If you are pondering a career in agriculture, you can consider a wide range of jobs in a variety of fields. Whether you work in logistics, IT, administration, marketing, HR management or manual labour, you can specialise in agriculture.
In this article, we introduce common types of agriculture jobs as often offered via GWK vacancies. Keep reading to find out more about the skills and qualifications you need to qualify for those jobs.
Photo: @randyfath on unsplash.com
About GWK
GWK is a company engaged in the agricultural industry with its head office in the Northern Cape, South Africa. The company branded itself as “South African farmers’ best friend”, whose business provides touch on various aspects of the big umbrella of agriculture, from mechanisation to marketing.
In addition, GWK also operates in the trading and financial sectors. Wine, potatoes and cotton are some examples of commodities that GWK sells in its trading division. Meanwhile, GWK’s financial services are promoted under the name “AGRIQUA”. GWK is a reflection of a company that breaks through boundaries and becomes an expert of all trades.
GWK Products
As a business entity, GWK provides a wide range of products and services that are not limited to the agricultural sector. In fact, GWK is also engaged in commodity trading. The company also facilitates financial services for all of its clients under AGRIQUA.
Meanwhile, there are nine divisions under GWK Agri, including:
- GWK Agricultural Services
- GWK Mechanisation
- GWK Irrigation
- GWK Agri Marketing
- GWK Insurance
- GWK Retail
- GWK Fuel Stations
- GWK Agri Financing
- GWK Tyres
On the other hand, GWK Farm Foods’ businesses are spread across the following sectors:
- GWK Farm Foods Grain
- GWK Pecans
- GWK Fresh
- GWK Auctions
- GWK Properties
- GWK Farm Foods Financing
Reasons to Work for GWK
Of the many cool perks that GWK can offer to its employees, here are some that might attract you:
- Bonuses and incentives
- Community support
- Decent salary
- Fascinating career options
- Lots of learning material for advancement
- Job security
Job Opportunities Available in GWK Vacancies
You can expect to find the following roles advertised in most GWK vacancies. However, please note that the information we provide is of a general nature in that we may miss some details, such as specific requirements and closing dates. To find out more, please visit GWK’s official website at www.gwk.co.za.
1. Technician
Most technicians at GWK independently perform basic or complex diagnostics, service repairs and maintenance work on the customer- and/or dealer-owned agricultural equipment. In addition, they are required to carry out several other key tasks.
Those duties include participating in all job-related training development, preparing all reports and forms required in conjunction with work assignments, and maintaining the condition of vehicles, inventory, tools, and equipment.
Basically, GWK’s ideal candidate will be a jack-of-all-trades with sound knowledge of mechanisation procedures and basic tools and appliances. To excel in this position, you must be an outstanding problem-solver with strong communication and organisational skills.
Requirements:
- Grade 12;
- Eight years of relevant working experience in agricultural equipment;
- Qualification as a diesel or tractor technician;
- Excellent skills in operating vehicles and equipment used for diagnostic purposes; and
- Proven knowledge of methods, materials, tools and techniques used in the repair of outdoor power equipment or agricultural equipment.
2. Grain Silo Coordinator
A grain silo coordinator at GWK usually assists with the efficient management of the silo facility through the management of harvest intake, safe storage of grain and coordinate shipping of grain, whilst continuously managing customer service and relationships.
Additionally, a grain silo coordinator must ensure good service delivery that meets customer requirements, ensure the quality of products and services, and ensure that scales are calibrated, and equipment is in working condition and complies with safety legislation.
Also, a grain silo coordinator at GWK usually performs training of staff at the side.
Requirements:
- Grade 12;
- Grain Grading courses;
- Certification with OHSA;
- Pest Control Operator Certificate;
- One to three years of relevant working experience; and
- A valid Code 8 driver’s licence.
3. Sales Representative
GWK sales representatives are responsible for promoting the customer base of the GWK Farm Foods brand and generating internal and external sales to support the business strategy. They are also tasked with building and maintaining market share in the area of sales and executing sales targets against customer-specific requirements and derived sales delivery plans.
Their daily routine usually includes executing day-to-day client sales services and building and retaining customer trade relationships at the store or customer level.
