Entomologist - Agricultural Pest Management Strategist

Placements24; Myrtle Beach (SC); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Conference attendance

Laboratories access

Field facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape, seeks an Entomologist to develop sustainable pest management strategies and lead IPM initiatives for major crops. You will conduct research, perform field trials, and analyze data to guide growers and stakeholders in environmentally sound farming practices.

The role emphasizes collaboration with researchers and agencies, strong communication of findings, and the ability to travel to field sites as required.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master in Entomology, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural entomology or pest management research.
• Strong knowledge of insect ecology, pest identification, and IPM principles.
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials and statistical analysis of data.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on insect biology, behavior, and population dynamics in agricultural settings.
• Develop and refine integrated pest management (IPM) programs for major crops.
• Design and execute field experiments to assess the efficacy of various pest control methods (biological, chemical, cultural).
• Monitor pest populations and crop damage in commercial fields.
• Identify new and emerging pest threats and recommend proactive management strategies.
• Analyze entomological data and prepare comprehensive reports and scientific publications.
• Provide technical guidance and training to farmers, agronomists, and extension agents.
• Collaborate with researchers, government agencies, and industry partners on pest management initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations regarding pesticide use and environmental protection in East London.

Skills

Insect ecology

IPM principles

Field trials

Data analysis

Communication

Travel

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Entomology

Master's in related field

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research and development firm, is seeking a highly motivated Entomologist to join their team in East London, Eastern Cape. This role is focused on developing and implementing innovative pest management strategies for various agricultural crops, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. You will conduct research, field trials, and data analysis to understand pest dynamics, evaluate control methods, and provide expert recommendations to growers and agricultural stakeholders. This is a critical role in protecting crop yields and promoting environmentally sound farming practices in the Eastern Cape region. The ideal candidate will have a passion for scientific inquiry and a practical understanding of agricultural systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on insect biology, behavior, and population dynamics in agricultural settings.
• Develop and refine integrated pest management (IPM) programs for major crops.
• Design and execute field experiments to assess the efficacy of various pest control methods (biological, chemical, cultural).
• Monitor pest populations and crop damage in commercial fields.
• Identify new and emerging pest threats and recommend proactive management strategies.
• Analyze entomological data and prepare comprehensive reports and scientific publications.
• Provide technical guidance and training to farmers, agronomists, and extension agents.
• Collaborate with researchers, government agencies, and industry partners on pest management initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations regarding pesticide use and environmental protection in East London.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Entomology, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural entomology, pest management research, or a related area.
• Strong knowledge of insect ecology, pest identification, and IPM principles.
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials and statistical analysis of data.
• Familiarity with pest issues common to crops grown in the Eastern Cape.
• Proficiency in relevant software for data analysis and scientific writing.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Willingness to travel to field sites as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including opportunities for professional development and conference attendance.
• Access to well-equipped laboratories and field research facilities.
• Collaborative research environment with leading experts.
• The opportunity to make a significant impact on sustainable agriculture in the Eastern Cape.

This role offers a blend of research and practical application, based in the vibrant coastal city of East London.