Position Title: Potato Trials Officer 

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time ​

Position Location: Delmas 

Requisition ID: 35789 

 

 

POTATO TRIALS OFFICER

 

 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the positions of Potato Trials Officer reporting to the Agronomy Manager. The positions will be based in our operation in Delmas.

 

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

Evaluate local and global potato clones/ varieties for suitability to SA environment and needs. Identify high-potential varieties to fast track, co-ordinate with local Technical variety Team to develop documents for decision by SLT regarding way forward.Optimise varieties with nitrogen, population and growth trials on new varieties, development of variety guidelines and evaluating pre- and semi-commercial varieties on grower fields. Training of field personnel and rest of Agriculture on relevant topics to improve effectiveness of field visits.Support Agriculture and other McCain divisions regarding agronomy related information. Format can be from investigation with report to providing of information, testing facilities, research.Provide information to various global and local teams in their format to enable reporting on global/ local scale. Capture known information needs on a regular basis to enable fast turn-around time where possibleWork in collaboration with seed division regarding new variety fast tracking to enable a shorter lead time to first factory trial. Communicate factory trial information regularly regarding status of new fast track and potential MacFry/ pre-approval QSR clients to ensure all divisions are aware and know timelines to ensure planning on time. Start 2 months before planting till sensory trial and report has been generated.Assist all Agriculture divisions when requested when challenges experienced in the format required. Facilitate and drive health and safety within AgronomyEnsure continual capacity development within Agriculture, including self.

 

 

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Variety evaluation :- Execute and write up small plot and farmer (pre- and semi-commercial) trials on new varieties (measure: yearly NPVD meeting with SLT and global)

 

 

Crop optimization :- Evaluate performance of new varieties on commercial farmer’s fields. (measure: report submitted to Agronomy Manager)

 

Support Agriculture :- Support RMI, field officers, seed division, Western Farms, farmers with challenges and create appropriate training material where necessary (measure: reports created for requested assistance, training material available on relevant identified topics)

 

Global support :- Assist with Regenerative Agriculture information and training needs as determined (measure: attendence lists on training)

Execute capturing within global format of fertiliser and chemical use with growers as per        specified period determined by global (proof of completion via email)

 

Health and safety :- Facilitate, coordinate and enable H&S activities, establish procedures, training within Agronomy (measure: emails, photos, monthly Agronomy minutes in Safety point)

 

Capacity building :- Attend and complete all assigned courses for the various roles performed in line of duty (measure: completion of assigned courses visible to supervisor in Success Factors)Develop and train / inform farmers on relevant challenges during specific farmer days as requested (measure: Farmer day agenda and attendance list)

 

 

REQUIREMENTS:

BSc Degree in relevant Agricultural/regenerative/sustainability sciencesValid Tractor Drivers LicenseAt least 3 years’ experience on regenerative/ sustainable agriculture sector or related subject.Experience and understanding of statistical trials (planning, lay-out, planting to evaluation), regenerative & fertilizer trials experience will be At least 3 years’ experience on regenerative/ sustainable agriculture sector or related subject.Experience and understanding of statistical trials (planning, lay-out, planting to evaluation), regenerative & fertilizer trials experience will be an advantage Report writing skills in English must be well developedGood working knowledge on statistical analysis and implications in regards to trialsGood knowledge and understanding of agricultural production systems and variables, e.g. crops, climate, disease, fertilization, irrigation, soils, equipment etc.Knowledge of current and emerging agricultural technologiesStrong analytical and computer skillsPossession of a valid driver’s licenseWilling to travel extensivelyStrong track record in multi-stakeholders and cross functional project and program management.Can demonstrate an in-depth understanding of farmer’s profiles, needs, ways of working and culture.Nice to have: Economic viability (ROI) ability; soil science basics; irrigation knowledge; good practical equipment experience (STIR); soil health / biodiversity / ecology; basic climate knowledge.

 

 

The closing date for applications is 18 May 2024

To apply, please visit: Internal applicants: Employee Online Services > Career and Development

External applicants: www.mccain.com/careers/

 

 

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We see value in ensuring we have a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace.  As a global family-owned company we are proud to reflect the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that diversity drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. 
 
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
 
Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with the Global Privacy Policy 
 

 

Job Family: Agriculture      
Division: South Africa 
Department: ​Delmas Agronomy Potato Trials ​
Location(s): ZA - South Africa : Mpumalanga : Delmas || ZA - South Africa : Eastern Cape : Port Elizabeth || ZA - South Africa : Free State : Bloemfontein || ZA - South Africa : Gauteng : Bapsfontein || ZA - South Africa : Gauteng : Bedfordview || ZA - South Africa : Gauteng : Bronkhorstspruit || ZA - South Africa : Gauteng : Johannesburg || ZA - South Africa : Gauteng : Katlehong || ZA - South Africa : Gauteng : Springs || ZA - South Africa : KwaZulu-Natal : Durban || ZA - South Africa : Limpopo : Marble Hall || ZA - South Africa : North West : Lichtenburg || ZA - South Africa : Other : Reference job description || ZA - South Africa : Western Cape : CapeTown || ZA - South Africa : Western Cape : George 

Company: McCain Foods (S Africa)