Picture
 
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC)
 
​ 
 
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-Animal Production (ARC-AP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Irene. 
 
QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH TECHNICIAN 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
 Conduct analysis of chemical nature. 
 Chemical analysis will include, but not limited to, Crude fibre, Neutral Detergent Fibre, Acid Detergent Acid Detergent Lignin, dietary fibre, etc. 
 Correctly apply techniques within specified guidelines. 
 Timeously complete technical tasks according to set quality and accreditation standards. 
 Efficiently plan and schedule analytical services in accordance with given instructions. 
 Cost effective and accurate sample analysis in compliance with target dates and available resources. 
 Properly collect, process and capture data. 
 Accurate, timeous and reliable reporting of analytical results. 
 Assist with administrative duties of the laboratory information management system (data capturing) 
 Cost-effective stock control 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. 
 Timeous reporting of malfunctioning of equipment. 
 Assist in maintaining a clean laboratory in general. 
 Maintaining an Occupational and Health, Safety laboratory according to Good Laboratory 
 Assist in maintaining the accreditation status. 
 ISO/IEC 17025:2005, of the laboratory. 
 Comply with financial policies/procedure. 
 
Requirements: 
 A BSc degree or diploma in Analytical Chemistry, or equivalent with 1-2 years of experience working with in a laboratory environment. 
 Experience in ISO 17025 and working in an accredited laboratory, will be an advantage. 
 Good conceptual, analytical and writing skills. 
 Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure, deliver accurate and high-quality analysis, and give attention to detail. 
 Proficiency in MS Office Suite. 
 The ability to organize, prioritise and work systematically. 
 Be able to converse effectively in English. 
 Must be able to maintaining confidentiality. 
 The capacity to collaborate in a team and operate independently. 
 Valid SA driver’s license. 
 
Enquiries: Lab Manager, Dr M Matandabuzo: Tel: 012 672 9203 
 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 14 February 2023 
 
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/CRwbC8e9vt
 
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.
 
 
 
 
​ 
 
 
 
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- Deciduous Fruit, Vines, and Wine (ARC- Infruitec-Nietvoorbij) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following positions at Stellenbosch. 
 
SENIOR RESEARCHER: PLANT PATHOLOGY 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
• Initiate, conduct, coordinate and manage research projects in compliance with set standards, client needs and specifications within budget and on time. 
• Successful initiation/proposal and completion of research programmes/projects contained in the business plan of the Institute in line with the overall Corporate Program and Strategy of the ARC. 
• Contribute to the image of the ARC through high quality research findings/products in compliance with expected scientific standards. 
• Ensure well-customised technology transfer/training programs and effective transfer of technology and promotion in the form of products, services, literature, information days, courses and other events according to client needs. 
• Ensure that allocated budgets are managed in cost effective and proactive manner including timeous execution of financial administrative activities/tasks in compliance with the prescribed financial procedures and policies of the ARC.
• Actively source new research opportunities and write research proposals for funding.
• Disseminate research results as scientific peer reviewed publications, congress presentations, popular articles, presentations at industry information days and client reports. 
• Mentorship of post graduate students. 
 
Requirements: 
• PhD in Plant Pathology. 
• At least 5 years post PhD experience and a proven peer reviewed publications record. 
• Knowledge and experience of fungal aetiology, epidemiology, and management of grapevine and deciduous fruit diseases, in line with the division’s strategic focus. 
• Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income for programme and projects in programme. 
• Proven record of participation in national and moving towards participation in international projects with good communication skills, written & verbal. 
• Professional membership. 
• Good communication skills, written & verbal. 
• Public speaking (presentations at conferences and farmers days, radio talks). 
• Scientific publications. 
• Valid SA driver’s license. 
 
Enquiries: Acting RTM, Dr Rinus Knoetze: Tel: (021) 809 3461 
 
 
 
 
RESEARCHER: ENTOMOLOGY
 
Key Performance Areas: 
• Initiate, conduct, coordinate and manage research projects in compliance with set standards, client needs and specifications within budget and on time. 
• Successful initiation/proposal and completion of research programmes/projects contained in the business plan of the Institute in line with the overall Corporate Program and Strategy of the ARC. 
• Contribute to the image of the ARC through high quality research findings/products in compliance with expected scientific standards. 
• Ensure well-customised technology transfer/training programs and effective transfer of technology and promotion in the form of products, services, literature, information days, courses and other events according to client needs. 
• Ensure that allocated budgets are managed in cost effective and proactive manner including timeous execution of financial administrative activities/tasks in compliance with the prescribed financial procedures and policies of the ARC.
• Actively source new research opportunities and write research proposals for funding. 
• Disseminate research results as scientific peer reviewed publications, congress presentations, popular articles, presentations at industry information days and client reports. 
• Mentorship of post graduate students. 
• Service delivery and collaboration with various stakeholders and clients. 
 
