Job Opportunities

Pongola is SASRI's largest research station, and much of the work done there shapes the future of irrigated sugarcane in South Africa. It is home to our irrigated plant breeding programme, as well as smut, ripener and tawny rust trials and the evaluation of international varieties. Growers in Pongola, Komati and Malelane depend on the new varieties that come out of this work.

We are looking for an experienced Farm Manager who knows irrigation inside out and can give our researchers the well-run, well-watered station their trials depend on.

About the role

The Research Farm Manager runs the day-to-day operation of the station. The job is to create the best possible conditions for field experiments, run the station as a productive commercial unit, and look after the land for the long term. You will lead a team of about 61 people (39 permanent and 22 seasonal), supported by an Assistant Farm Manager, and report to the Research Stations' Manager.

Irrigation: central to this role

At Pongola, research simply doesn't work without reliable irrigation. You will be fully responsible for the station's irrigation system. That includes:

• Planning and running irrigation schedules that meet the needs of each trial and the commercial crop.
• Understanding how the system works, from pumps and mainlines to in-field infrastructure, so that faults are spotted early and fixed properly.
• Setting up and managing a preventative maintenance programme for all irrigation infrastructure to avoid damage, water loss and downtime.
• Managing water use responsibly and cost-effectively.

What else you'll be doing

• Drawing up and carrying out long-term plans so that conditions suit research trials, from land preparation and planting through to cane husbandry and harvesting.
• Following breeders' and researchers' instructions accurately and arranging the resources needed to establish their trials.
• Allocating staff, equipment and inputs cost-effectively, in line with research priorities.
• Keeping all farm assets in good repair through regular servicing and preventative maintenance.
• Maintaining strict soil conservation practices in line with SUSFARMS principles and other industry standards.
• Running the station as a commercial unit, recovering cane efficiently and delivering it to the mill once research needs have been met.
• Preparing and managing the station budget and providing monthly variance notes.
• Chairing bi-monthly meetings with Shop Stewards of the recognised trade union, reporting back at quarterly meetings, and taking part in annual wage negotiations.
• Building good relationships with staff, neighbouring farms, suppliers, growers and other industry stakeholders.
• Implementing and complying with all Health and Safety regulations.

What you'll need

• A Diploma or BSc in Agriculture.
• Proven, hands-on experience managing irrigation systems, including scheduling, maintenance and troubleshooting. A minimum of 3 seasons experience.
• Experience supervising farm staff and operations, preferably including at least 18 months at management level.
• Sound crop management experience.
• Good mechanical knowledge.
• A valid driver's licence.

It would be a plus if you have

• A Senior Certificate in Sugarcane Agriculture.
• Experience growing sugarcane under irrigation.
• Experience in budgeting and labour relations.

Working conditions

On-site accommodation is provided for the successful candidate and their family. The role requires working farm hours (6 am to 3 pm), after-hours and weekend work when needed, and standby duty every second weekend.