Senior Agronomy Specialist

Placements24; Hurlingham; Hybrid; ARS 109,991,000 - 183,318,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Executive-level compensation

Health, retirement, and wellness

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Agronomy Specialist to provide expert leadership across diverse agricultural operations. You will drive research initiatives, develop advanced cultivation strategies, and mentor staff, translating science into practical farm improvements.

The role blends on-site farm assessments with remote analysis in a hybrid setup, requiring a Ph.D./Master in a related field, 10+ years of experience, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, or related field.
• 10+ years in agronomy research or senior roles.
• Strong data analysis and statistical modeling skills.
• Proven leadership and ability to mentor staff.
• Translate science into practical farm guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects to improve yields and resource efficiency.
• Develop crop management plans including nutrients, soil health, and IPM.
• Analyze soil and environmental data to guide growing conditions.
• Evaluate new agricultural technologies and inputs for adoption.
• Support farm managers across locations with expert guidance.
• Mentor agronomy team to foster expertise and innovation.

Skills

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Agronomy

Master's in related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Agronomy Specialist to provide expert technical leadership and guidance for their diverse agricultural operations in Sandton , Gauteng . This role demands a deep understanding of agronomic principles, cutting-edge research, and practical farm application to drive superior crop performance and sustainability. You will lead research initiatives, develop advanced cultivation strategies, and mentor junior agronomy staff. The ideal candidate is a thought leader in the field, capable of translating complex scientific data into actionable strategies that enhance yield, quality, and environmental stewardship. This position involves a hybrid work model, balancing strategic input and remote analysis with essential on-site farm assessments and collaborations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects focused on improving crop yields, quality, and resource efficiency through advanced agronomic practices.
• Develop and implement comprehensive crop management plans, including nutrient management, soil health programs, and integrated pest and disease management strategies.
• Analyze soil, plant tissue, and environmental data to provide high-level recommendations for optimizing growing conditions.
• Evaluate and pilot new agricultural technologies, seed varieties, and farming inputs for potential adoption.
• Provide expert consultation and technical support to farm managers and agronomists across various farm locations.
• Mentor and develop a team of agronomy professionals, fostering expertise and innovation within the department.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
• Extensive experience (e.g., 10+ years) as an Agronomist or in a senior agronomy research and development role.
• In-depth knowledge of advanced crop physiology, soil science, plant pathology, and entomology.
• Demonstrated success in designing and managing agricultural research trials and implementing findings at scale.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and interpretation of complex scientific data.
• Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including significant bonuses and stock options.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and wellness benefits.
• Funding for professional development, conference attendance, and research support.
• Opportunity to lead significant advancements in agricultural science and practice.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.
• A strategic leadership role with a direct impact on the company's agricultural success and sustainability.