AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC) VACANCIES

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The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a premier science institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital and foster innovation in support of the agricultural sector. It provides diagnostic, laboratory, analytical, agricultural engineering services, post-harvest technology development, agrochemical evaluation, consultation and advisory services, food processing technology services as well as various surveys and training interventions. Through its wider network of research institutes and experimental farms, the ARC provides a strong scientific base and a broadly distributed technology transfer capacity to the entire agricultural industry in South Africa. 
 
The ARC- Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Roodeplaat, Pretoria: 
 
SENIOR RESEARCH TECHNICIAN AGRONOMY- MEDICINAL PLANTS AND INDUSTRIAL CROP 
 
Key Performance Areas: 

• Co-ordinates and contributes towards projects, by compiling and executing technical project activity plans particularly in relation to propagation and cultivation of medicinal and industrial plants. 
• Identifies the need for human resources in project(s) and manages the allocated resources, - Plans and co-ordinates own and technical project work activities. 
• Independently conducts specialist research/technical support, diagnostics, and other services within projects. 
• Collects, captures, processes, and interprets technical data and makes internal project recommendations. 
• Compiles detailed technical reports and submit for approval. 
• Recommends new technologies to be optimised. 
• Renders diagnostic, technical and other services at a national level. 
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level. 
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities. 
• Assists with identifying new business opportunities and proactively with income generation for the research unit. 
• Participates in projects and supervises as delegated, Participate in the transfer of technology and promotion in the form of presentations, posters, workshops, training products, services, literature, information days, courses, and other events. 
• Assists with compiling & managing project budget. 
• Presents results to stakeholders. 
• Manages project facilities, material, and equipment. 
• Ensures optimal utilisation of resources. 
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures. 
• Compliance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures. 

 
Requirements: 

• MSc/ MTech in Agronomy, Horticulture, Crop Science, Agricultural Science, or closely related field. 
• 2 years relevant experience in scientific research focussed on propagation and cultivation, preferably on medicinal plants. 
• Relevant peer reviewed publications will be an advantage. 
• Evidence of popular article publications will be an added advantage. 
• Agricultural Research knowledge and skills. 
• Extensive knowledge of medicinal plant production systems. 
• Good communication skills verbal and written. 
• Proficiency in MS Office suite. 
• Valid driver’s license. 

 
Enquiries: Dr Meshack Mofokeng: Tel: (012) 808 8000 
 
 
 
 
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: AGRONOMY (MEDICINAL PLANTS AND INDUSTRIAL CROPS) 
 
Key Performance Areas: 

• Contributes towards projects. Assists in coordinating work activities and supervises allocated resources if applicable. Adheres to financial administrative controls. 
• Plans own work activities. Utilises and maintains facilities, materials, and equipment effectively. 
• Conducts research support, collects, captures, and assists with processing data. 
• Provides verbal/written reports on work activities and results. Assists in the preparation of presentations. 
• Assists in optimizing equipment use and/or processes and/or systems. 
• Provides input in the optimization of new technologies. Assists with technical services.
• Meet peer norm requirements for the specific field of expertise, by recognized scientific contributions at the respective level. 
• Comply with all occupational health and safety regulations. Pro-active response to hazardous situations. 
• Develop technical capacity at an appropriate level. Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities. 
• Maintenance of premises and land, buildings, and research facilities. 
• Preparation of land for planting of research trials, including laying out of field trials. 
• Cleaning and maintenance of trials by weeding, pest and disease management, fertilizer application, and irrigation. 
• Harvesting of trials, data collection, and capturing. 
• Maintenance of irrigation systems, tools, and equipment. 
• Efficient and effective use of scientific equipment. Compliance with the OHS policies and procedures. 
• Training of communities and farmers. 
• Frequent travelling to off-site projects. 

 
Requirements: 

• BSc Degree Or National Diploma (3 years) Or NQF6 in Agronomy, Crop/Plant Production, Crop/Plant Science. 
• 2 years relevant experience in a research environment. 
• Computer literacy and data management skills. 
• Valid driver’s license. 

 
Enquiries: Mr Clive Masemola: Tel: (012) 808 800 
 
 
 
 
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN- COMMERCIAL IN VITRO LAB 
(ROOTS TUBER AND BULB) 
Key Performance Areas: 

• In vitro multiplication of commercial crops, new crops, and ornamental plants at ARC-VIMP for clients with regular reports to clients and management. 
• Multiplication of material from collections going to industry and researchers. 
• Responsible for submitting requisitions for projects where needed. 
• Be an active role player in QMS. 
• Manage workflow of orders after job number is assigned. 
• Capturing of cutting data on a relevant system. This must happen in time including quality assurance. 
• Comply with aspect regarding all certification systems in use in line with QMS. 
• Manage subordinates and capture timesheets where needed. 
• Works closely with researchers; provides support where needed. 
• Better own training to add value to the actions linked to research. 
• Regular report back during project meetings. 
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures. 

 
Requirements: 

• BSc/Diploma in Biological/Agricultural Sciences. 
• Proven computer literacy and database management skills. 
• Experience in in vitro multiplication techniques. 
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written). 
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills to recognise diseased plants. 
• Ability to work independently. 
• Ability to work systematically. 
• Valid drivers’ licence. 

 
Enquiries: Ms Olwethu Madzikane: Tel: (012) 808 8000 
 
 
 
 
ARTISAN: ASSISTANT 
 
Key Performance Areas: 

• Be versatile and capable of maintaining/repairing/constructing assets in various areas such as plumbing, cooling and electrical equipment’s according to job requests. 
• Maintenance of buildings, equipment, infrastructure and built environment across the campus. Plan, budget, and maintain all plumbing and building maintenance across the campus. 
• Maintain and provide for the safe condition and operation of all buildings and plumbing systems. 
• Maintain the flow and drainage systems, by assembling, installing, and repairing all plumbing systems. 
• Maintain and repairs all the buildings, tunnels, laboratories, and glass houses. 

 
Requirements: 

• Grade 12 / Matric qualification and relevant 1 to 2 years’ experience working within Artisan environment and Trade test certificate on plumbing and general building. 
• Driver’s license Code 8 or 10. 
• Adhere to OHS Regulations. 
• Good communication skills. 
• Ability to perform routine work. 
• Well-developed interpersonal skills. 

 
Enquiries: Mr Eric Mathisa: Tel: (012) 808 8000 
 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 03 JUNE 2024 
 
Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act. 
Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license) must be attached on the form. 
 
To apply for Senior Researcher Technician Agronomy: Medicinal Plants and Industrial Crop. https://forms.office.com/r/2WYaSD2En5
 
To apply for Research Technician Commercial In Vitro Lab (RTB). https://forms.office.com/r/KH949wA5cb
 
To apply for Research Technician Agronomy (Medicinal Plants and Industrial Crops). https://forms.office.com/r/P2FuesCdvw
 
To apply for Artisan: Facilities https://forms.office.com/r/0wjWfN1ds7  
 
NB: Non-RSA citizens with work permit must attach certified copies as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees. 
 
SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint.
 
 
 
 
 

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The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a premier science institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital and foster innovation in support of the agricultural sector. It provides diagnostic, laboratory, analytical, agricultural engineering services, post-harvest technology development, agrochemical evaluation, consultation and advisory services, food processing technology services as well as various surveys and training interventions. Through its wider network of research institutes and experimental farms, the ARC provides a strong scientific base and a broadly distributed technology transfer capacity to the entire agricultural industry in South Africa. 
 
The ARC-Agricultural Research Council (ARC-SG) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position at Bethlehem: 
 
RESEARCH SUPPORT ASSISTANT - PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
 
Key performance Areas 

• Assists with basic research services under supervision. 
• Planting seeds/seedlings for experiments. 
• Cleaning and sterilization of the glasshouses, seedling trays and pots used in glasshouses for experiments. 
• Steam sterilization of soil/media and filling of pots. 
• Assisting with planting, fertilization, weeding, watering and harvesting of glasshouse and field trials. 
• Monitoring of unwanted pests (aphids, whiteflies, thrips etc.) and spraying with pesticides (pest control) 
• Assisting with the processing of samples for disease analysis. 
• Manual data capturing. 
• Provides written and verbal feedback on work activities to supervisors. 
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities. 
• Correct use of laboratory equipment and consumables according to specifications. 
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures. 

 
Requirements 

• Grade 10 or relevant experience. 
• Good reading and writing skills. 
• A valid South African Driver’s license will be an added advantage. 

