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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

The incumbent will be responsible to contribute towards the achievement of the University of Pretoria (UP) 's strategic goals. This includes, but is not limited to:

Livestock and Animal Production Management

• 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.

Crop and Fodder Production Management

• 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.

Research and Academic Support

• 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.

Infrastructure and Technical Services

• Overseeing maintenance of irrigation systems, pumps, fencing, roads and buildings;

• Coordinating preventative maintenance programmes for machinery and vehicles;

• Supervising mechanical and electrical maintenance operations.

Risk, Compliance and Biosecurity Management

• 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.

Financial and Resource Management

• Compiling annual budgets for approval by the Director;

• Monitoring operational expenditure and financial performance of the Farm;

• Managing procurement systems and supplier relationships.

Human Resources Management

• 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.

Project Coordination

• 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor of Science in Agriculture/ Bachelor of Agriculture degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Management, Agronomy or related field;

• A minimum of 4 years' experience in the following domains:

• Relevant agricultural experience;

• Agricultural Management

• Financial management, budgeting and procurement;

• Experience with irrigation systems, infrastructure rehabilitation and operational planning;

• Supervising multidisciplinary agricultural teams;

• Experience in managing experimental farms or research stations;

• Experience in industry collaboration and agricultural innovation initiatives;

• A valid driver's licence.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Agricultural systems (crop/livestock/mixed farming);

• Experimental design and research methodologies;

• Sustainable and climate-smart agriculture Biosecurity, environmental and OHS standards;

• Agricultural legislation and regulatory frameworks;

• Farm financial management and budgeting;

• Seasoned Higher education and research environment;

• Occupational Health and Safety;

• Animal Ethics and Animal and Plant Research Techniques Animal husbandry techniques;

• Financial management and cost control;

• Equipment and infrastructure management;

• Stakeholder coordination (academic, industry, students. Livestock production systems;

• Crop and fodder production systems;

• Ability to demonstrate high ethical and professional standards in all aspects of work;

• Ability to apply strong analytical and systems-thinking approaches to complex challenges;

• Ability to organise, prioritise, and lead effectively within a dynamic operational environment;

• Ability to manage and optimise the use of farm resources, including land, livestock, equipment, and labour;

• Ability to apply technology and innovation in improving farm productivity and research outcomes;

• Ability to support teaching and learning by facilitating student training, demonstrations, and practical exposure;

• Ability to manage procurement processes and service providers in line with institutional policies.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• A relevant Honours degree

• Advanced management training

• Occupational Health and Safety Certificate

• First Aid Certificate

• Firefighting/Prevention Certificate

• Registered member of a Professional Body

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za , select about UP, click on Career Opportunities and select the position to be applied for.

In applying for this post, please attach

• A comprehensive CV;

• Certified copies of qualifications;

• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 18 September 2026

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

Ms B Khu