Top Positions at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Execution of tasks in collaboration with researchers on breeding and evaluation activities of grape (table, wine and raisin grapes).
• Tending to plants in glasshouses and tunnels.
• Weighing chemicals and preparing nutrient solutions. 
• Monitoring of pests and diseases in tunnels and glasshouses.
• Assists with spraying plants with fungicides and pesticides.
• Assists with planting seedlings from glass jars to seed trays.
• Plant seedlings from seed trays to plastic plant bags.
• Keep record of number of plants per cross.
• Ensure that plants are grouped together according to crosses.
• Assists with preparing soil mixtures and filling plant bags.
• Assists with collection, preparation and storage of graft wood and plant samples for virus, mineral deficiencies and DNA testing.
• Correct use of equipment according to specification.
• Assists researchers on other projects (grafting & pruning in evaluation sites).
• Complies to all occupational health and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Grade 12 plus 3 years relevant experience.
• Experience in grapevine growing (nurseries or vineyards) and knowledge to monitor and identify grape diseases and pests.
• Knowledge of common grape diseases.
• Experience and practical knowledge of grape growing.
• Basic computer skills will be advantageous.
• Valid driver’s license will be advantageous.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 02 JULY 2026

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Description

• Co-ordinates project plan with the Research Team Manager related to agricultural mechanisation and agro-processing engineering.
• Complies detailed reports and presents results to clients.
• Optimises, implements and makes recommendation on agricultural mechanisation and agro-processing technologies.
• Initiates, manages, co-ordinates and implements technical activities, support and technology transfer for research projects in compliance with scientific parameters/standards, ensuring the strategic management of resources and the successful completion of projects.
• Plans and co-ordinates technical projects.
• Ensures optimal utilisation of resources.
• Responsible for strategic planning of future resources.
• Performs advanced analysis, interpretation and makes internal and external Recommendations.
• Compiles detailed reports, provides comprehensive recommendations and approves final Reports.
• Undertake the development of new research projects which include proper planning, design implementation.
• Monitoring and evaluation of research and technology development projects, and maintenance of scientific quality standards agricultural mechanisation and agro-processing engineering aspects,
• Valuate research needs, develop, plan and conduct research projects.
• Optimally utilize and supervise human resources allocated to relevant projects.

Requirements

• Electrical/Electronics/Mechatronics Engineering Degree (or equivalent NQF8) in Electrical/Electronics/Mechatronics Engineering plus 3 years’ experience, B. Tech or degree (or equivalent NQF7) plus 4 years’ experience or National Diploma (or equivalent NQF6) plus 5 years’ experience in agricultural mechanisation and agro-processing engineering related works.
• Ability to work with communities and conduct fieldwork.
• Willingness to travel away from home for intermediate periods.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• The successful applicant needs to be in possession of a Valid driver's licence (code: 8/EB) as the position requires traveling. 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 06 JULY 2026

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Purpose of the role:

• To lead and manage the Organisational Effectiveness function within the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) by designing, implementing, and continuously improving employee experience, wellness, culture transformation, change management, and business process improvement initiatives that support the ARC's strategic objectives, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
• The role is responsible for ensuring organisational alignment, workforce optimisation, enhanced employee engagement, and the development of a high-performance culture that enables the ARC to fulfil its mandate.

Key performance areas:

• Organisational effectiveness initiatives implemented.
• Employee engagement index improvement.
• Change management programme success rates.
• Employee wellness programme effectiveness.
• Audit and governance compliance levels.
• HCM strategic project delivery.
• Stakeholder satisfaction ratings.

Employee Experience, Engagement, and Wellness:

• Develop and implement employee engagement strategies.
• Lead employee climate and engagement surveys.
• Develop employee experience improvement plans.
• Oversee employee wellness programmes and initiatives.
• Monitor employee well-being indicators and trends.

Change-Management and Culture Transformation:

• Develop and implement organisational change management frameworks.
• Lead change readiness assessments and stakeholder impact analyses.
• Facilitate culture transformation initiatives.
• Support strategic transformation and business change programmes.
• Build organisational change capability.