Requirements: 
• PhD in Entomology and three years’ work experience. 
• Experience in the grape and deciduous fruit industry will be an advantage. 
• This post requires the incumbent to do applied research away from the office, often in remote areas like the Northern Cape. 
• Professional membership. 
• Good communication skills, written & verbal. 
• Public speaking (presentations at conferences and farmers days, radio talks). 
• Scientific publications. 
• Valid SA driver’s license. 
• Basic computer skills. 
 
Enquiries: Senior Researcher, Dr Elleunorah Allsopp: Tel: (021) 809 3007 
 
 
 
 
JUNIOR RESEARCHER: ENTOMOLOGY 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
• Initiate, conduct, coordinate and manage research projects on insect pest management under supervision of supervisor and senior colleagues, 
• Comply with set standards, client needs/specifications, within budget and on time. 
• Disseminate research results through presentations, posters, and publications (scientific and semi-scientific). 
• Ensure that the allocated budgets are managed in a cost effective and pro-active manner, including timeous execution of financial administrative activities/tasks in compliance with the prescribed financial procedures and policies of the ARC. 
• Actively seeks to advance personal knowledge in appropriate fields. 
• Ensure well customised technology transfer/training programmes and effective transfer of technology and promotion in the form of products, services, literature, information days, courses and other events according to client needs. 
• Professionally render and adequately manage diagnostic and consultation services to clients under supervision. 
• Ensure cost-effective maintenance and utilisation of infrastructure through optimal application, maintenance, effective planning and application of physical facilities and cost-effective stock control (consumables/ stocks) for execution of research projects. 
• Establish adequate communications network with national and international scientists and funding organisations, as well as farmers and producers with help of senior colleagues. 
• Compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety regulations/procedures with sufficient supervision over the application of related health and safety regulation 
 
Requirements: 
• MSc in Entomology. 
• Experience in the grape and deciduous fruit industry will be an advantage. 
• This post requires the incumbent to do field trials in remote areas, such as the Northern Cape which requires absence from home for up to a week or more at a time. 
• Professional membership 
• Public speaking (presentations at conferences and farmers days, radio talks). 
• Scientific publications. 
• Valid SA driver’s license. 
 
Enquiries: Senior Researcher, Dr Elleunorah Allsopp: Tel: (021) 809 3007 
 
 
 
 
RESEARCH ASSISTANT: PLANT PROTECTION 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
• Contribute and assist towards research projects in plant pathology with a focus on grapevine (table, wine and raisin grapes) and fruit trees (citrus, stone, pome, olive). 
• Contribute to research by rendering desired support to research personnel. 
• Maintain equipment in such a manner that optimal lifespan is ensured. 
• Responsible for preparation of media (such as PDA), pouring of media in a sterile environment. 
• Advanced support to researchers and technicians in terms of research. 
• Sample processing including root and shoot mass determination. 
• Sample preparation and sterilisation for isolations. 
• Subculturing of important fungi and storing cultures. 
• Scraping mycelia for DNA extractions measuring fungal growth for fungicide trials. 
• Data collection and inoculation protocols in field as well as in the lab. 
• Data collection. 
• Diagnostic sample isolations. 
• Monitor weeds and disease outbreaks in virus collection. 
• Weighing chemicals and prepare nutrient solutions. 
• Monitoring of pests and diseases in tunnels and glasshouses. 
 
Requirements: 
• Grade 12 with at least 3 years lab experience rendering support to research personnel. 
• Lab experience must be in one of the following areas (or similar), Plant Pathology, Microbiology or Plant Breeding (i.e. tissue culture). 
• Basic computer skills. 
• Valid driver’s licence. 
 
Enquiries: Researcher, Dr Minette Havenga: Tel: (021) 809-3161 
 
 
 
 
TRACTOR DRIVER 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
• Working on a tractor with various implements, including bush cutter, slasher, spraying machine, fertiliser 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. 
• 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 regarding the correct and safe use of the tractor & implements and Safe handling and use of agro chemicals according to the AVCASA rules and legislations. 
 
Requirements: 
• Grade 8 would be an advantage. 
• 3-5years experience as a tractor operator. 
• Good reading and writing skills. 
• Valid B Drivers Licence would be advantage. 
• Must have sober habits. 
 
Enquiries: Farm Manager, Mr Guillaume Kotze: Tel: (021) 809 3080 
 
 
 
 
FARM ASSISTANT 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
• Pruning-, suckering and canopy management of fruit trees/wine and table grapes and harvesting. 
• Function independently in the orchards and be able to solve problems with the help of supervisor or researcher. 
• Assist with planting of new commercial & research blocks i.e., planting of trees, trellis systems, irrigation systems, forming of trees etc. 
• Apply irrigation, fertilizers, chemical sprays, and cover crops according to instructions. 
• Assist with the maintenance of security fences, trellis- and irrigation systems. 
• Assist with general farm work e.g. managing the tool room; cultivation of fruit rows; cleaning of farm; taking soil- & leaf samples, making firebreaks etc.
• Monitoring of pest and deceases, security fences, irrigation probes. 
• Assist the researchers in their daily tasks - collecting of soil, leaves, fruit, cover crops and prune cuttings etc. 
• Assist maintenance team in improve/repair farm buildings. 
• Apply the health & safety requirements as expected from the work environment.
• Willing to work overtime to optimize work. 
 
