Company: Agricultural Research Council – Animal Production (ARC-AP)
Industry: Agricultural Research and Livestock Development
Job Category: Internships / Animal Science / Fieldwork
Location: Irene, Pretoria, with placements across provinces in South Africa
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Internship
Remuneration: Market-Related
EE Position: Yes – Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates
Closing Date: 24 July 2025
Introduction
The Agricultural Research Council – Animal Production (ARC-AP) is inviting applications from unemployed South African graduates to join its 2025 internship intake. This internship offers hands-on experience in livestock development and improvement under the renowned Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo Beef Recording and Improvement Scheme. Based at the Irene campus in Pretoria, successful candidates will be deployed across South Africa to work directly with smallholder farmers, gathering data, training participants, and helping improve cattle productivity.
This opportunity is ideal for passionate young professionals with a qualification in Animal Production, looking to launch a meaningful career in livestock management, community engagement, and agricultural development.
Job Description
The ARC-AP Internship Programme is designed to support national efforts in transforming and strengthening South Africa’s rural beef farming systems. Interns will contribute to the delivery of structured animal recording and improvement services, engage with community-based livestock farmers, and promote performance measurement practices to boost productivity and food security.
Key duties include:
- Providing animal recording and advisory services to emerging and smallholder beef farmers
- Supporting the implementation of the Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) Beef Improvement Scheme
- Conducting regular on-site visits to farms to gather livestock performance data
- Assisting in recruiting and training farmers on livestock record-keeping and improvement practices
- Leading training sessions for farmers and local agricultural teams
- Contributing to provincial support initiatives in livestock development
- Compiling monthly performance and fieldwork reports
- Engaging in stakeholder sessions, workshops, and scheme evaluations
Ideal Candidate
This internship is targeted at enthusiastic, community-oriented graduates eager to contribute to sustainable agriculture in South Africa. It is especially suited for those who enjoy working in rural environments, have a strong grasp of livestock management, and are driven by service and development goals.
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- South African citizenship (or valid work permit for non-citizens)
- A National Diploma in Animal Production or an equivalent NQF Level 6 qualification
- Aged between 18 and 35 years
- Unemployed at the time of application
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly to rural and remote farming communities
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills in both English and local languages
- Familiarity with livestock data systems or agricultural extension work is advantageous
- Preference will be given to candidates from designated Employment Equity groups
Role Responsibility
Interns will play a key role in enhancing productivity in South Africa’s beef value chain by:
- Supporting data-driven decision-making at the farm level
- Encouraging farmer participation in the KyD Scheme
- Helping farmers adopt best practices in herd management
- Building trust-based relationships with rural communities
- Promoting the importance of animal performance monitoring
- Acting as a liaison between ARC-AP, provincial departments, and farmers
Skills and Attributes
To thrive in this position, candidates should demonstrate the following:
- Strong passion for agriculture and rural development
- Good physical stamina and mental resilience to conduct fieldwork in varied conditions
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Basic knowledge of livestock recording systems and genetic improvement
- Organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Report writing and administrative skills
- Sensitivity to cultural dynamics and rural livelihoods
- Strong work ethic and a learning attitude
SEE ALSO: Tshwane University of Technology Graduate Internships (x8 Opportunities)
Position Summary
The ARC-AP Internship Programme 2025 is a structured, field-based opportunity for Animal Production graduates to build industry-ready skills in a real-world context. With 38 internship placements available nationwide, interns will be assigned to specific provinces to work closely with smallholder farmers, collect livestock data, and deliver advisory services that promote sustainable cattle farming.
This programme forms part of ARC’s strategic vision to professionalize the livestock improvement sector and support historically disadvantaged farmers in accessing reliable animal performance services. Interns will benefit from mentorship, exposure to national-level agricultural initiatives, and potential opportunities for long-term employment within the agricultural sector.
Successful applicants will receive market-related stipends and support throughout the internship duration. Interns will gain access to training materials, technical resources, and reporting frameworks that align with national livestock development goals.
Applications are especially encouraged from young, unemployed graduates who are passionate about contributing to food security, rural upliftment, and agricultural innovation in South Africa. This opportunity is more than just work experience – it’s a step toward building a purposeful career in animal science and sustainable farming systems.
How to Apply
Applications must include the following documents:
- A comprehensive and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A signed cover letter clearly indicating your preferred province
- Certified copies of your South African ID or valid work permit
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and transcripts
- A SAQA evaluation report for foreign qualifications
- Names and contact details of three (3) traceable referees
Please note:
- Applicants must choose only one province for placement consideration
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Appointments are subject to a positive security clearance and six-month probation period
- ARC reserves the right not to appoint
Submission Contact
Enquiries can be directed to:
Dr. DM Motiang
Tel: (012) 672 9147
Applications must be submitted before 24 July 2025