Experimental Farm Manager

UP Professional and Support

INNOVATION AFRICA@UP

EXPERIMENTAL FARM MANAGER

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 7

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

The Experimental Farm Manager will provide strategic, scientific, operational and financial leadership for the university experimental farm. The incumbent will oversee integrated crop and livestock systems, research, training, and infrastructure to ensure the farm functions as a sustainable agricultural innovation platform that supports teaching, research, commercialisation, and industry engagement. Support the mission of IA@UP to promote long-term, world-class Industry-Government-University research and training partnerships that support joint innovation for the competitive and effective functioning of South African and African industries and policy.

• Overseeing intensive and extensive livestock production systems, including dairy, sheep, beef and other ruminant enterprises;
• Developing scientifically balanced feeding systems and fodder flow programmes.
• Monitoring herd fertility, breeding performance, health records and production efficiency;
• Implementing animal welfare protocols and systems, as well as corrective action where necessary;
• Coordinating vaccination, disease prevention, quarantine and biosecurity programmes;
• Maintaining livestock production databases and performance records.

• Planning and managing seasonal crop and fodder production systems;
• Coordinating precision irrigation scheduling and water management systems;
• Overseeing soil preparation, planting, fertilisation and harvesting programmes.

• Coordinating agricultural research trials and data collection systems;
• Facilitating practical student training and demonstration activities;
• Supporting postgraduate and industry-linked research projects;
• Ensuring ethical compliance and adherence to research protocols;
• Collaborating with academic departments and external research stakeholders.

• Overseeing maintenance of irrigation systems, pumps, fencing, roads and buildings;
• Coordinating preventative maintenance programmes for machinery and vehicles;
• Supervising mechanical and electrical maintenance operations.

• Implementing biosecurity and disease control systems;
• Ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety legislation;
• Ensuring compliance with animal welfare legislation and institutional policies;
• Conducting operational audits and compliance inspections.

• Compiling annual budgets for approval by the Director;
• Monitoring operational expenditure and financial performance of the Farm;
• Managing procurement systems and supplier relationships.

• Managing staff performance and ensure that staff members adhere to the expected standards of conduct;
• Establishing good communication channels to ensure staff know their roles and functions;
• Organising outsourcing of services when needed according to policy;
• Overseeing all the recruitment processes of the Experimental Farm and ensuring that policies and procedures are followed;
• Coordinating and keep a record of training for all staff at the Experimental Farm;
• Developing and identify essential training needs for all the roles.

• Planning, coordinating, and overseeing agricultural and research-related projects, ensuring alignment with the University’s academic, research, and operational objectives;
• Developing detailed project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, budgets, and deliverables for farming, research trials, and infrastructure projects;
• Monitoring project progress, evaluate outcomes, and preparing regular reports for management and academic stakeholders;
• Fostering partnerships with industry, government, and research institutions to enhance project outcomes and innovation;
• Driving continuous improvement by incorporating best practices, new technologies, and sustainable farming methods into project.

• A Bachelor of Science in Agriculture/ Bachelor of Agriculture degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Management,…