HR Analytics and Organisational Intelligence:

• Develop organisational effectiveness metrics and dashboards.
• Analyse workforce trends and organisational performance data.
• Produce strategic insights to support decision-making.
• Utilise people analytics to identify organisational risks and opportunities.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with labour legislation, policies, and governance requirements.
• Develop and maintain organisational effectiveness policies and frameworks.
• Manage organisational effectiveness risks.
• Support internal and external audit requirements.

Leadership and People Management:

• Lead and manage the Organisational Effectiveness team.
• Build capability within the function.
• Drive performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and mentor team members.
• Manage departmental budgets and resources.

Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification in: Human Resource Management / Organisational Development / Industrial Psychology / Business Management / Organisational Psychology or Related field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years' experience in Organisational Effectiveness, Organisational Change and Culture, Employee Wellness, or Team Effectiveness.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience.
• Experience within public entities, research institutions, science councils, universities, or state-owned entities will be advantageous.
• Experience supporting large-scale organisational transformation initiatives will be advantageous.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 09 JULY 2025

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Description

• Undertake effective asset management through the alignment of assets management systems to ensure optimal asset utilisation, longevity, security and safety.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and guidelines relevant to property management to achieve organisational excellence.
• Ensure optimal utilisation of facilities through efficient and equitable allocation of land, offices, laboratories, associated labour and specialised field resources staff.
• Develop and effectively manage the budgets in line with PFMA guidelines.
• Perform farm management and allocate facilities through the efficient and equitable management of the allocated land, offices, laboratories, associated labour and specialised field resources staff for the work to be conducted.
• Plan, budget and manage maintenance and capital works such as laboratories, offices and houses and letting of non-core facilities and agricultural land.
• Supply services for the removal of waste.
• Ensure compliance with the requirements of Occupational Health and Safety Act and relevant regulations.
• Manage our fleet and all aspects related to transport for the Institute (including other locally based ARC fleet when required).
• Ensure maintenance of heavy machinery, farm equipment and other equipment suchas air conditioners, graders, tractors and front-end diggers.
• Plan, direct, coordinate activities specific to facility project requirements, and ensure that goals, objectives are within period and funding parameters.
• Manage employees within facilities department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree  in Facilities Management, Engineering, Building Infrastructure or a related field..
• Postgraduate qualification in a related field will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in management positions, preferably within a research environment.
• Experience and exposure to agricultural research facilities, such as research farms and laboratories within medium to large-scale operations.
• Proven track record of successfully supervising staff at all levels.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A valid driver’s license 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 11 July 2026

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Description

• To render research in a team context or individually under guidance
• Effective handling of personnel regarding utilization, training and evaluation as well as maintaining good working relations within the team.
• To successfully market and promote the institute's services/products to relevant role-players.
• Good planning and management of research activities. Aspects such as effective use of facilities and resources, problem solving and liaisons with experts - Continuous
• Proper management of budget in compliance with financial policies/procedures always to ensure that the budget is managed in a cost effective and pro-active manner — Continuous.
• To ensure successful completion of research projects /programmes in compliance with set standards.
• To comply with the Occupational Health and Safety regulations/ procedures.
• Involvement in the activities of the institute such as research committee and section meetings, and seminars.

Requirements

• MSc in Agricultural Engineering or equivalent with emphasis on Agricultural Mechanization.
• Minimum of 1 peer-reviewed publication.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a agric. engin research as related to MSc study.
• Registration as Profession Engineer with ECSA will be an added advantage
• Track record of competitive fund raising for research will be an added advantage.
• Communication and planning skills.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 09 JULY 2026

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Description

Research Support 

• Contributes and participates in the implementation of research projects under supervision, participates in ongoing work activities including production schedules in the meat processing pilot plant when required, provides written/verbal reports on work activities and adheres to quality standards.

Equipment usage and maintenance

• Adheres to the proper use of equipment using proper SOP’s in place, timeous reporting of all malfunctioning equipment and any work-related problems, monitoring the availability of research consumables.

Management of the processing facility

• Monitoring the availability of research consumables through stock taking, adherence to cleaning plans and to ensure the deadlines are met by effective implementation of tasks given.

Technology Transfer

• Information dissemination during training courses and imparting technical knowledge in the use of equipment and impart practical knowledge and skills.

Implementation of OHS-Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

• Comply with OHS Regulation, visible use safety equipment (PPE’s).

Personal and human Capacity Development 

• Ability to advance self-development by attending courses, workshop and seminars.

