Agricultural Extension Officer - Sustainable Practices

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel allowance

Per diem for field activities

Basic medical benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Extension Officer to support farming communities around Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will work directly with farmers to disseminate knowledge, promote sustainable practices, and provide on‑farm advisory services.

This role requires a hands-on approach, strong communication, and a passion for rural development. The ideal candidate has a degree in Agriculture or related field and at least 3 years in extension or advisory work, with a track record in IPM,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Rural Development, or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in agricultural extension or community development.
• Strong knowledge of sustainable agriculture, including soil health, water management, and IPM.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to travel in rural areas; driver's license required.
• Proficiency in local Eastern Cape languages is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Provide advisory services to farmers on crop production, soil health, and water conservation.
• Conduct workshops, trainings, and field days for knowledge transfer.
• Demonstrate new technologies on demonstration plots.
• Assess farm needs and tailor recommendations.
• Facilitate farmer group discussions and knowledge sharing.
• Monitor adoption and collect impact data.
• Liaise with government agencies, research institutions, and stakeholders.
• Promote IPM and organic farming methods.
• Prepare reports on activities and outcomes in the Queenstown area.

Skills

Communication skills

Facilitation

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture, is seeking a motivated Agricultural Extension Officer to serve the farming communities around Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This vital role involves working directly with farmers to disseminate knowledge and provide practical support on adopting environmentally sound and economically viable farming techniques. The Extension Officer will be responsible for conducting training sessions, demonstrating best practices, and offering on-farm advisory services. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in agronomy and a passion for community development, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will play a key role in empowering farmers to improve their livelihoods while protecting the natural resources of the Eastern Cape. This position requires a deep commitment to rural development and a hands‑on approach to fostering agricultural resilience and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and advisory services to farmers on best practices in crop production, soil management, and water conservation.
• Conduct workshops, training sessions, and field days to educate farmers on sustainable agricultural techniques.
• Demonstrate the application of new technologies and methods on demonstration plots.
• Assess the specific needs and challenges of individual farms and provide tailored recommendations.
• Facilitate farmer group discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Monitor the adoption and impact of recommended practices, collecting data for impact assessment.
• Liaise with relevant government agencies, research institutions, and other stakeholders to support farmers.
• Promote integrated pest management (IPM) and organic farming methods.
• Prepare reports on activities, outcomes, and challenges faced by the farming community in the Queenstown area.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Rural Development, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural extension services, community development, or farm advisory roles.
• Solid understanding of sustainable agriculture principles, including soil health, water management, and IPM.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse farming communities.
• Proficiency in local languages spoken in the Eastern Cape is a strong advantage.
• Ability to work independently, plan and manage field activities effectively.
• Strong report‑writing skills.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and own reliable transportation for extensive travel within rural areas around Queenstown.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, along with a travel allowance and per diem for field activities. Employees receive basic medical benefits and opportunities for professional development through specialized training in sustainable agriculture. This role provides a deeply rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of farmers and contribute to the environmental health of the Eastern Cape region, working directly within the communities near Queenstown.