Requirements: 
• Must be able to read and write. 
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working on a wine & table grape farm. 
• Must have sober habits. 
 
Enquiries: Farm Manager, Mr Guillaume Kotze: Tel: (021) 809 3080 
 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 14 FEBRUARY 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 the Senior Researcher: Plant Pathology position, click on the link https://forms.office.com/r/6gG4j1418E
 
❖ To apply for the Researcher: Entomology position, click on the link https://forms.office.com/r/2Y61X4Uc8A
 
❖ To apply for the Junior Researcher: Entomology, click on the link https://forms.office.com/r/9n3kezte0f
 
❖ To apply for the Research Assistant: Plant Protection Click on the link https://forms.office.com/r/XpxBniwqL7
 
❖ To apply for the Tractor Driver position, Click on the link https://forms.office.com/r/YkuHJrjCxu
 
❖ To apply for the Farm Assistant position, click on the link https://forms.office.com/r/6KTu1ttYvr
 
❖ Alternatively, all applications can be sent to the following E-mail address: Infruiteccv@arc.agric.za
 
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.
 
 
 
 




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 positions at Roodeplaat, Pretoria. 
 
SPECIALIST RESEARCHER: LEGUMINOUS, LEAFY AND FRUIT VEGETABLES (CROP PROTECTION) 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
 Initiates and manages research projects and associated resources on plant protection of commercial and/or indigenous crops. 
 Conducts specialised research with focus on pathogen characterization and integrated disease management strategies. 
 Is accountable for compiling and managing project budget(s). 
 Actively sources new national/ international research opportunities and funding. 
 Plans and coordinates research within a single or multi-disciplinary team. 
 Conducts independent and specialised research. 
 Manages data capturing and shows advanced analysis, interpretation and recommendations. 
 Compiles detailed reports and approves final reports. 
 Disseminates research results by presenting oral and poster contributions. 
 Publishes semi-scientific and peer-reviewed articles and publishes in journals with a high impact factor. 
 Builds and maintains relationships with national and international stakeholders and strategic partners to secure funds. 
 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. 
 
Requirements:
 PhD in Plant Pathology or related disciplines (Microbiology, Entomology, Nematology, Biotechnology, etc.). 
 At least seven years post PhD experience in research related to crop protection or plant health. 
 Authored or co-authors a minimum of eight peer review publications relevant to the position. 
 Proven record of project management and participation in national and international projects. 
 Proven record of personnel management and leading multidisciplinary teams. 
 Proven record of accomplishment that expertise and scientific standing is acknowledged at national and international level. 
 Proven record for generating external income. 
 Proven record of building national and international partnerships and networks.
 Proven record of mentoring and supervising/co-supervising MSc and PhD students.
 Proven record of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise. 
 A valid driver’s license. 
 Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage. 
 Managerial qualification will be an added advantage. 
 
Enquiries: Acting Senior Manager Research, Dr M Truter: (012) 808 8000 
 
 
 
 
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER 
 
Key Performance Areas: 
 Planning publicity strategies and campaigns. 
 Writing and producing media releases and presentations. 
 Dealing with enquiries from the public, the media and other related organisations. 
 Organising and attending promotional events such as press conferences, open days, exhibitions, farmer’s days, tours and visits. 
 Speaking publicly at approved interviews, press conferences and presentations. 
 Providing clients with information about new promotional opportunities and current PR campaign progress. 
 Commissioning or understanding relevant marketing research. 
 Liaising with clients, managerial and journalistic staff about budgets, timescales and objectives. 
 Effectively managing marketing and communications of VIMP. 
 Managed reception/frontline public relation services and information reference system. 
 
Requirements: 
 A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations or Communications/Marketing. 
 A minimum of 3-5 years’ experience as a Public Relations Officer or Similar PR role. 
 Managing media relations (online, broadcast and print) experience in researching, writing and editing publications. 
 Proficient in MS Office Suite and social media. 
 Strong communication skills (oral and written, editing and publishing). 
 A valid driver’s license. 
 
Enquiries: Acting Senior Manager Research, Dr M Truter: (012) 808 8000 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 14 FEBRUARY 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 for Specialist Research LLFV Crop Protection 
https://forms.office.com/r/RFCDty3U8C
 Click on the link to apply for Public Relation Officer https://forms.office.com/r/mLGWsa7eAX  
 
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.