Senior Research Technician Plant Breeding (Three (3) Year Fixed Term Contract) (Roodeplaat) needed at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Coordinates and executes field and greenhouse trials, by compiling and executing technical activity plans for activities relating to breeding of fruit vegetables.
• Manage project resources (facilities, manpower, material, and equipment) and ensure optimal utilization of resources.
• Compile and manage allocated project budgets.
• Independently conducts research/technical support, diagnostics, and other services within a project.
• Collects, captures, processes, and interprets technical data and makes internal project recommendations.
• Compiles detailed technical reports and submits to project managers and/or relevant managers.
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Assists with identifying new business opportunities.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (NQF 9) in Plant Breeding or related field (Horticulture / Plant Production), plus 3 years applicable experience; or BSc(Hons) degree or Postgraduate Diploma (or equivalent NQF 8), plus 6 years applicable experience.
• Experience in classical plant breeding techniques.
• Ability to set-up and manage research trials under greenhouse and open-field conditions.
• Good understanding of weed control, soil cultivation methods, fertilization, spraying for disease and pest control, irrigation systems (installation, operation and maintenance), and sustainable field management.
• Experience and good understanding of commercial and indigenous vegetable production will be an added advantage.
• Good understanding of irrigation scheduling and use of soil water content monitoring equipment will be an added advantage.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Advance computer literacy.
• A valid driver’s license.