CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

"Developing a new breed of Agriculturist."

Are you looking for an exciting and challenging career in a rapidly transforming academic institution? Do you want to make a contribution towards developing young talent to stand their ground in a highly competitive agricultural sector on the African continent and globally?

The Agricultural Management Department at the George Campus of the Nelson Mandela University needs your talent, passion and commitment to strengthen our teaching and research in commercial agriculture. A vacancy exists for a Senior Lecturer in the field of Plant Production/Horticulture in the Natural Resource Science and Management cluster of the Science Faculty. The purpose of this academic post is to teach and research at the interface of both agricultural management and plant production sciences, emphasizing the integration of management and science in a sustainable agricultural business context. The post requires a person who has the ability and experience to teach and research across disciplines within the Agricultural Management diploma and degree programs. Within our broad focus theme of regenerative agriculture /conservation agriculture /sustainable intensification, the modules to be taught includes Fruit/vegetable/production, Certification systems, Crop physiology, Crop protection/ IPM, Irrigation Management, Soil Science, Pasture Science, Crop Budgeting, Post-harvest management, Quality management and Product Marketing. The ideal candidate will be required to also engage in systems research that is trans-disciplinary in nature. We strive to remain close to and build strong relationships with agricultural industries through applied research, engagement, support and through our undergraduate work integrated learning program. If you have what it takes to serve the needs of our students, our campus and the Southern African agricultural sector and your credentials meet the requirements of this position, we invite you to join our team at the George Campus (

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Teach and facilitate student learning at undergraduate and post-graduate level in the Agricultural Management program in the fields of commercial Plant Production/Horticulture systems.
• Conduct, supervise and publish research relevant to the broad theme of regenerative agriculture / conservation agriculture/ sustainable intensification.
• Engage and network with stakeholders in the agricultural industry in terms of teaching, research, and work-integrated learning.
• Perform administrative and management functions in the Agricultural Management Programme within the cluster of Natural Resource Science and Management

CORE COMPETENCIES

• An ability to understand agriculture as an integrated system and to work across disciplines within the agricultural business and natural resource management milieu.
• An ability to apply theoretical scientific concepts in commercial agricultural practice.
• An ability to develop course/educational material and be able to conduct teaching and learning in the context of Plant Production/Horticulture.
• The potential to conduct applied and trans-disciplinary research and publish research results within the broad theme of regenerative agriculture/conservation agriculture/ sustainable intensification.
• A proven ability to network with agricultural practitioners and researchers in industry.
• A proven ability to engage with diverse industry stakeholders and work with other people to achieve results beneficial to society.
• A proven ability and aptitude for teamwork and working with groups of diverse people to achieve shared goals.
• A proven ability to be creative and innovative in the workplace.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.

REQUIREMENTS

• A qualification (M degree or PhD) in the field of Plant Production/Horticulture.
• 3-5 years of relevant industry work experience, or with at least two years' experience within the agricultural industry and with additional service in academia to make up the 3-5 years.
• Technical experience in working in the fields of regenerative agriculture/ conservation agriculture/ sustainable intensification systems.
• A proven track record in research and supervision, as well as leadership roles in related fields will be an added advantage.
• A significant record of engagement with academic and/or industry stakeholders.