Senior Extension Officer

SUMMARY:
Helping growers implement best agricultural practices (BMPs), enhancing cane production and trainin

POSITION INFO:
Job Title: Senior extension Officer Grade: C5 Reports To : Land Reform Restitution and Community Dynamics Manager Department \/ Centre : Land Reform South- Agricultural Operations Main Purpose of the job: The primary role of the Senior Extension Officer for Land Reform is to take complete responsibility for delivering extension services to land reform and restitution growers across various mill catchments. This involves helping growers implement best agricultural practices (BMPs), enhancing cane production, and training them on cane quality to ensure the sustainability of their operations. Additionally, the officer will foster strong relationships with key stakeholders in the sugarcane supply chain, including growers, contractors, and industry organizations such as SASRI, SAFDA, and Cane Growers, by adhering to appropriate agronomic standards. These land reform growers operate on freehold land, either as families, trusts, or Communal Property Associations (CPAs). Roles,Responsibilities and Relationships ➢Responsible for training growers in all aspects of sugarcane farming, with a focus on the Darnall and Maidstone restitution projects. ➢ Oversee all other land reform and restitution growers delivering to Amatikulu and Maidstone Mills. ➢ Provide support to the Land Reform, Restitution, and Community Dynamics Manager. ➢ Supervise the Extension Officer servicing the land reform and restitution growers for Darnall and Maidstone. ➢ Offer agronomic advice to ensure best practices in cane growing among land reform and restitution growers. ➢ Encourage growers to use the Umthombo Retention Scheme to secure funds for timely application of ratoon management inputs. ➢ Facilitate the introduction of new and suitable cane varieties in collaboration with SASRI and the local P&D team to promote new seed bed areas. ➢ Promote the replanting of farm areas with low yield per hectare. ➢ Lead the back-to-basics approach in agronomy, including soil sampling for nutrient requirements, proper land preparation before planting, and weed control to enhance vertical growth. ➢ Encourage the implementation of ripening programs to improve RV. ➢ Assist growers in providing accurate cane estimates and ensure monthly cane adjustments are submitted to the Mill Group Board promptly.\\ ➢ Oversee weekly cane deliveries to maintain performance levels above mill expectations. ➢ Promote Financial Prudence Among Growers. Advocate for growers to participate in the Umthombo ratoon retention scheme. This will help them set aside sufficient funds to purchase and apply necessary inputs timely, thereby maintaining their crop's health and productivity. ➢ Understanding the role played by the existing Grower Leadership Structures is crucial for strategic planning and decision-making. Qualifications & Experience: ➢ A minimum of 3 years Agriculture related Tertiary qualification ➢ Senior Certificate in Sugarcane from SASRI ➢ Training on Management courses ➢ SHE Training ➢ More than 3 years of work experience in Sugar Industry, of which two years must have been spent in sugarcane agriculture ➢ Must be able to communicate in English and isiZulu ➢ Be a very good Team member ➢ A valid driver's Licence with diving experience ➢ Be computer Literate Required Competencies ➢ Operational excellence in Cane Growing ➢ Budget & Cost Control ➢ PLOC ➢ People Management ➢ Team Leadership Organisational & Environmental awareness Closing Date: 19.08.2026