Agricultural Extension Officer - Community Development Focus

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybride; ZAR 300 000 - 420 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Medical aid scheme

Provident fund

Professional development

Annual leave and public holidays

Field travel support

Conferences networking

Contribution to food security and SADC

Engaging community development

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Extension Officer to support farming communities around Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will train farmers, provide technical advice, and promote sustainable farming practices to boost productivity and livelihoods.

This field-based role requires strong communication, ability to work with diverse groups, and travel across the region. You'll liaise with research bodies, government agencies, and NGOs to access resources and drive community development.

Qualifications

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in agricultural extension or community development.
• Strong knowledge of crop production, livestock management, and sustainable farming.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the Vereeniging area.
• Proficiency in local languages relevant to the Vereeniging region.
• Experience organizing and delivering training programs.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsabilités

• Provide technical advice and training to farmers on modern techniques.
• Promote sustainable and climate-smart practices.
• Organize farmer field days, workshops, and demonstrations.
• Assess community needs and provide tailored solutions.
• Liaise with research institutions, government agencies, NGOs.
• Monitor activities and report trends, challenges, and successes.
• Assist farmers in accessing government programs and subsidies.
• Educate on soil health, water management, pest/disease control.
• Support development of farmer cooperatives and community initiatives.
• Educate on market access, value addition, and post-harvest management.
• Maintain records of farmer interactions and outcomes.
• Advocate for farming community needs at relevant forums.

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client is seeking a passionate and dedicated Agricultural Extension Officer to serve the farming communities in and around Vereeniging, Gauteng . This vital role focuses on disseminating agricultural knowledge, promoting best practices, and supporting farmers in improving their productivity and livelihoods. You will act as a bridge between research institutions and the farming community, providing training, technical advice, and access to resources. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of agricultural principles, excellent communication skills, and a genuine commitment to community development. This position requires the ability to connect with farmers from diverse backgrounds and address their specific needs and challenges. You will be instrumental in fostering sustainable farming techniques and enhancing food security within the region. We are looking for an individual who can inspire positive change and empower farmers through knowledge and practical support. The role involves regular fieldwork and engagement with local agricultural stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice and training to farmers on modern agricultural techniques, crop management, and livestock husbandry.
• Promote the adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Organize and facilitate farmer field days, workshops, and demonstration plots.
• Assess the needs of the farming community and provide tailored solutions and resources.
• Liaise with agricultural research institutions, government agencies, and NGOs to access relevant information and support.
• Monitor agricultural activities in the assigned area and report on trends, challenges, and successes.
• Assist farmers in accessing relevant government programs, subsidies, and financial support.
• Promote best practices in soil health, water management, and pest/disease control.
• Support the development of farmer cooperatives and community-based agricultural initiatives.
• Educate farmers on market access, value addition, and post-harvest management.
• Maintain accurate records of farmer interactions, training sessions, and project outcomes.
• Advocate for the needs and concerns of the farming community at relevant forums.

Requirements

• A National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural extension services, community development, or a related agricultural advisory role.
• Strong knowledge of crop production, livestock management, and sustainable farming practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people and build trust within the farming community.
• Proficiency in local languages relevant to the Vereeniging region is highly advantageous.
• Experience in organizing and delivering training programs.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within the assigned area.
• Understanding of agricultural policies and support programs.
• Basic knowledge of record-keeping and report writing.
• Passion for rural development and empowering farming communities.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a commitment to employee well-being.
• Access to a medical aid scheme and a provident fund.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training in agricultural best practices.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• A dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible difference in the agricultural sector and community.
• Support for travel expenses related to fieldwork.
• Opportunities to attend agricultural conferences and network with industry professionals.
• Contribution to sustainable agricultural development and food security initiatives.