Potato Laboratory Technician - GWK Potatoes, Douglas

Introduction to the VKB Group The VKB Group is an agricultural company, providing support to farmers and producing straight-from-the farm-foods for consumers. Apart from the various consumer brands, the VKB Group is also represented by its regional brands: VKB, GWK and NTK. Our roots are firmly planted in agriculture with farming at our core, continuously growing and evolving throughout the years. Starting with providing everything needed on the farm to produce food, we now also operate in all areas of the food supply chain: processing, logistics, and national and global market channels. This house of brands weve established with the support of our farmer shareholders is the foundation for building the agribusiness of the future. Job Description Checking the quality of potatoes destined for seed producing. To ensure that our growers produce the best quality product of our cultivars. Requirements The ideal candidate should have the following: Grade 12 certificate Preference will be given to candidates with -BSc degree or National diploma with Microbiology/Plant Pathology/Botany/Genetics or similar applicable courses as main subjects or Minimum of two years practical experience in the use of ELISA, with Plant Pathology/Microbiology/Botany/Genetics or similar relevant qualifications/backgrounds Computer Literate and proficient in excel Willing to attend Training Experience in the laboratory or any science field will serve as an advantage. Must be an honest, loyal, hardworking individual with good communication skills. Computer Literate Willing to work long hours Clear Criminal Record Good administration skills Duties and Responsibilities Prepare test samples of materials used in production, in components, etc. and conducts routine physical and chemical tests to ensure conformity to established specifications Mnalyse qualitative and quantitative tests by recording and computing pertinent data. Responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment and ordering replacement parts when necessary. Conduct official and unofficial virus and bacterial testing on seed potatoes; Laboratory work e.g. preparation of buffers and execution of tests whereby results are processed and published; Work closely with the Technologist on site All samples must be handled with confidentiality, maintaining integrity and keeping the test results secure. Daily, Weekly and Monthly reporting as necessary; Provide administrative support; Deliver service to internal clients and ensuring excellent work quality Skills Required Good administration skills Good Communication Skills (English and Afrikaans) Planning Communication Organisational skills Good administration skills Maintaining Long term relationships Other Information The company can expire jobs at any time at their own discretion. VKB Group and/or its subsidiary companies will use any personal data collected through the job opportunities section of this website for recruitment purposes only and, should your application be successful, for purposes connected with your employment. VKB Group is an equal opportunity employer. VKB Groups approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to VKB Groups Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. VKB Group actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities Things to take note of when applying through our Career Portal. Use Google Chrome when accessing the portal Clear copy of your CV in either PDF or Word The CV should not have handwriting on the document NB! Only Submit your CV on the Upload CV section of the application form and not a PDF that includes other documents such as ID, Drivers License and other documents. The application form will make provision for the candidate to upload supporting documents. When uploading profile picture , make sure the minimum size uploaded is 300 x 300px