SENIOR RESEARCH TECHNICIAN IN MILK RECORDING AND IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR

Agricultural Research Council; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Pretoria is seeking a candidate to assist smallholder farmers in the Milk Recording Scheme. The role involves training, data management, and collaborating with various agricultural stakeholders to improve dairy enterprise outcomes. Ideal candidates should possess strong analytical and communication skills, along with experience in agricultural practices.

Qualifications

• Experience in training and managing agricultural practices.
• Ability to interpret and analyze technical data.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder interaction.

Responsibilities

• Identify and recruit smallholder farmers for the Milk Recording Scheme.
• Train members and technicians in technical skills of the MRS.
• Collect and check milk recording data for integrity.
• Assist with managing budgets and compiling reports.

Job description

• Identify, Recruit and Service Smallholder Farmers into the Milk Recording Scheme
• Train new members, and Research technicians and Interns in the technical skills of the MRS.
• Carry out control/check tests to gather data.
• Collect and check milk recording data from members and ensure integrity of data collection
• Collects, captures, processes and interprets technical data and makes internal project recommendations.
• Regular calibration of test meters and apparatus with modified equipment for accuracy.
• Correspond with members regarding control test results and give advice when deviations in milking systems and techniques appear during sample taking.
• Assists milk recording participants with interpretation of management reports and give feedback to improve their dairy enterprise.
• Handle enquiries regarding missing or faulty information
• Interact with internal (Breeding, ARTs, Nutrition & Dairy processing). and external (AI industry) stakeholders to arrange training and technology transfer interventions
• Assists with arranging and coordination of farmer’s days, training sessions and workshops.
• Compile monthly reports and assist with compiling and managing budgets, adheres to financial administrative controls.
• Together with Project Manager, co-ordinates and contributes towards projects, by compiling and executing technical project activity plans.
• Together with the Project Manager, renders diagnostic, technical and other services at a national level.
• Market the Schemes through marketing initiatives.
• Adheres to quality standards.
• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures.