Job Description

Closing Date 2024/08/28
Reference Number AEC240814-1
Pillar AECI Plant Health
Job Title Production Technician Trichoderma
Job Type Classification Permanent
Number of Positions 1
Location - Town / Site Somerset West
Location - Province Western Cape
Location - Country South Africa

• Trichoderma Production:

Meet production targets timeously. Participate in the planning and scheduling of Trichoderma production activities in co-operation with the Technical Dept. Ensure low levels of production losses, both normal and abnormal and conduct troubleshooting to determine root causes. Observe, monitor and communication production bottlenecks to the Trichoderma Leading Hand. Ensure all equipment utilised is kept to a high level of order and efficiency. Ensure the isolation maintenance and purification of mother cultures for production, quality control and intellectual property purposes. Assist with the continuous evaluation and improvement of the protocol under the guidance of the Microbial Team Leader.

• Production Management of other Niche Microbial Products: Assist the Microbial Team Leader with the management of the production and stock levels based on set sales targets as and when required. Ensure the isolation, maintenance and purification of mother cultures for production, quality control and intellectual property purposes. Assist the Microbial Team Leader with the drafting, implementation and management of the cleaning and production schedules
• Administration:

Assist with the preparation and execution of the monthly stock takes for the Trichoderma production facility and QC Lab. Adhere to and maintain the hard copy and electronic document filing systems in an orderly and optimal manner.

• Housekeeping: Ensure effective housekeeping and deep cleaning in accordance with the laboratory cleaning procedures. Maintain a high level of cleanliness and order in the laboratories ensuring that satisfactory sterilisation has been achieved with the use of thorough cleaning techniques and effective disinfectants. Be prepared to assist team members with maintenance of the high level of cleanliness and order in the laboratories. Perform other housekeeping tasks for which the incumbent is competent.

• Ad Hoc Tasks:

On occasion is required to carry out ad hoc tasks for which the incumbent is competent as instructed by the Microbial Team Leader and/or Management within reason. Assist with the planting/execution of and harvesting/processing of trials, including the preparation of greenhouses and seeds for trials. Processing samples for trial purposes, including sorting, washing, drying, labelling and measuring of different parameters as requested. Assist in the Quality Control Lab with the analysis of samples, for which the incumbent is competent, including but not limited to; Solvita, Root staining, Myco spore wash & count, Plate Count Method.
Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum Grade 12 with post matric diploma or certificate focussed on Bio-technology or related scientific field. B.Sc. or Technical Science degree in Industrial Microbiology advantageous.
• Must have a minimum of 1 years work experience in a commercial setting in a similar role.
• Must possess a sound working knowledge of microbial culturing and upkeep of cultures.
• Must have a sound knowledge of good laboratory practices.
• Knowledge of SHEQ Management Systems requirements advantageous.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint and Outlook).
• Must be in possession of a valid drivers license, have own reliable transport and must be medically fit to drive.
• Must be able to operate in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and be self-motivated.
• Possess a sound knowledge of laboratory administration, laboratory procurement and laboratory servicing needs.

AECI