• Job Description

  Req#: 51787

  We’re on the lookout for a Research Officer - Pests and Diseases t o assist with activities that enhance Sappi’s

  Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, including research, monitoring and surveillance, technology transfer, pest and disease management, with a focus on Nursery pests and Diseases

  As an Research Officer - Pests and Diseases, you will be responsible for:

  Research and Experimentation

  • Identify, design, and implement experiments to optimize and implement nursery IPM.
  • Allocate resources and produce materials for experiments.
  • Implement, monitor, and manage experiments by maintaining up-to-date trial files and accurate records through data collection and error checking.
  • Oversee trial planting and ensure trials are maintained (e.g., blanking, weeding) per standard operating procedures.
  • Assist external research partners (e.g., FABI) with research activities and monitoring as needed.
  • Stay abreast of current research methodology to ensure best practices in specialist fields.

  Monitoring

  • Conduct pest and disease surveys and monitoring in nurseries to identify new problems and obtain information regarding factors leading to pest/disease outbreaks.
  • Monitor nursery climatic conditions and correlate to pest and disease outbreaks
  • Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of nursery IPM practices
  • Conduct regular pest and disease evaluations of research trials to inform RPN programs and IPM.

  Data Collection and Analysis

  • Capture pest and disease survey data and perform analyses to monitor trends and inform IPM practices.
  • Input data into databases (e.g., Tree Plasm).
  • Extract, analyze, and interpret data to document and report results, ensuring a record of progress.
  • Analyze experimental data to optimize and implement IPM.

  Diagnostics and Laboratory Work

  • Conduct pest and disease diagnostics to identify causes of tree health issues and detect novel pests/pathogens.
  • Assist with laboratory maintenance and management (including SHEQ) by monitoring chemical stocks and equipment.
  • Ensure the laboratory remains neat and tidy at all times.
  • Plan, implement, and oversee lab training on chemical use, equipment operation, contamination management, and best practices.

  Pest and Disease Control Programs

  • Plan, manage, supervise and conduct quality control evaluations of nursery IPM activities
  • Assist with other programme pest and disease monitoring/control activities where required
  • Manage pest and disease contractors and service providers, ensuring annual SHEQ training and evaluating work quality via planned job observations (PJOs).

  Staff Management and Training

  • Train nursery staff in pest and disease recognition.
  • Train and manage new interns/staff as needed.
  • Ensure staff comply with legislative, safety, and company policies and procedures.
  • Represent the program in SHEQ meetings and communicate issues to management and the team.

  Resource and Safety Management

  • Effectively manage time and resources to ensure efficient work completion.
  • Ensure resources are managed within budget constraints.
  • Responsible for the safety of staff and other stakeholders.

  Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting

  • Participate in field days, research reviews, and related forums through verbal presentations.
  • Present and provide regular feedback to internal and external stakeholders.

  What are we looking for?

  • BSc (3 yrs) plus honours or BSc (4yrs) or BTech Degree in a relevant science (Entomology, Plant Pathology, Forestry, Horticulture)
  • Up to 2 years’ relevant experience or MSc degree would be advantageous
  • Experience in plant/forestry nurseries would be advantageous
  • Valid driver’s licence
  • Experience in statistical analyses
  • Fieldwork experience

  What’s in it for you?

  • Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
  • Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
  • Opportunities to travel (dependent on upon the role).
  • Market leading leave benefits.
  • Employee well-being benefits.

• About the company

  Sappi Limited, originally incorporated as South African Pulp and Paper Industries Limited in 1936, is a South African pulp and paper company with global operations.

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