 
Enquiries: Dr. E Von Well (058) 307-3473 
 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 03 JUNE 2024 
 
Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act. 
Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license) must be attached on the form. 
 
Click on the link to apply https://forms.office.com/r/KL0m76eT4U  
 
NB: Non-RSA citizens with work permit must attach certified copies as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees. 
 
SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint.
 
 
 
 
 

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The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a premier science institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital and foster innovation in support of the agricultural sector. It provides diagnostic, laboratory, analytical, agricultural engineering services, post-harvest technology development, agrochemical evaluation, consultation and advisory services, food processing technology services as well as various surveys and training interventions. Through its wider network of research institutes and experimental farms, the ARC provides a strong scientific base and a broadly distributed technology transfer capacity to the entire agricultural industry in South Africa. 
 
The ARC- Tropical and Subtropical Crops (ARC-TSC) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position at Hluhluwe Kwa Zulu-Natal.
 
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: CROP PROTECTION (NEMATOLOGY) 
 
Key Performance Areas: 

• The successful candidate will be responsible for providing technical assistance, support and technology transfer for research projects at the ARC- TSC Crop Protection division in compliance with scientific parameters/ standards. 
• Research support towards research projects related to pineapple. 
• Assist in coordinating of work activities and supervises allocated resources, if applicable. 
• Adhere to financial administrative control. 
• Plan own work activities. 
• Utilise and maintain facilities, material and equipment. 
• Collect, capture and process data with basis analysis. 
• Provide verbal and written reports on work activities and results. 
• Comply with all occupational health and safety regulations. 
• Assist in the preparation for presentations. 
• Assist in optimising of equipment and/or processes and/or systems. 
• Assist to publish semi-scientific and peer-reviewed reports/articles. 
• Assist with technology transfer. 

 
Requirements:

• BSc degree or BTech in Crop Production or relevant qualification. 
• Minimum of 2 years’ applicable experience in research support. 
• Knowledge of pineapple pests and diseases will be an added advantage. 
• Previous experience with planning of chemical trial layout and statistical analysis of results will be an added advantage. 
• Ability to do physical work outside in the field, glass house and laboratory. 
• Ability to liaise with researchers on project progress and participation pertaining to pineapple research. 
• Ability to work independently and in a team. 
• Good communication (verbal and written) skills. 
• A valid South African driver’s license. 

 
Enquires: Dr Elize Jooste: Tel: (013) 753 7000 
 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 3 JUNE 2024 
 
Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act. 
Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license) must be attached on the form. 
 
Click on the link to apply https://forms.office.com/r/jVkhqkY1xV
 
NB: Non-RSA citizens with work permit must attach certified copies as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees. 
 
SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint.

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The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a premier science institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital and foster innovation in support of the agricultural sector. It provides diagnostic, laboratory, analytical, agricultural engineering services, post-harvest technology development, agrochemical evaluation, consultation and advisory services, food processing technology services as well as various surveys and training interventions. Through its wider network of research institutes and experimental farms, the ARC provides a strong scientific base and a broadly distributed technology transfer capacity to the entire agricultural industry in South Africa. 
 
 
The ARC-Central Office (ARC-CO) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Brits, Northwest: 
 
FARM SUPERVISOR 
 
Key performance areas: 

• The Farm Supervisor will be responsible for 
• Manage and control the labour force on the Farm. 
• Manage the budget for all farm activities including maintenance. 
• Manage all research projects and field plantings in conjunction with researchers to obtain reliable data. 
• Manage the whole irrigation process. 
• Control all farm products and implements. 
• Always keep the experimental farm neat and clean. 
• Optimal utilization of all farmlands. 
• Income generation from under-utilized land and facilities. 

 
Requirements: 

• Grade 12 (Matric) with 3 years farming experience, 
• A National Diploma in Agriculture will be an added advantage, 
• The candidate must also have good interpersonal relations, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to solve problems, organize and work without direct supervision. 
• Good health and physical ability. 
• Be able to adapt to different working conditions and willing to work long hour in the sun or adverse weather conditions. 
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety aspects. 

 
Enquiries: Ms Poonyana Morule (012) 427-9888 
 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 03 JUNE 2024 
 
Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act. 
 
Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license) must be attached on the form. 
Click on the link to apply. https://forms.office.com/r/FMYmC1wV44
 
NB: Non-RSA citizens with work permit must attach certified copies as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees. 
 
SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint.