Plennegy Research: Research Technician

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 Valid drivers license