Research Farm Manager - Pongola Research Station - Pongola Zululand

📌 OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW:-Ntice Search is actively recruiting for a Research Farm Manager - Pongola Research Station - Pongola position in Zululand. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the Agriculture / Agro / Allied sector looking to advance their careers.

🎯 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE:-We are seeking talented individuals with the following profile:• Experience Level: 3 years • Educational Background: Bachelor or equivalent• Industry Focus: Agriculture / Agro / Allied• Location Preference: in Zululand

💼 WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS:-The Research Farm Manager - Pongola Research Station - Pongola position is an important role within the Agriculture / Agro / Allied sector, offering meaningful career development and professional growth opportunities.

📈 CAREER DEVELOPMENT INSIGHTS:-This role in Agriculture / Agro / Allied offers valuable career progression opportunities aligned with your experience level and professional aspirations.

📋 APPLICATION GUIDANCE:-When applying for this Research Farm Manager - Pongola Research Station - Pongola position, ensure your CV highlights:• Relevant experience matching the 3 years requirement• Educational qualifications in line with Bachelor• Specific achievements in the Agriculture / Agro / Allied field• Any certifications or specialized training

🌍 SOUTH AFRICA JOB MARKET CONTEXT:-The Agriculture / Agro / Allied sector in South Africa continues to show strong demand for skilled professionals. This position represents a valuable opportunity in the current job market.

**Job Title:** Research Farm Manager – Pongola Research Station **Company:** Ntice Search **Reference Number:** 73117 **Sector:** Agriculture **Employment Type:** Permanent

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### Vacancy Details **Employer:** Ntice Search

The South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI), a division of the South African Sugar Association (SASA), is looking to fill the position of Research Farm Manager at its largest field site, the Pongola Research Station. This permanent role will be based within SASRI’s Breeding and Field Resource Unit (BFRU) in Pongola.

Pongola serves as the flagship research centre for irrigated sugarcane in South Africa. It hosts the irrigated plant‑breeding programme and trials for smut, ripener, and tawny rust, as well as the assessment of international varieties that ultimately benefit growers in Pongola, Komati and Malelane. We are seeking an experienced Farm Manager with comprehensive irrigation expertise to ensure the station operates at peak efficiency for our researchers.

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### About the Role

The Research Farm Manager oversees the daily operations of the station, ensuring optimal conditions for field experiments while maintaining the site as a productive commercial entity and safeguarding the land for future use. The role involves leading a team of approximately 61 staff members – 39 permanent and 22 seasonal – supported by an Assistant Farm Manager, and reporting directly to the Research Stations’ Manager.

#### Core Responsibility: Irrigation

Irrigation is the linchpin of research at Pongola. The manager will take full responsibility for the station’s irrigation infrastructure, which includes: - Developing and executing irrigation schedules tailored to each trial and commercial crop. - Mastering the system’s components—from pumps and mainlines to in‑field components—to identify and resolve faults promptly. - Implementing a preventative maintenance programme for all irrigation equipment to reduce damage, water loss and downtime. - Managing water use in a responsible and cost‑effective manner.

#### Additional Duties

• Drafting and implementing long‑term plans that align land preparation, planting, cane husbandry, and harvesting with research requirements. - Accurately interpreting breeders’ and researchers’ specifications and coordinating the necessary resources to set up trials. - Allocating staff, equipment and inputs in a cost‑effective way that supports research priorities. - Maintaining all farm assets through regular servicing and preventative upkeep. - Enforcing strict soil conservation practices in accordance with SUSFARMS principles and other industry standards. - Operating the station as a commercial unit, recovering cane efficiently, and delivering it to the mill once research obligations are satisfied. - Preparing and managing the station budget, and providing monthly variance reports. - Chairing bi‑monthly meetings with Shop Stewards of the recognised trade union, reporting to quarterly meetings, and participating in annual wage negotiations. - Building strong relationships with staff, neighbouring farms, suppliers, growers and other industry stakeholders. - Implementing and adhering to all Health and Safety regulations.

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### Required Qualifications

• Diploma or BSc in Agriculture. - Demonstrated, hands‑on experience managing irrigation systems, including scheduling, maintenance and troubleshooting – minimum of three seasons. - Proven experience supervising farm staff and operations, preferably with at least 18 months at a managerial level. - Sound crop‑management knowledge. - Good mechanical aptitude. - Valid driver’s licence.

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### Desirable Extras

• Senior Certificate in Sugarcane Agriculture. - Experience cultivating sugarcane under irrigation. - Experience in budgeting and labour relations.

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### Working Conditions

On‑site accommodation will be provided for the successful candidate and their family. The position requires regular farm hours (6 am to 3 pm), with occasional after‑hours and weekend commitments, and standby duty every second weekend.