About the Role
The Department of Agriculture is looking for dedicated individuals to fill the position of Farm Aid: Farm Services at the Tygerhoek Research Farm, located in the picturesque Western Cape region. This role is essential for the effective management of agricultural practices that directly influence our community’s food production and sustainability. Working on a research farm means that you will play a vital part in advancing agricultural methods and ensuring the health of crops, which ultimately supports local economies and food security across South Africa.
In this dynamic role, you will engage in a variety of tasks related to crop cultivation, livestock care, and the overall maintenance of farm operations. Your contributions will not only enhance the research initiatives but also serve the greater community by promoting innovative farming techniques that benefit all. This is your chance to be part of a team that is committed to advancing agricultural practices in the Western Cape, and to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around you.
About the Department
The Department of Agriculture is dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security, and supporting farmers across the Western Cape. Its mission is to foster an environment where agricultural innovation can thrive, ensuring that the region remains a leader in agricultural output. Working within this department means you are part of a movement that aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers and communities through effective resource management and research.
What You’ll Do
- Take soil samples to assess crop health and productivity
- Irrigate crops and assist in planting activities
- Cultivate and prepare soil through cleaning and houghing
- Apply chemical crop protection methods, including operating a knapsack sprayer
- Harvest, grade, weigh, pack, and store seed and plant material
- Tend to crops daily, including weeding and cutting
- Ensure asset control and safe keeping of farm equipment
- Maintain cleanliness of facilities and properly dispose of farm waste
- Provide water supply for livestock and farm buildings
- Care for farm equipment, including cleaning, oiling, and sharpening
- Participate in firefighting and prevention activities
- Open springs, troughs, and unblock drains as needed
- Load and off-load materials as required
What You’ll Need
- ABET Level 2 certificate or equivalent qualification
- Knowledge of protein and grain crops
- Ability to follow technical instructions in a research environment
- Skill in distinguishing between crops and weeds
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Capability to perform hard manual labour and work under pressure
- Ability to detect changes and variations in crops
- Basic understanding of trial plans
How to Apply
To submit your application, there are 3 methods in which you can apply; please only use 1 of the following.
Requirements
Abet level 2 certificate or equivalent.Competencies: Knowledge and understanding of the following: Protein and grain crops; Ability to follow relevant technical instructions in the research environment; Ability to distinguish between crops and weeds; Skills in the following: Good communication (written and verbal); Ability to perform hard manual labour; Ability to detect changes and variation; Ability to understand a basic trial plan; Ability to work under pressure.
Job Duties
Taking of soil samples; Irrigation of crops; Planting of crops; Soil cultivation and preparation e.g.
Cleaning and houghing; Apply chemical crop protection e.
g.
Operate a knapsack; Reaping, grading, weighing, packing and storage of seed and plant material; Daily tending of crops/ e.
g.
Weeding and cutting; Harvesting of crops; Asset control and safe keeping of assets; Cleaning of facilities; Disposal of farm waste material; Provide water supply for livestock and farm buildings; Care for equipment e.
g.
cleaning, oiling and sharpening; Firefighting and prevention; Opening of springs, troughs and unblocking of drains; Loading/ off-loading.
