Job Description

Job Title
Intern: Technician and Extension Officer (Contract appointment: 1 year) (Job ID: 6042)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Plant Sciences
Contract Type
Contract
Occupational Level
Temporary
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
7/3/2025
Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

Duties and responsibilities:

Plant, maintain, and evaluate field and greenhouse trials of summer grain crops. Assist with surveilling and monitoring summer grain crop diseases across production regions. Isolate and purify pathogens from various agricultural crops. Process cultures for morphological and molecular characterization of fungal pathogens. Contribute to building and maintaining a culture collection. Perform preliminary data analyses and compile technical reports. Manage project facilities, consumables, and equipment to ensure optimal utilization of resources and capacity. Report and communicate findings through various media to specific and wide audiences. Contribute to publications in peer-reviewed scientific and popular journals. Assist in organizing and contributing to scientific events, farmer information days, and open days. Network and interact with researchers, producers, industry, and government to promote awareness about field pathology and integrated disease management.

Inherent requirements:

A BSc (Hons) or BSc Agric on NQF Level 8 in Agronomy/Plant Pathology/Microbiology. Relevant experience in technical aspects regarding plant pathological field research and/or diagnostics. Applicants must hold a valid South African (Code B and/or EB) driver's license or an international driver's licence accepted in South Africa (attach a copy). Must register with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) if not yet registered (attach proof of registration if applicable).

Recommendations:

A MSc qualification in Agronomy/Plant Pathology/Microbiology. Candidates with additional specialised training, certifications, or post-graduate studies in relevant fields such as epidemiology, molecular diagnostics/biotechnology, or plant disease management may be more competitive. Proficient in R programming Effective communication skills, including scientific writing and public speaking Knowledge of field and greenhouse trial management Plant disease diagnostics, i.e., morphological and molecular Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software (particularly R) Skills in technical report writing Event planning and organization skills Knowledge of culture collection management

The following criteria apply to the selection of candidates for an Internship:

The applicant should not currently be participating in an existing learnership/internship programme. The applicant should not have any previous formal work experience. The applicant must be willing to sign a learnership/internship agreement with UFS. The applicant must be available for the period of 1 year to participate in the learnership/internship.

Competencies

Required competencies:

Results oriented.

The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success. The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.

o Strategic thinking.

The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner. The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

o Business Acumen:

The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations. Proficient in using MS Office.

o Leading.

The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm. The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

o Building coalitions

The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others. The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations. The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others. The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people. The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter. Copies of qualifications or proof of qualifications obtained (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications). A copy of your identity document (SA ID or passport for foreign nationals). Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable). A copy of your driver's license.

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

7 March 2025

Salary:

The salary is available on request.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact

Dr Lisa Rothmann

at

051 401 3666

or email CoetzeeLA@ufs.ac.za

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at : EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful