Job Description

Our client, South African Sugarcane Research Institute(SASRI) a division of the South African Sugar Association (SASA) has a permanent opportunity available for an Extension Specialistbased in Komatipoort and supports growers delivering to the Komati Mill

SASRI provides an extension service to a broad spectrum of growers in the industry, including large-scale commercial farmers, new emerging farmers and small-scale farmers

The Extension service aims to facilitate the achievement of the following objectives:

• To ensure more effective implementation of SASRI research findings, new varieties and other SASRI services on sugarcane farms
• To encourage and facilitate the adoption of better management practices (BMPs) related to sugarcane farming in general, ensuring the sustainability of farmers and the industry
• To aid the implementation of leadership objectives in the growing regions such as Research Development & Extension (RD&E) Committees, Local Pest Disease and Variety Control Committees, and other local farmer groupings
• Support for seedcane initiatives in the Komati region

These are all aimed at creating awareness of interest in and adoption of economic farming practices that will improve the profitability of growers while ensuring the long-term protection of the environment and the sustainability of the industry as a whole

The successful incumbent will have administrative support in their office and will join a team of other experienced Extension Specialists in facilitating technology transfer from SASRI to growers throughout the industry

Duties and Responsibilities:

In order to provide a comprehensive extension service including the co-ordination of the regional biosecurity function you will need:

• A sound working knowledge of sugarcane crop husbandry, knowledge of and experience in irrigation, environmental management, and pest and disease control practices
• A sound knowledge of soils would be an advantage
• Advanced understanding of crop nutrition, fertilizers, fertigation and weed control (problem weeds)
• A good understanding of sugarcane varieties, specifically those for irrigation
• The ability to develop and manage extension programmes effectively
• A proven track record of communicating scientific information to a non-scientific audience
• Understanding how to manage BMPs for maximum profit and sustainability,to speak, read, write Afrikaans and English - Siswati will be an advantage
• Computer literacy and working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite

Minimum Requirements:

• Ideally a BSc in Agriculture and a minimum of 5 years' experience in providing extension services to a large group of farmers will equip you to meet the requirements of this job
• Personally, you should be an excellent communicator, problem-solver, have strong inter-personal skills and be able to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• A valid driver's license and own vehicle is essential

Salary

• Market related

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