The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is a science and technology Institution of excellence in South Africa, which operates within the National System of Innovation. The ARC has a mandate for innovative and creative agricultural research, technology development and transfer aimed at the advancement of South African agriculture. Its operations are overseen by the ARC Council appointed by and accountable to the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs. The ARC seeks to appoint a highly motivated and dynamic individual to the following position:

Range and Forage Technicians (6 positions)
The main objectives of these positions are to render research technical support to the Rangeland Monitoring and Improvement Program and other research conducted by staff of the Range and Forage Unit and to ensure completion of projects in compliance with agreed guidelines and timeframes.

Qualifications and experience:
The minimum requirement for Range Technicians is a National Diploma in Agriculture, B. Agric, or BSc. Agric in Grassland Science or any other Natural Sciences degree. Experience in rangeland science and management will be preferred. Candidates must be motivated and hard working. Must be prepared to spend long hours in the field in all weather, including hiking long distances. Must be prepared to travel a lot and sleep out. Must be computer literate, have good written and verbal communication skills, able to work in a team (good human relations is a necessity for the job), and posses a valid driver’s licence.

Responsibilities:
•Technicians will conduct fieldwork and provide pro-active technical input to research in the rangeland monitoring program and other related research projects.
•Technicians will timeously collect, process, and interpret data under the leadership of ARC researchers and the project manager.
•Technicians will be involved in writing reports and engagement of stakeholders and funding agencies.
•Technicians will be involved in technology transfer and training of land-users.
•Technicians will also be involved in various aspects of project design, planning, and management.
•General office work will include the correct completion of reports, time management, log sheets, data management, database searching, literature reviewing, proposal writing.

Please Note: Experience in the above duties will be taken into consideration in the selection process. Only South African citizens will be considered. A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position and project resources. The successful candidate will be engaged on a fixed term performance based contract. Confidential applications accompanied by a detailed CV, should be forwarded by e-mail address to yvunne@arc.agric.za. Further information on the ARC is available on the ARC Home Page: http://www.arc.agric.za . Enquiries can be directed to Yvunne Lefyedi at (012) 672 9104. For technical enquiries contact Alan Short: (012)-672 9345.