Sustainable Agriculture Advisor

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Hybrid work flexibility

Professional development opportunities

Health insurance and retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading non-profit in Upington, Northern Cape, to recruit a Sustainable Agriculture Advisor. The role focuses on guiding local farmers and communities in sustainable farming, water management, and conservation agriculture to improve yields and environmental stewardship.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in agronomy or related fields and excellent communication/training skills, with willingness to travel in Upington and surrounding areas.

Qualifications

• Degree in agronomy or related field (Bachelor's or Master's).
• 5+ years in agricultural extension, sustainable farming, or agronomy consulting.
• Strong expertise in sustainable agriculture, water management, and soil conservation.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice and training on sustainable practices (crop rotation, soil health, IPM).
• Advise on efficient water use and conservation for arid environments.
• Promote climate-smart and conservation agriculture principles.
• Help develop farm management plans with sustainability goals.
• Conduct field assessments and diagnostic services.
• Organize workshops, field days, and farmer learning sessions.
• Collect/analyze data on practices, yields, and environment.
• Collaborate with research institutions and government agencies.
• Create educational materials for farmers.
• Contribute to projects on sustainability and food security.

Skills

Sustainable agriculture

Water management

Soil conservation

Data analysis

Communication skills

Trainer/extension

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Agronomy/Agricultural Science/Environmental Science

Tools

Data collection tools

MS Excel/Analytics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and food security, is seeking an experienced Sustainable Agriculture Advisor to join their team in Upington, Northern Cape. This critical role will involve providing technical expertise and guidance to local farmers and agricultural communities on best practices in sustainable farming, water management, and conservation agriculture. You will play a key part in improving crop yields, enhancing environmental stewardship, and building resilient agricultural systems in this arid region. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in agronomy or a related field, practical experience in sustainable farming techniques, and excellent communication and training skills. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the economic and environmental well-being of the agricultural sector in Upington and the wider Northern Cape. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about empowering farmers, promoting ecological balance, and driving positive change in the agricultural landscape. Your guidance will be essential in fostering a more sustainable and productive future for farming in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice and training to farmers on sustainable agricultural practices, including crop rotation, soil health management, and integrated pest management.
• Advise on efficient water usage and conservation techniques relevant to arid and semi-arid environments.
• Promote the adoption of climate-smart agriculture and conservation agriculture principles.
• Assist farmers in developing farm management plans that incorporate sustainability goals.
• Conduct field assessments and diagnostic services for farms.
• Organize and facilitate workshops, field days, and farmer-to-farmer learning sessions.
• Collect and analyze data on agricultural practices and their impact on yields and the environment.
• Liaise with agricultural research institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Develop educational materials and resources for farmers.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of projects focused on agricultural sustainability and food security.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural extension, sustainable farming practices, or agronomy consulting.
• Proven expertise in sustainable agriculture, water management, and soil conservation techniques.
• Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector, particularly in arid regions.
• Excellent communication, training, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with farmers and agricultural communities.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis tools.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within Upington, Northern Cape, and surrounding farming areas.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a Hybrid work setting.
• A passion for sustainable development and empowering agricultural livelihoods.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to make a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture and food security.
• Work within a supportive team dedicated to environmental and community well-being.
• Professional development opportunities in agricultural sciences and extension methods.
• Hybrid work flexibility, allowing for both field visits and remote planning.
• Be part of an organization making a tangible difference in the Northern Cape.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off.
• Exposure to diverse farming practices and innovations in a unique regional context.
• A key role in fostering resilient and productive agricultural systems in Upington.