Crop Protection Scientist - Integrated Pest Management

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 74,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Support for conferences and workshops

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Crop Protection Scientist with a specialization in IPM to join a leading agricultural research organization in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on developing and implementing sustainable pest, disease, and weed management strategies across diverse crops.

You will conduct research, run field trials, and provide expert guidance to farmers and extension officers, aiming to reduce chemical inputs and promote environmentally sound practices.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy or related field with crop protection focus.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in crop protection research or practical IPM application.
• Experience identifying pests/diseases in agricultural systems and field trial design.
• Ability to analyze data, publish findings, and communicate with farmers.

Responsibilities

• Develop IPM strategies for key crops and implement them in trials.
• Conduct pest biology research, field trials, and evaluate control methods.
• Monitor pest incidence and provide timely recommendations to farmers.
• Analyze trial data and prepare comprehensive scientific reports.
• Offer technical support and train extension officers on IPM practices.

Skills

IPM knowledge

Field trials

Data analysis

Scientific publishing

Technical communication

Software proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Entomology/Plant Pathology/Agronomy (crop protection focus)

Tools

R

Excel

SAS / other stats

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research and development organization, is seeking a dedicated Crop Protection Scientist with a specialization in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to join their team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This role is central to developing and implementing sustainable strategies for managing pests, diseases, and weeds across various agricultural systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, practical experience in IPM principles, and a passion for innovative crop protection solutions. You will conduct research, field trials, and provide expert advice to farmers and agricultural stakeholders, aiming to reduce reliance on chemical inputs and promote environmentally sound practices. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture in the Eastern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for key crops.
• Conducting research on pest biology, behavior, and population dynamics.
• Designing and executing field trials to evaluate the efficacy of different pest control methods (biological, cultural, chemical).
• Monitoring pest and disease incidence in commercial crops and providing timely recommendations.
• Assessing the impact of IPM strategies on crop yield, quality, and environmental outcomes.
• Providing technical support and training to farmers and extension officers on IPM practices.
• Staying abreast of the latest scientific advancements and regulatory changes in crop protection.
• Collaborating with researchers, industry partners, and government agencies on crop protection initiatives.
• Analyzing data from trials and field observations, preparing comprehensive scientific reports.
• Promoting best practices for pesticide use and resistance management.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or a related field with a focus on crop protection.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in crop protection research or practical application, with significant experience in IPM.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pest and disease identification and management in South African agricultural systems.
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Understanding of biological control agents, cultural practices, and judicious use of chemical pesticides.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to publish research findings.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in relevant scientific software and data analysis tools.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Eastern Cape region.
• Commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a retirement fund, and opportunities for professional growth and development. You will be part of a reputable organization dedicated to agricultural innovation and sustainability. Support for attending scientific conferences and workshops is provided. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on agricultural practices in the Queenstown area and contribute to the resilience of farming in the Eastern Cape. Join a collaborative team focused on advancing crop protection science.