Requirements

• Grade 12.
• Minimum of 3 years meat processing experience.
• Knowledge of Organizational Health and Safety regulations.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office Suite would be advantageous.
• Valid driver’s license would be advantageous.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:  09 July 2026

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Description

• Maintenance of the facility, farm upkeep, grounds, gardens, roads, etc.
• Assist with asset verification.
• Maintenance and servicing of cooling units, air conditioning, plumbing, electricity and other equipment and infrastructure.
• Assist with identification of CAPEX needs, procurement, and inspections after service/maintenance.
• Input into budget for maintenance plan of campus.
• Reporting issues to the onsite station manager timely.
• Supervise people within projects and ensures optimal utilization.
• Risk management and mitigation.
• Progress reporting to direct management.
• Reporting of any symptoms of defects and breakages on the tractor & implements.
• Time management with execution of individual & team tasks.
• Assist with general farm work.
• Reporting any faults or concerns to the Farm.
• Manager and other relevant managers.
• Comply with all requirements of the OHS Act.

Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent NQF 4.
• Two (2) years’ experience working in Facilities.
• Prior experience in agricultural facilities, tunnels, facilities supervision, and maintenance.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Willing to do a competency test during the interview process.
• Excellent communication Skills (Written and Verbal).
• Proven ability to work in diverse teams.
• Ability to be hands-on and have excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize, multi-task, prioritize, and work systematically.
• Driver’s License.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 11 JULY 2026

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Description

• Assist and support in the efficacy trial work under supervision of a researcher, which can include and is not limited to trial set up,observations and insect progeny counting in the Stored Grain Pests Unit.
• Assist and support taste tests and pesticide application spraying trials
• Assist with ad hoc activities relating to pesticide efficacy trial work.
• Lab maintenance and preparation, which includes cleaning of equipment and consumables, preparing moth medium and good lap practices.
• Assist with fieldwork, should the need arise

Requirements

• Grade 12/National Senior Certificate (or equivalent/RPL).
• Five (5) years relevant experience with insect rearing, entomology and fieldwork.
• Computer literacy (including MS Office, statistical software). Additional computer skills advantageous.
• Code B/EB driver’s license required, with at least two (2) years of frequent driving experience (distance / off-road advantageous).

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 JULY 2026

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Description

• Keeping the washroom, pot preparation and industrial autoclave room clean.
• Assist research technicians and researchers with any research activity especially glasshouse trials and field trials
• Autoclaving soil, pots and glassware, water and media etc
• Prepare and set up pots and Leonard jars for trial and make sure there is enough distilled water in the glasshouses
• Carry heavy soils for trials to the glasshouses
• Washing BNF glassware manually or with dishwasher machine
• Recoding of incubation rooms, cold rooms and fridges temperatures on the log sheets (ISO)
• Laboratory stock solution preparation and all good laboratory practice duties
• Support collection research and diagnostic activities
• Collecting stock from stores and delivered items for the Unit

Requirements

• Grade 12/National Senior Certificate.
• Diploma in Crop productions preferably Biological Sciences and soil science will be advantageous.
• One (1) year lab experience and culture collection will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of preparing soil and conducting rhizobia or PGPR trials on crops in the glasshouse
• Knowledge and handling of bacteria and their maintenance.
• Knowledge of operating equipment’s industrial autoclave.
• Experience in working with soil for trials in the glasshouses or working in the field.
• Able to carry heavy materials.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Good Communication Skills (Written and Verbal).
• Ability to organize, prioritize and work systematically.
• Driver’s license as added advantage.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 14 JULY 2026

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Description

• General office administration and assistance to Senior Manager: Research.
• Document management: filling, tracking, and follow up on submissions and all documents.
• Preparation of documents folders for the Senior Manager.
• Accurate minutes taking during meetings.
• Coordinate travel requests for the Senior Manager.

Requirements

• Diploma in secretarial services/office Administration
• At least three (3) to five (5) years of office administration/project management work experience.
• Computer literacy and high proficiency in the MS Office suite
• Work Experience on ERP systems and processes will be advantageous.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and meet deadlines
• Good interpersonal, planning, and communication (written and verbal) skills.

NB: If you previously applied for the same position, please do not re-apply.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 16 JULY 2026