Plennegy Research: Research Technician

Starke Ayres (Pty) Ltd.

Kempton Park

On-site

ZAR 380,000 - 540,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Job summary

Starke Ayres (Pty) Ltd. in Kempton Park seeks two Research Technicians to support field, tunnel, and glasshouse experiments across vegetable, flower and maize seed production.

You will monitor plant health, organize field walks, implement planting schedules, manage seed processing, and collect data while ensuring safety and meticulous record-keeping. A BSc in a related field and practical field experience are essential.

Qualifications

BSc in Genetics, Horticulture, Agriculture or related field is essential.
Minimum 5 years of general farming experience is preferred.
Experience in tunnel or protected environment production is desirable.

Responsibilities

Monitor plant health, stress indicators, and abnormalities in field, tunnel, and glasshouse.
Organise weekly field walks with farm team and breeder when available.
Execute planting schedules and oversee seed processing and labeling.
Record trial data accurately and assist with pollination activities.
Maintain records for seed receiving, shipments, and equipment maintenance.

Skills

Computer literacy

Breeding data systems

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Fieldwork outdoors

Travel willingness

Equipment calibration

Education

BSc in Genetics, Horticulture, Agriculture or related field (NQF Level 7)

Tools

Breeding databases

Field tablets

Barcoding apps

Job description

Description

Starke Ayres is the foremost African specialist and global supplier of premium vegetable, flower and lawn seed varieties – both for commercial and home garden planting. The following position has become available for two Research Technicians, based in Kempton Park. One of the positions will be focused on the tunnels.

Responsibilities

Monitor and report plant health, stress indicators, and abnormalities under field, net-house, and glasshouse conditions
Organise weekly field walks with the farm manager, supervisor, and breeder (when available)
Execute planting schedules in coordination with the supervisor and field team
Oversee seed processing including harvesting, drying, cleaning, treating, labelling, cataloguing, weighing, and cold-room organisation
Collect and record field, tunnel, and nursery trial data accurately
Execute and supervise hand pollinations (selfing and crossing)
Identify and report off-type plants
Complete phytosanitary applications and support government officials during inspections
Organise and execute leaf sampling for DNA analysis
Maintain accurate seed receiving and shipment records
Report maintenance needs for tunnels, irrigation systems, equipment, and related infrastructure to the farm manager
Report housekeeping and hygiene issues in tunnels, fields, and workrooms to the farm manager and team supervisor
Coordinate labour requirements with the breeder and supervisor
Assist the supervisor in overseeing daily operations in the workroom, tunnels, and fields
Promote productivity, efficiency, and safe work practices
Report issues related to attendance and timekeeping to the farm manager and supervisor
Conduct daily scouting for pests and diseases in fields, tunnels, and net-houses
Monitor chemical spray efficacy and report any issues
Programming of fertigation system according to fertilizer recommendation based on commercial practices
Consulting with fertilizer/ nutrition expert on a monthly basis to prevent and eliminate potential problems before they arise.
Monitoring of EC, pH and run-off figures on a daily basis with appropriate record keeping and reporting.
Be confident in changing fertigation programmes after consultation with breeder and fertilizer expert.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

Education (Essential)

BSc in Genetics, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field (NQF Level 7; beneficial)

Experience (Preferred)

5+ years of general farming experience
Experience with vegetable or maize crop cultivation
Experience in field, tunnel, or controlled-environment production
Experience supervising or coordinating field labour
Experience in tunnel or protected environment production
Experience managing day-to-day tunnel operations including planting schedules, crop cycles, and harvest management
Experience with irrigation systems, fertigation programmes, and climate control equipment within a tunnel environment
Experience with pest and disease management programmes in a protected growing environment
Experience with maintaining production records — yields, inputs, crop performance, and planning schedules

Knowledge

Research field layout: trial and nursery planning and execution
Identification and reporting of pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses
Understanding of chemical and fertilizer application practices
Sweet corn/maize physiology
Seed packing, pollination procedures, data collection, and inventory management
OHS, stewardship, and phytosanitary regulations, including:
Completion of required safety training (chemical handling, equipment safety, PPE)
Safe practices in field, tunnel, and processing environments
Adherence to internal SOPs for chemical applications and seed handling

Skills & Attributes

Computer literacy (Word, Excel, and breeding data systems)
Proficiency with digital data systems (breeding databases, field tablets, barcoding apps, sample-tracking platforms)
Ability to upload, validate, and quality-check digital data
Ability to maintain accurate digital seed inventory and field data
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Practical problem-solving and initiative
Ability to work in high-pollen, chemical, and outdoor environments
Willingness to travel to off-site locations when required
Ability to calibrate planting, spraying, and data-collection equipment (with guidance from farm manager)
Ability to perform basic troubleshooting of research equipment
Ability to work outdoors and stand for long periods
Willingness to obtain a pesticide applicator certificate

Technical Knowledge

Knowledge of plant physiology and how tunnel conditions (temperature, humidity, light, ventilation) affect crop development and quality
Knowledge of irrigation scheduling, EC and pH management, and fertigation principles
Be able to read and interpret plant health — identifying nutrient deficiencies, stress symptoms, and pest or disease pressure at an early stage
Knowledge of integrated pest and disease management (IPM) principles specific to tunnel crops
Have knowledge of post-harvest handling requirements to maintain produce quality from harvest to dispatch

Other