Control Technical Assistant - Field Trial and Horticulture Section

INNOVATION AFRICA @UP - FIELD TRIAL AND HORTICULTURE SECTION

CONTROL TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 8

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be required to:

• Provide technical assistance and advice to students, researchers and external parties at the Field Trials and Horticulture section of the Innovation Africa @UP campus;
• Support planning, initiation, planting, data collection, harvesting, processing material for data collection and analysis for research projects conducted at the designated facilities;
• Submit and coordinate input for annual campus budgeting for the section;
• Administration of finances for the unit for day-to-day management;
• Obtain quotations, negotiate prices and place orders and make purchases for trials and projects (internal and external funding);
• Manage staff administration and HR issues for the section;
• Provide maintenance and infrastructure management services at the designated facilities;
• Regular reporting to the relevant Campus Manager: Innovation Africa @UP and relevant committees, as well as consultation with the HoD of the Department of Plant and Soil Science and other units to ensure functional alignment and effective support;
• Support the vision to develop the Innovation Africa @UP campus into a world class Research Park and research investment destination.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BSc Agric degree OR BTech agricultural degree OR BSc Hons in relevant agricultural field;
• At least 3 years proven experience in managing crop/ horticultural field trials with a BSc/ BTech OR At least of 2 years proven experience in managing crop / horticultural field trials with a BSc Hons;
• Working at an agricultural research orientated institution;
• Experience of planning, execution and data recording of trials;
• Pest and weed management experience;
• Irrigation / fertigation design and management;
• Staff and financial management experience;
• Valid Public Drivers' Permit (PDP).

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• A thorough knowledge of and experience in the following:

• Plant production / research;
• Pesticides, fungicides and herbicide application;
• Trial methodology;
• Project management;
• Supervision skills;
• Working of relevant machines and equipment;
• Basic IT Skills;
• Ability to do minor repair work on equipment and instruments;

• Leadership skills;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Negotiation skills;
• Communication skills;
• Ability to work independently with strong problem solving;
• Conflict management skills;
• Organisational skills.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• MSc or MTech degree in relevant agricultural field;
• 3 years' experience a tertiary or academic environment with plant based research trials;
• Supervision and mentoring of post-graduate students during planning and execution of research trials;
• Occupational health and safety training;
• First aid certificate.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 06 JUNE 2022

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Ms Karin Hartdegen, Tel: (012) 420 5955 for application-related enquiries, and Prof. Bernard Slippers, Tel: (012) 420 3938 enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 August 2022, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised position.