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: 10 - 15 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:-Your extensive experience in Agriculture / Agro / Allied qualifies you for leadership positions. This role offers the chance to shape industry practices and organizational direction.

📋 APPLICATION GUIDANCE:-When applying for this Research Farm Manager - Pongola Research Station - Pongola position, ensure your CV highlights:• Relevant experience matching the 10 - 15 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 - Pongola Company: Ntice Search

Job Type: Permanent Sectors: Agriculture Reference: 73117 Sectors: Agriculture Reference: 73117 Reference: 73117

Vacancy Details Employer: Ntice Search

South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI), a division of the South African Sugar Association (SASA), invites applications for the position of Research Farm Manager at Pongola Research Station on a permanent basis. Located at SASRI's Breeding and Field Resource Unit (BFRU) in Pongola, this role is crucial as Pongola is the institute's largest research station, focusing on irrigated sugarcane development.

The Research Farm Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the station to ensure optimal conditions for field experiments and maintain a productive commercial unit for the trials. With approximately 61 staff members (39 permanent and 22 seasonal) under their management, the individual will report to the Research Stations' Manager.

Central to this role is the management of Pongola's irrigation system. The candidate will be responsible for planning and running irrigation schedules tailored to each trial and the commercial crop, ensuring early detection and resolution of system faults, and implementing a preventative maintenance program for all irrigation infrastructure. Responsibility also lies in managing water use responsibly and cost-effectively.

Other responsibilities include developing and executing long-term plans to suit research trials, accurately following breeders' and researchers' instructions, allocating staff, equipment, and inputs cost-effectively, maintaining farm assets, adhering to soil conservation practices, running the station as a commercial unit, preparing and managing the station budget, and reporting on budget variances.

The candidate must hold a Diploma or BSc in Agriculture, have proven experience managing irrigation systems, including scheduling, maintenance, and troubleshooting, with a minimum of 3 seasons of experience. Supervisory experience, preferably at least 18 months in a management role, is required. Knowledge of crop management, mechanical skills, and a valid driver's license are essential.

Additional qualifications that would be advantageous include a Senior Certificate in Sugarcane Agriculture and experience growing sugarcane under irrigation, as well as experience in budgeting and labor relations.

The position is located on-site with accommodation provided for the successful candidate and their family. The candidate will work regular farm hours (6 am to 3 pm) with potential after-hours and weekend work, as well as standby duty every second weekend.