Top Jobs at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• General orchard tasks and general orchard maintenance.
• Carrying out manual tasks assigned by supervisor.
• Use and maintenance of tools and equipment that are made available.
• Observance of Occupational Health and Safety instructions.

Requirements

• Grade 10 and understanding of basic agricultural practices.
• Basic knowledge on manual operation of farm equipment and machinery.
• Good communication skills written and verbal.
• Good understanding of health and safety procedures.
• Willing to work under adverse weather conditions.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 24 APRIL 2026

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Description

• Assist in the installation, configuration and maintenance of weather station equipment.
• Support fieldwork involving inspection, repair and replacement of faulty electronic components.
• Perform laboratory testing and calibration of sensors, including temperature, humidity, wind, radiation and rainfall sensors.
• Assist in developing and debugging embedded software using C, BASIC or equivalent.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of web-based monitoring tools (HTML, JavaScript, PHP).
• Maintain detailed technical records of calibrations, repairs and field visits.
• Assist with diagnostics and data verifications from weather station systems.
• Compliance with Occupational Health & Safety regulations and procedures.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Electronic Engineering (specializing in embedded systems).
• Strong understanding of embedded systems, analogue/digital electronics and microcontrollers (e.g. PIC, Arduino, ARM).
• Practical experience with C, BASIC or similar low-level languages.
• Basic proficiency in web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript or PHP).
• Familiarity with electronic test equipment and tools for calibration and repair.
• Exposure to environmental sensor calibration techniques will be an added advantage.
• Experience with dataloggers, especially Campbell Scientific systems.
• Understanding of serial communication protocols (RS-232/RS-485).
• Knowledge of databases or web-based dashboards for technical data display.
• Valid driver's license (code 08/EB)

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Description

• Initiates and manages existing research projects on new breeding technologies (NBT) including, mutation breeding and proteomics to support breeding programmes
• Together with breeders, designs and implements NBT research experiments in support of the various breeding programmes. 
• Keeps the division abreast with new developments on NBT by reviewing new publications & research reports
• Actively sources and secures new research opportunities and contributes to proposals for own research and towards the proposals of others
• Compiles own, and contributes to other progress reports (internal and external)
• Captures, analyses and interprets data
• Contributes towards the creation of IP and PBR
• Provides supervision and mentors postgraduate students, research technicians and assistants. Understands management of co-workers and mentees
• Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, etc.
• Seeks networking opportunities (attends scientific gathering, working with farmer communities, etc.).
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures
• Ensures compliance with SHE/OHS policies and procedures

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Proteomics, Plant breeding or Genetics; OR MSc in one or more of  these qualifications with three years of relevant work experience .  
• Strong background and experience in genomics and proteomics applications on breeding.
• Experience in the use of Bioinformatics and other genetic data analysis tools is an added advantage.
• Experience and know-how in plant tissue culture systems (including knowledge on plant material propagation schemes) is an added advantage.
• Authored or co-authored a minimum of three peer-review scientific publications in a related field.
• Experience in breeding of root and tuber crops (sweet potatoes, potatoes, cassava, onion) is an added advantage.
• Proven record of participating as a speaker at conferences.
• Proven track record of mentoring and/or supervising/co-supervising students.
• Record of national and/or international partnerships and/or networks.
• Demonstrable experience in project management.
• Management skills including research projects, time, and personnel management.
• Proven record of writing proposals and generating external income.
• Good communication (verbal & writing) skills and liaison with clients, fellow scientists and support staff.
• Advanced computer literacy in MS Office suite.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Registration with a relevant scientific registration body, where applicable
• NRF rating is also considered an added advantage.
• Valid code 8 driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:30 APRIL 2026

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Description

Resource Allocation: 

• Managing budgetary and resource allocation to support the institution's mission and goals.

Process Improvement: 

• Identify and implement efficiencies to enhance service delivery and reduce costs.

Strategic Planning: 

• Collaborate with Executive Manager: Core, to develop and execute strategic plans that align with the institution's mission and vision.

Lead and Direct:

• Lead and Direct the Institute’s Research Management Agenda.

Shared Services Management: 

• Collaborate with the Executive Management Shared Services/ Corporate Support, in overseeing the shared services functions within the institution, ensuring they operate cohesively and meet their respective objectives.

Policy Implementation: 

• Ensure that policies, procedures, and regulations are effectively communicated and adhered to throughout the Institute.

Performance Evaluation: 

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the institution's performance and make data-driven decisions.

Risk Management: 

• Identifying and mitigating operational risks and challenges that could impact the institution's mission or reputation.

Stakeholder Relations: 

• Building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and externa stakeholders.

Innovation and Technology: 

• Promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and practices to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.

Emergency Response and Continuity Planning: 

• Implement plans for emergency response, business continuity, and disaster recovery.

Compliance and Legal Affairs:

• Ensuring that the institution complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

Human Resources Management: 

• Collaborating with Human Capital Business Partner, oversee personnel, including hiring, training, and performance management, to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.

Financial Management: 

• Collaborating with Finance Business Partner, oversee campus’s finances and financial health, budget and cost management and financial reporting.

Communication and Reporting: 

• Providing regular updates to Executive leadership, governing boards, and other stakeholders on operational performance and progress toward goals.

Conflict Resolution: 

• Handling internal conflicts and disputes within the Institute in a fair and constructive manner.

Crisis Management:

• Leading the institution's response to crises or emergencies, coordinating efforts to mitigate negative impacts.

Ethical Leadership: 

• Upholding and promoting ethical standards and values within the organization, setting a positive example for all employees.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engaging with Stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns and ensuring the institution's services are responsive to those needs.

Requirements

• PhD in the related field, e.g. Vegetables/Industrial/Medicinal Crops Sciences (including Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Biotechnology etc.).
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ relevant experience in research and development within the Crop Sciences environment.
• At least ten (10) years’ experience at middle management level.
• A minimum of 25 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Demonstrated strong research output and fundraising track record, including competitive grants.
• Proven capability in project and programme management, partnership development, and collaborative research.
• Excellent organizational, planning, monitoring, and control skills, with strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Sound performance and financial management skills, with demonstrated leadership and negotiation ability.
• Proven experience in personnel, financial and facilities management.
• Valid driver’s license, ability and willingness to travel (locally and abroad).
• Evidence of national and international scientific recognition.
• Demonstrated public speaking experience, including presentations, media engagements (e.g., radio & television), and poster or exhibition participation.
• Professional registration or membership with a relevant scientific body will be advantageous.
• Research Experience in Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Crops will be advantageous.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 06 MAY 2026