Job Description

• Design, lead, and implement transdisciplinary research in communal rangeland management, restoration, and governance.
• Facilitate participatory action research and strengthen community engagement platforms in support of sustainable rangeland use and social-ecological resilience.
• Apply ecological restoration principles to develop context-specific, community-driven rangeland rehabilitation plans.
• Develop and manage projects that integrate biophysical, socio-economic, and institutional dimensions of communal rangelands.
• Actively sources new national/ international research opportunities including writing research proposals.
• Build and maintain international and national relationships and networking opportunities
• Mentor and supervise postgraduate students (MSc/PhD) in rangeland science, community-based natural resource management, and related fields.
• Initiate and manage national and international research collaborations and partnerships.
• Manages people within projects and compiles detailed reports to various stakeholders.
• Compiles detailed reports and approves final reports.
• Manages data capture and shows advanced analysis, interpretation, and recommendations.
• Publishes semi-scientific and peer reviewed articles and publishes in journals with a high impact factor.
• Engage in science-policy dialogue and support local capacity development through workshops, demonstrations, and advisory services.
• Complies with all occupational health and safety regulations.

• PhD or MSc with a minimum of 3 years' post MSc relevant work experience in communal rangeland management or related fields.
• A publication record with a minimum of 2 scientific publications already published with a record of additional work in progress.
• Record of presenting research at national and/or international conferences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with proposal writing, field-based research, and stakeholder coordination.
• Proven record of generating research funding and collaborations.
• Proven experience in working with large teams and on multiple projects at the same time.
• Proven track record of PhD and/or MSc student supervision in relevant fields of study.
• Experience in rangeland restoration, ecological rehabilitation, or related fields.
• Experience in planning and executing field-based restoration or rehabilitation interventions in communal or smallholder systems.
• Experience in integrating indigenous knowledge and scientific evidence in co-developing restoration strategies with local communities.
• Must have a Driver's license Code 8 or 10.

Enquires: Dr FL Muller (012) 808 8234
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 06 AUGUST 2025
Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months' probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act. Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver's license and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form. SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint.