Agricultural Sustainability Consultant - Climate-Smart Farming

Placements24; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Sustainability Consultant for a prominent advisory firm focused on sustainable agriculture. The role is hybrid, based in Randburg, Gauteng, and involves advising farming businesses on climate-smart practices to reduce environmental impact and improve resilience.

You will work with farmers, cooperatives, and stakeholders to develop strategies, conduct assessments, and deliver reports and training that support long-term farm viability and sustainable

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, or related field.
• 4-6 years of experience in agricultural sustainability or environmental consulting.
• Knowledge of climate change adaptation and environmental management systems.
• Experience with environmental assessments, carbon footprint analyses, or life cycle assessments.
• Familiarity with South Africa's agricultural systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency with data analysis and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Assess current agricultural practices for environmental impact and sustainability performance.
• Develop tailored strategies and action plans focusing on water management, soil health, biodiversity, and carbon footprint reduction.
• Advise on climate-smart agriculture techniques including drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation, and renewable energy for farms.
• Conduct life cycle assessments and environmental impact assessments for products and processes.
• Provide training and workshops to farmers and farm managers on sustainable agriculture.
• Monitor and report on progress and impact of sustainability initiatives.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and policies related to agricultural sustainability and climate change.
• Collaborate with research institutions, NGOs, and government bodies to promote sustainable agricultural development.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and proposals for clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Travel willingness

Education

Master's degree in Environmental Science / Sustainable Agriculture / Agronomy / Agricultural Economics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent advisory firm dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture, is seeking an experienced Agricultural Sustainability Consultant. This hybrid role, based out of our Randburg, Gauteng office, involves advising agricultural businesses on integrating climate-smart practices, enhancing environmental stewardship, and improving overall sustainability. The consultant will work closely with farmers, cooperatives, and industry stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that reduce environmental impact, increase resilience to climate change, and improve long-term farm viability. This is an excellent opportunity to influence agricultural practices towards a more sustainable future in the vital agricultural sector of Gauteng and surrounding regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess current agricultural practices for their environmental impact and sustainability performance.
• Develop tailored strategies and action plans for clients to enhance sustainability, focusing on areas like water management, soil health, biodiversity, and carbon footprint reduction.
• Advise on the adoption of climate-smart agriculture techniques, including drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation, and renewable energy solutions for farms.
• Conduct life cycle assessments and environmental impact assessments for agricultural products and processes.
• Provide training and workshops to farmers and farm managers on sustainable agriculture principles and practices.
• Monitor and report on the progress and impact of implemented sustainability initiatives.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and policies related to agricultural sustainability and climate change.
• Collaborate with research institutions, NGOs, and government bodies to promote sustainable agricultural development.
• Prepare compelling reports, presentations, and proposals for clients and stakeholders.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4-6 years of experience in agricultural sustainability, environmental consulting, or a related role.
• In-depth knowledge of sustainable agriculture principles, climate change adaptation in agriculture, and environmental management systems.
• Experience in conducting environmental assessments, carbon footprint analysis, or life cycle assessments.
• Familiarity with various agricultural systems and practices common in South Africa.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools for data analysis and reporting.
• Willingness to travel within the region and work flexibly between remote and office-based settings in Randburg .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and performance-based incentives.
• Employees benefit from ample opportunities for professional development, including specialized training, conference attendance, and furthering academic qualifications.
• The firm values work-life balance and offers generous paid annual leave.
• This hybrid role provides the flexibility of remote work combined with collaborative office-based activities in Randburg , contributing to impactful projects in sustainable agriculture.