To be successful in this role, you will need to have a deep understanding of the sales process and dynamics, as well as superb interpersonal skills. If these sound like your alleys, then you shouldn’t miss the chance to apply to these GWK vacancies.
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree or National Diploma in sales and marketing related fields;
- Excellent communication and marketing skills;
- Ability to establish customer relationships; and
- Five years of previous experience in a sales role.
4. Copy Editor
Copy editors are people who effectively develop, execute and manage content for various communication platforms. They also need to ensure external media management and reputation management for clients in the EC&E business.
Basically, the key tasks of a copy editor include advising on, writing, and overseeing and approving all creative copy development, providing information to the media proactively and developing and implementing content strategies tailor-made for each client to reach business goals.
To excel in this role, you’re required to have experience in developing and editing content, as well as excellent communication and organisational skills.
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree or National Diploma in Marketing and Communication or Corporate Communication or Journalism; and
- Four to six years of experience in a similar role.
5. Livestock Marketer
As a livestock marketer, you will be required to manage the marketing and sales of GWK Livestock products and services. Also, you’ll be tasked with managing auctions according to best practices and visiting clients before the auction to ensure the quality of animals.
Occasionally, you will promote GWK products and services as an ambassador to increase people’s brand awareness and ultimately increase sales.
Requirements:
- Grade 12;
- Two to four years of experience in a similar role in the agricultural industry;
- A valid driver’s licence; and
- Willing to work on commission.
6. Marketing Lead
A GWK marketing lead is responsible for developing, managing and leading marketing to provide strategic support to EC&C clients. As a marketing lead, basically, you’ll be required to set strategic goals and objectives in alignment with the client’s strategy. It is also part of your key duties to ensure that effective business processes are set up and maintained.
In addition, you will be responsible for planning and implementing effective marketing events within budget, facilitating the execution of marketing plans and handling problems, enquiries and needs as soon as possible.
In this job, you’re required to be quick on your feet and creative.
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree or National Diploma in Marketing or relevant qualification;
- Four years of experience in a similar role; and
- A valid Code B driver’s licence.
7. Store Coordinator
Store coordinators at GWK are responsible for ensuring effective management of the store department. This may be the ideal position for you if you are looking for high-paying retail jobs in the agricultural setting.
Your key duties as a store coordinator will include managing the store and personnel in the department, managing relationships with customers and managing inventory of the store.
Requirements:
- Grade 12; and
- Three years of relevant experience.
8. Artisan Assistant
If you have the right qualification to provide maintenance support service at the wine cellar, then these GWK vacancies are for you. Basically, artisan assistants at GWK inspect and repair equipment and machinery. They also assist with all the harvest activities, especially the preparation and pressing of red wines.
It is an interesting job, and if these resonate with you, then you may be the right candidate GWK is looking for.
Requirements:
- Grade 12;
- Relevant technical experience;
- A valid driver’s licence;
- Sound knowledge of bottling;
- Ability to work long hours during weekends; and
- At least a year of working experience in a similar role.
How to Apply to GWK Vacancies
Applications for GWK vacancies can be made online. Visit the Careers web page of GWK by clicking here. There, you can check the latest job openings from various GWK sub-businesses like GWK Agri, GWK Farm Foods and GWK Trading.
Read carefully the available job descriptions. Once you have chosen a position, please send your latest CV to GWK Talent Management by fax at 086 501 2935 or email at werwing@gwk.co.za or indiensneming@gwk.co.za.
Contact Details
Have any questions regarding the latest GWK vacancies, certain requirements or the recruitment process? Call GWK on +27 (53) 298 8200 business days for answers to your inquiries.
Final Note
Now, over to you. Of all the jobs listed in our list of GWK vacancies that we have shared previously, which one will you choose for your next career? Are you going to apply as an artisan assistant? Or, do you have what it takes to be the company’s top sales representative?
Either way, if you are looking for other references regarding vacancies for companies or entities engaged in the environmental sector, then you can take advantage by checking this list of environmentalist jobs in South Africa. All in all, we wish you the very best in your job hunt.