PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Crop Trialist and Extension Specialist’s will coordinate the implementation and management of sugar bean and groundnut crop trials and on-farm activities across university and farmer sites. This role must ensure consistent trial execution, accurate soil and crop data collection, and the deployment and maintenance of field sensors and monitoring equipment. As the primary technical interface with participating farmers, the specialist will be required to translate research outputs into practical, site-specific recommendations, enabling effective on-farm implementation of validated high-value crops and climate-smart systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.     Trial design, implementation and management.

2.     Extension services

3.     Administration

• A Master of Science (NQF level 9) in Agronomy, Crop Sciences, Soil Science and related agricultural fields.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Trialist.
• Accredited for Safe Handling of Chemicals and Crop Protection.

RECOMMENDATIONS / ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• Registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
• A minimum of 3 year’ experience as a Crop Scientist.

KEY FUNCTIONAL / TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Agronomic expertise in sugar bean and groundnut cultivation, including cultivar selection, planting systems, soil fertility, pest and disease control, and yield optimisation under diverse climatic conditions.
• Field trial design and experimental management, with demonstrated ability to design, implement, and standardise replicated trials (e.g., RCBD, on-farm strip trials) across multiple sites while ensuring protocol compliance and data integrity.
• Soil, crop, and environmental data collection and interpretation, including soil sampling, crop performance assessment, sensor deployment, and application of basic statistical principles to support evidence-based recommendations.
• Technical extension and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate research findings into practical, site-specific recommendations for farmers and industry partners, and to support implementation of validated high-value and climate-smart cropping systems.
• South African citizen, Valid driving licences 

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Professional integrity and accountability, demonstrating reliability, ethical conduct, and consistent delivery of high-quality work.
• Problem-solving and adaptability, responding effectively to field challenges, climatic variability, and operational constraints.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, engaging confidently with farmers, industry partners, and colleagues.
• Collaborative and proactive work ethic, contributing positively to team objectives while taking initiative in managing responsibilities. 

REMUNERATION: 

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof Gerhard du Preez, Tel: 018 299 2723

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mr Zenyo Seboko, Tel: 018 299 4951

CLOSING DATE: 27 February 2026

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible

Kindly take note: Applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website.

Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.