We’re on the lookout for a Research Officer - Pests and Diseases to 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.