Agriculture & Farm Jobs in Phoenix

Job tittle: Senior Extension Officer Fixed term Contract

Grade: C5

Reports To: Land Reform Restitution and Community Dynamics Manager

Main Purpose of the job:

Cane quality is a critical aspect of the sugar making process. Key to the cane quality is burn harvest to crush delay (BHTCD). Typically the lower the BHTCD the better is the cane quality. Felixton (FX) mill receives cane from the four restitution projects in the Melmoth area which is circa 75km away. For this universe of growers BHTCD will be a challenge due to long haul and also longer cane growing cycle. One of the ways to improve cane quality is to closely monitor the harvesting plans and ensure that all estimated cane is harvested within the crushing season. Melmoth growers have ongoing challenges of long carry over cane which eventually affect the quality of cane even before its harvested. Community dynamics matters and overall coordination of farming activities with existing management structures becomes a key activity. It is for this reason that a dedicated Senior extension Officer is required.

Roles,Responsibilities and Relationships:

➢Co-ordinate cane supply from infield to zone and to Felixton Mill thus reducing BHTCD.
Monitor and influence all cane quality variables.
➢Engage with Role players such Trustees, Contractors, and Service Providers to agree on the crop removal plan.
➢Keep accurate track record of cane stock available from field, Zone and into the mill.
➢Communicate with all role players involved to ensure smooth delivery of cane into the mill.
➢Engage with all relevant stakeholders regarding mill performance issues
➢Track and trend cane quality and provide weekly/monthly reports.
➢Develop and train growers on the significance of managing cane and logistics by working with Land reform Extension Team.
➢Find solutions to problems by working with local stakeholders.
➢Escalate all unsolvable challenges to the Land Reform and Community Dynamics Manager.
➢Ensure good communication and respect to all stakeholders involved in Melmoth projects.
➢Ability to resolve conflict and suggest possible solutions.
➢Conduct Grower Days and workshops in collaboration with key Industry role players like SASRI and grower organizations.

Qualifications & Experience:

➢A relevant Tertiary qualification in Agriculture i.e. Minimum National Diploma in Plant Production Agriculture
➢ Senior certificate Course in Sugar cane agriculture
➢Between 3 to 5 years experience in sugarcane farming practices
and logistics
➢Computer skills/literacy.
➢A valid Code EB drivers license

Required Competencies

➢Self-motivated individual that can work independently.
➢Must have high ethical values and professi

• Matric
• BSc Agric or similar tertiary qualification
• 4 Years' experience in a similar role
• Experience in pruning techniques, pesticides, and integrated pest management (PCO accreditation or willingness to obtain it)
• Experience in fertilizer and irrigation management
• Computer literate and experience with Global Gap and SIZA audit
• Valid drivers license and own reliable transport

• Agricultural Diploma/Degree
• Previous farming experience with fertilizer and chemical pesticides
• Minimum of 2 years previous sales experience
• Computer literacy essential
• Must have a passion for agriculture and also have experience with fertilizer, chemical pesticides, chemical insecticides.
• Self-motivated with a very positive attitude.
• Able to work independently.
• Excellent planning skills.
• Be willing to travel
• Valid drivers license

Job Purpose:

To transport agricultural goods, livestock, and equipment safely and efficiently between farms, suppliers, markets, and processing facilities. The Code 14 Driver plays a key role in ensuring timely delivery while upholding road safety, vehicle care, and compliance with transport regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Transport Duties:

• Operate Code 14 vehicles (including articulated trucks) for the transport of produce, livestock, feed, equipment, or farm inputs.
• Plan routes to ensure timely and fuel-efficient deliveries.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicle roadworthiness.

Loading & Unloading:

• Supervise or assist with loading and securing cargo (e.g., pallets, bales, crates, tanks, livestock).
• Ensure loads comply with weight and safety regulations.

Vehicle Care:

• Monitor and report on vehicle performance, fuel usage, and mechanical issues.
• Ensure vehicle is clean, maintained, and in safe operating condition.
• Follow company procedures for servicing, licensing, and breakdown reporting.

Compliance:

• Adhere to all road traffic laws, safety standards, and transport regulations.
• Complete required delivery documentation and logbooks accurately.
• Comply with farm biosecurity and hygiene protocols when entering/exiting sites.

Communication:

• Maintain clear communication with the logistics coordinator, farm manager, and receiving personnel.
• Report delays, route issues, or accidents promptly.

Requirements:

Essential:

• Valid Code 14 (EC) Driver’s License with Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience driving Code 14 vehicles
• Clean driving record and contactable references
• Knowledge of road safety, load securement, and basic vehicle maintenance
• Physically fit and willing to assist with loading/unloading when required
• Willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays

Desirable:

• Experience in agricultural or farm-based logistics
• Knowledge of local farming regions and rural road networks
• Familiarity with transporting livestock or perishable produce

Basic mechanical knowledge (advantageous during remote breakdowns)

To support the Farm Manager in overseeing the daily operations of the layer farm, ensuring optimal health, production, biosecurity, and team productivity. The role involves both hands-on tasks and supervisory responsibilities in a high-volume, commercial production environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Farm Operations:

• Assist in managing daily poultry house routines including feeding, collection, and cleaning.
• Monitor welfare, behavior, and health; promptly report abnormalities.
• Ensure consistent production levels and quality in line with company targets.
• Maintain strict biosecurity procedures at all times.

Staff Supervision:

• Supervise and coordinate farm workers and support staff.
• Assist with training new employees on animal welfare, safety, and procedures.
• Motivate the team and ensure adherence to work schedules and hygiene standards.

Record-Keeping & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records on performance, mortality, medication, feed consumption, and counts.
• Support with data entry and reporting to senior management.

Maintenance & Equipment:

• Report and assist in resolving any issues with equipment (e.g., feeders, water systems, ventilation).
• Participate in general farm maintenance and cleaning.

Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, as well as animal welfare standards.
• Assist with audits, inspections, and adherence to company protocols and legal requirements.

Requirements:

Essential:

• Previous experience in farming, preferably in production
• Basic knowledge of animal health and welfare practices
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills
• Physically fit and comfortable working in farm conditions
• Willingness to work weekends and on a rotational shift basis
• Valid driver’s license

Desirable:

• Formal agricultural qualification (diploma/degree)
• Experience supervising small teams
• Understanding of biosecurity, management systems, and grading processes

Mechanical aptitude for basic maintenance

• Matric certificate
• Relevant tertiary qualification (agriculture or related field)
• 3 Years experience in similar role
• Knowledge of irrigation systems (manual and automated)
• Computer literate
• Fluent in Afrikaans/ English and Swazi
• Valid drivers licence

• Scheduling of all irrigation across all crops on the farm using moisture meters and crop factors
• Managing of the irrigation store stock control and stock levels
• Managing of various automated systems to optimally schedule and irrigate, including fertigation across all blocks
• Promote occupational safety by implementing policy and providing or recommending necessary training
• Checking for soil moisture, operating pressure, and flow rate using appropriate equipment

• A bachelors degree in chemistry or materials science, or a related scientific field is essential for this role.
• A certificate in spectroscopy or analytical instrumentation is preferred but not essential.
• Must have practical experience operating FTIR equipment in a laboratory or manufacturing, or quality control environment.
• Must have hands-on experience with sample preparation techniques and spectral analysis.
• Must have in-depth knowledge of FTIR spectroscopy principles and spectral data interpretation.
• Must be proficient in analytical software for spectral data processing.
• Must have excellent project management and scientific research capabilities.

• Responsible for managing and operating FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) equipment for analytical testing, quality control, and research purposes for both the companies local and international markets.
• Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of spectroscopic data to support research, production, and quality assurance objectives.
• Conducting assigned research projects under the guidance of the head of chemistry or head of microbiology, depending on project focus.
• Operating, calibrating, and maintaining FTIR equipment in accordance with established protocols.
• Preparing diverse sample types (solid and liquid) for spectroscopic analysis.
• Conducting accurate spectroscopic measurements and interpreting the resulting spectra.
• Analysing spectral data to determine material composition, detect contaminants, and assess other chemical properties.
• Maintaining precise documentation for all tests, processes, and results.
• Generating detailed analytical reports and present findings to relevant stakeholders.

Ready to plant the seeds for a long-term career in procurement? We’re looking for a sharp, Afrikaans-speaking graduate or junior to grow with this company in the Fresh Produce industry.  This role will evolve — it’s for someone ready to roll up their sleeves now, and take on more in time.

