cycles.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Good reading and writing Skills.
• Valid B Driver's License will be an advantage.
• Willing to do a competency test during the interview process.

go to method of application »

Description

• Molecular diagnostics.
• Research support in diagnostic assay development for molecular and serological tests.
• Manages equipment and research materials.
• Develops capacity at an appropriate level within the division.
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities.
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures.

Requirements

• BSc (Hons) / MSc degree in Biological Sciences / MTech in Veterinary Technology.
• Three (3) years relevant experience post-degree qualification.
• SAVC registration as Veterinary Technologist.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications (minimum of 1).

go to method of application »

Description

• To render a quality analytical/diagnostic service by performing viral serology tests on veterinary samples in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. These include but not limited to:
• Performing HA/HI, AGID, ELISA and VNT tests.
• Receiving and recording of samples details in record books and correctly storing samples.
• Registration of samples.
• Recording results in the appropriate results books and LabWare system.
• Assisting in the improvement and development of new test methods in collaboration with the Head of Laboratory.
• Providing research support by giving project input regarding technical detail and carrying out assigned technical tasks.

Requirements

• National Diploma / BTech / BHSc in Veterinary Technology or related fields.
• Professional membership with SAVC as Veterinary Technologist is compulsory.
• Knowledge of veterinary viral pathogens and diseases.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• A driver’s license will be an added advantage.

go to method of application »

Description

• Co-ordinating the Procurement Function at OVR Campus (including amongst others, procuring goods and services, liaising with suppliers, obtaining quotations / tenders, guide in developing specifications, negotiating contracts and contract administration according to Procurement Policy).
• Cost management by applying best sourcing strategies.
• Act in direct support to the research function.
• Evaluation of quotations and tenders in terms of PFMA/PPFFA & Treasury Regulations.
• Manage the procurement process.
• Implementation of SCM policy and regulations.
• Source all suppliers at OVR campus.
• Promoting procurement empowerment (BEE/HDI)
• Internal control compliance.
• Make presentations to the Institute Bid Adjudication Committee and Corporate Tender Committee.
• Ensure that the risks related to Supply Chain Management are adequately addressed.
• Evaluation of supplier’s performance.
• Attend to audit queries.
• Give procurement guidance to business units and management.
• Provide leadership to subordinates.
• Tender Administration.

Requirements

• National Diploma / Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management / Procurement / Logistics / Purchasing / Public Administration or related field.
• Three (3) years' supervisory experience in Supply Chain Management or Procurement.
• Three (3) years' experience as a Senior Buyer or equivalent position will be an added advantage.
• Experience in a research environment in general will be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Good communication skills (written & verbal).
• The ability to establish & maintain working relationship with others.
• Knowledge of PFMA, PPPFA Act, Treasury Regulations, PPP2022 and other relevant legislation.
• Valid SA driver’s license.

go to method of application »

Description

• Conduct independent sensory research, including consumer and trained sensory panels which will include, but not be limited to, descriptive and discriminating analysis, time intensity, texture analysis. preference and acceptance testing and methodology.
• Correctly apply scientific techniques and timeously complete scientific and technical tasks according to a set of quality standards.
• Efficiently plan and schedule analytical sensory and consumer services in accordance with scientific guidelines.
• Properly collect, process and capture data.
• Responsible for accurate, timeous and reliable reporting of analytical results.
• Responsible for administrative duties of the division’s (unit’s) information management system (quotations, orders, request for payments, etc.).
• Control laboratory stock cost-efficiently according to regulations.
• Assist with procurement of chemicals, etc.
• Maintain and ensure that equipment is in working order and in compliance with applicable quality standards.
• Timeously report malfunctioning of equipment.
• Assist in maintaining a clean working environment in general.
• Control stock.
• Maintain an occupational health and safety laboratory according to laboratory practice.
• Contribute to training of new taste panel members.
• Comply with financial policies and procedure.
• Ability to work overtime.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Consumer/Food Science or equivalent.
• 3 years’ applicable experience with knowledge of consumer research techniques.
• Specialised knowledge on sensory, consumer research and research principals.
• Registration with relevant scientific registration body, if applicable.
• Good conceptual, analytical and writing skills.
• Excellent interpretation skills.
• The ability to work under pressure.
• The ability to deliver accurate and high-quality research and data analysis.
• Attention to detail.
• Computer literacy in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• The ability to organise, prioritise and work systematically.
• Good communication skills.
• The ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Skilled to work as a part of the team as well as independently.
• A valid SA driver’s licence and/or own transport.

go to method of application »

Description

• Conduct analyses of microbiological nature include, but not limited to, Total aerobic count, Coliform & E. coli, Yeast and Mould, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp, Pseudomonas aerogenes, Lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium spp, antibiotic and phosphatase detection etc.
• Correctly apply scientific techniques and timeously complete scientific and technical tasks according to a set of quality standards and accreditation standards.
• Efficiently plan and schedule analytical services in accordance with given instruction.
• Properly collect, process and capture data.
• Cost effective and accurate sample analyses in compliance with target dates and available resources.
• Responsible for accurate, timeous and reliable reporting of analytical results.
• Assist with administrative duties of the laboratory on the laboratory information management system (data capturing).
• Control laboratory stock cost-efficiently according to set standards.
• Assist with procurement of chemicals, etc.
• Maintain and ensure that equipment is in working order and in compliance with applicable quality standards.
• Timeously report malfunctioning of equipment.
• Assist in maintaining a clean working environment in general.
• Control stock.
• Maintain an occupational health and safety laboratory according to laboratory practice.
• Contribute to training of new or junior personnel.
• Comply with financial policies and procedure.
• Comply with occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to work overtime when required.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Microbiology or Biotechnology with 3 years’ experience.
• Good microbiology conceptual, analytical and writing skills.
• Experience in ISO 17025 and working in an accredited laboratory will be advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure and deliver accurate and high-quality analyses and give attention to details.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS. Office Suite.
• The ability to organise, prioritise and work systematically.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Competent to work as part of the team as well as independently.
• Attention to detail.
• A valid SA driver’s licence and/or own transport.

go to method of application »

Description

• Assist in projects and perform routine activities under supervision.
• Ability to work on research projects in the field for long and extensive hours.
• Coordination of work activities and supervise allocated temporary workers if applicable.
• Provide research support, diagnostics and other services.
• Collect and capture data under supervision.
• Assist with planting and evaluation of glasshouse and field trials under supervision.
• Regularly provide feedback (verbal/written) on work activities to supervisor.
• Comply with health and safety and risk procedures.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Agriculture with specialization in Crop Science, Soil Science or Agronomy.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• A team player with the ability to work independently.
• Valid driver's license.
• Experience in conducting research field trials will be an added advantage.
• Ability to perform physical work.
• Great learning capability.