Agricultural Scientist - Soil And Water Management

Placements24; Queenstown; Sur place; NZD 90 000 - 150 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary

Medical and pension benefits

Professional development opportunities

Travel allowance for fieldwork

Résumé du poste

Placements24 invites applications for an Agricultural Scientist specializing in Soil and Water Management for a facility in Queenstown, New Zealand. The role focuses on improving soil health, optimizing irrigation, and promoting sustainable farming practices in the region.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in soil science or related field and has at least five years of agricultural research experience, including field and laboratory work.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Soil Science or related field is required.
• Minimum 5 years of agricultural research experience with soil and water focus.
• Experience designing field and laboratory studies with data interpretation.

Responsabilités

• Conduct field studies on soil properties, fertility, and health.
• Investigate and develop efficient water management strategies and irrigation techniques.
• Design and execute field experiments on soils and crops for quality assessment.
• Perform laboratory analyses of soil, water, and plant samples.
• Develop technical recommendations and training materials for farmers and advisors.
• Monitor environmental impacts of practices on soil and water resources.
• Collaborate with scientists and agencies on resource management projects.
• Analyze data with statistical software and interpret results for practice.
• Prepare research reports, publications, and presentations.
• Stay updated on soil science, hydrology, and sustainable agriculture.

Connaissances

Fieldwork

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Formation

Master's degree in Soil Science or related

PhD in Soil Science or related

Outils

R

SPSS

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research institution dedicated to improving farming practices in the Eastern Cape, is seeking a highly qualified Agricultural Scientist specializing in Soil and Water Management for their facility in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This role is vital for developing and implementing sustainable strategies to enhance soil health, optimize water resource utilization, and improve agricultural productivity in the region. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background in soil science and hydrology, coupled with practical experience in agricultural research and extension. You will conduct field studies, laboratory analyses, and provide expert advice to farmers and stakeholders on best practices for soil conservation, irrigation, and nutrient management. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to vital research that supports regional food security and environmental sustainability. We are looking for a dedicated professional committed to advancing agricultural science and empowering farming communities. The position demands meticulous research skills, a passion for fieldwork, and effective communication abilities. You will be working in a challenging yet rewarding environment, contributing to the development of resilient agricultural systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on soil properties, fertility, and health, investigating the impact of various management practices.
• Investigate and develop efficient water management strategies, including irrigation techniques and water conservation methods.
• Design and execute field experiments to assess the effects of fertilizers, amendments, and cropping systems on soil and water quality.
• Perform laboratory analyses of soil, water, and plant samples.
• Develop and deliver technical recommendations and training materials for farmers and agricultural advisors on soil and water management.
• Monitor environmental impacts of agricultural practices on soil and water resources.
• Collaborate with other scientists, government agencies, and community organizations on integrated resource management projects.
• Analyze research data using statistical software and interpret results for practical application.
• Prepare research reports, scientific publications, and presentations.
• Stay updated on the latest research and technologies in soil science, hydrology, and sustainable agriculture.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering (with a focus on water management), or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural research, with a specific focus on soil and water management.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting field and laboratory research.
• Strong knowledge of soil chemistry, physics, and biology, as well as water resource management principles.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS) and data interpretation.
• Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Experience working within the South African agricultural context is highly desirable.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in rural areas of the Eastern Cape.
• A commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and resource conservation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and pension benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and further research.
• Access to well-equipped laboratory facilities.
• Contribution to impactful research benefiting regional agriculture.
• Travel allowance for fieldwork.
• Supportive research environment.