This is not just another admin role. We’re looking for someone highly switched on, with strong attention to detail, exceptional Excel skills, and the drive to grow into a senior position. Whether you're a smart graduate or a junior with 1–2 years of procurement experience, if you're hungry to learn and ready to contribute – we want to hear from you.

• Grade 12
• Supervision of Staff
• Customer Services
• Strategic Planning
• Developing Budgets
• Equipment Maintenance
• Teamwork
• Excellent communication skills in English and Afrikaans
• Ability to communicate a vision or direction and inspire others to achieve it.
• Ability to identify, analyse and solve problems and issues in a timely and effective manner.

• Calibration of fertilising equipment.
• Programme planning of the orchard blocks fertilisation.
• Physical execution and control or fertilisation

• Execute the programme and control sprinkler volumes and pressure. Monitor and repair leakages.
• Annual servicing of river pumps and irrigation, and continuous normal maintenance thereof.
• Organise the annual removal of silt from settling dam.

• Weed control is effective. Mulching and slashing of orchard floor conducted in accordance with environmental factors.
• Staff are trained and competent in performing orchard floor management work.
• Weekly reports are compiled and submitted to the Senior Agriculturist and/or General Manager.
• Responsible for harvest preparation and harvesting process, tonnage per block and cultivar and post-harvesting cleaning of orchard

• Spray programmes are conducted in accordance with GlobalG.A.P. Calibration of sprayers.
• Control volumes sprayed and storage (disease, insects and foliar.
• Conduct maintenance of mist blowers. Responsible for handling of chemicals

• Oversee the productive functioning of labourers, specialist drivers and workers, maintenance and supervision of all health and safety factors and measures, disciplinary measures taken as appropriate, staff motivation and overseeing the general well-being of employees.
• Conduct performance reviews on a regular basis.
• Organising day and night shifts for harvesters

• Check the functioning of all pruning equipment.
• Execution of pruning programme according to plan.
• Controlling of the pruning process and labourers.

• Tractor drivers and specialised drivers and workers, irrigation controllers, pruners.
• Training on the shaker and specialist harvesting equipment

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

Our team at IOEC, Cape Town is seeking a Fruit Buyer to join our growing team of specialists. The Fruit Buyer is required to be currently working within the fruit industry network with expertise in grapes, citrus or deciduous.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Procurement Expertise: Purchasing of grapes, deciduous and citrus fruit. Apply your knowledge of fruit procurement to identify and source high-quality products. Sourcing, establishing and maintaining relationships with new South African suppliers / farmers.
• Network and Relationships: Leverage your wide network within the fruit industry to establish successful partnerships with suppliers and distributors. Consistently maintain good working relationships with between IOEC and its suppliers.
• Negotiation: Without compromising on quality, negotiate favourable terms with suppliers to ensure cost-effective procurement. Deal with claims and negotiate the best settlement for our clients. Price negotiations with growers and packhouses
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with stakeholders across the supply chain. Compile and conduct reporting, presentations and implement systems. Report on the availability and range of the fruit to our Business Development Managers.
• Market Research: Stay abreast of market trends, pricing fluctuations, and regulatory requirements in the fruit export sector.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with quality control teams to ensure that all procured fruits meet stringent quality standards. Quality control on farms, pack houses and cold rooms.
• Supply Chain Management: Oversee the logistics of procurement, ensure timely delivery of goods. Maintain optimal inventory levels. Implementation of seasonal programs.

REQUIREMENTS:

Skills and Experience:

• Expertise in Fruit Procurement: 5 years’ experience in grapes, citrus or deciduous procurement / buying fruit; speciality in grapes preferred. Demonstrate extensive knowledge of fruit seasonality, quality standards, local South African and international fruit growers and packhouses.
• Export Knowledge: Proficiency in export processes and regulations related to the fruit trade.
• A wide network within the fruit industry, including suppliers, distributors, and other stakeholders.
• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills to secure favourable terms with suppliers and optimize procurement costs.
• Computer literate in using online portals and Microsoft Office Suite.

Qualifications

• Matric
• Relevant Tertiary qualification will be advantageous

Ideal characteristics include:

• Agricultural diploma/degree advantageous
• Minimum of 3 years previous livestock management experience inclusive of sheep and beef essential
• Excellent stockman ship
• Strong leadership skills
• Computer literate
• Maintenance orientated
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work with and motivate a team
• Valid drivers license