Assistant Agricultural Practitioner – Free State Province Ref No: FSDARD01/2025 needed at Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

REQUIREMENTS :

• A three-year Diploma in Agriculture (NQF level 06 or higher). Compulsory registration with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professional (SACNAP). No Experience Required. A valid code B driver’s license.

DUTIES :

• To assist in rendering general agricultural advice to internal and external clients and to ensure sustainable development. Assist in demonstration of farming methods, to ensure efficient utilization resources like soil, water, veld, money, and others. Assist in organizing farmers day and information sessions etc. Assist in conducting farm visits and use visitation tools for impact assessment and the development of farm business plans.
• Source technical and functional input from specialists as required by producers. Assist in providing clients with information concerning financial assistance. To assist in providing technical support on all agricultural projects, food security initiatives, and land development support programs, assist with planning, advice, facilitation of training and after-care
• . Assist in identification and mobilize interest groups to form entities or institution. Assist in organizing meetings to identify training needs. Assist to facilitate capacity building and provide aftercare. Assist in the facilitating the development and implementation of business plans. Assist in the establishment and revival or inactive projects.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining home gardens. To assist in promoting a pluralistic approach and partnerships with relevant agricultural stakeholders and organized agriculture. Assist in gathering and analyzing relevant information, assist with identification of problems areas and prioritization thereof, e.g. conduct extension surveys.
• Assist to facilitate the establishment of cooperatives, farmer’s associations, interest groups etc. To assist in the promotion of sustainable production of agricultural products thus working with Agricultural advisors. Facilitate the identification of real and perceived needs. Establish structures to address the needs identified. Assist in building capacity of clients in to enable them to fulfil their own needs. Assist in providing inputs for the implementation of best practice, technologies, and latest trends.
• Support the implementation of programs. Assist in evaluating the success / effectiveness of production systems. Provide continuous support to ensure sustainable production. Perform administrative and related functions. Study technological advances and best practices to enable him / her to perform the extension function according to the required standards. Keep relevant database up to date (including a register of farmers within the area of operation). Compile and submit monthly and quarterly reports.
• Comply with the Public Service prescripts, departmental policies, procedures, technologies, and new developments to be able to render efficient and effective extension services. Safe keeping physical assets (where applicable).