Agricultural Crop Protection Specialist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking an Agricultural Crop Protection Specialist to advise farmers on IPM, pest, disease, and weed management, and to recommend crop protection products. The role requires a Bachelor in Agriculture or related field, 4+ years' field experience, strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to travel with a valid driver's license.

You will work directly in the fields, assess crop health, diagnose issues, and provide sustainable protection measures while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Protection, Entomology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in crop protection, pest management, or agricultural advisory services.
• Strong knowledge of crop physiology, common pests, diseases, and weeds affecting agricultural crops.
• Familiarity with IPM principles and the application of various crop protection products.
• Excellent diagnostic skills and ability to identify plant problems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advise and train farmers effectively.
• Understanding of South African agricultural landscape and crop protection regulations.
• Ability to work independently and manage field activities, including travel to farms.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated pest management (IPM) programs for various crops.
• Identify and diagnose plant diseases, insect pests, and weed problems in field crops.
• Recommend appropriate crop protection products, including pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides, adhering to safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Advise farmers on best practices for application, timing, and dosage of crop protection agents.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate the efficacy of new crop protection products and strategies.
• Educate farmers on the safe handling and storage of agricultural chemicals.
• Monitor pest and disease outbreaks and provide timely alerts and management recommendations.
• Stay current with advances in crop protection technology, sustainable farming practices, and regulatory changes.
• Collaborate with sales and technical teams to support farmers and clients.
• Maintain detailed records of farm visits, diagnoses, recommendations, and trial results.

Skills

Diagnostic skills

Crop protection knowledge

IPM principles

Communication skills

Independence / field work

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Protection, Entomology, or a related field

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading agricultural input provider, is seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated Agricultural Crop Protection Specialist to join their team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA . This role focuses on providing expert advice and solutions to farmers to effectively manage pests, diseases, and weeds, thereby optimizing crop health and yield. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of crop science, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, and the application of crop protection products. You will work closely with farmers in the field, conducting assessments, diagnosing issues, and recommending appropriate and sustainable protection measures. This position is critical for ensuring the health and productivity of crops in one of South Africa's key agricultural regions. You will be a vital resource for farmers seeking to protect their investments and harvests.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated pest management (IPM) programs for various crops.
• Identify and diagnose plant diseases, insect pests, and weed problems in field crops.
• Recommend appropriate crop protection products, including pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides, adhering to safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Advise farmers on best practices for application, timing, and dosage of crop protection agents.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate the efficacy of new crop protection products and strategies.
• Educate farmers on the safe handling and storage of agricultural chemicals.
• Monitor pest and disease outbreaks and provide timely alerts and management recommendations.
• Stay current with advances in crop protection technology, sustainable farming practices, and regulatory changes.
• Collaborate with sales and technical teams to support farmers and clients.
• Maintain detailed records of farm visits, diagnoses, recommendations, and trial results.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Protection, Entomology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in crop protection, pest management, or agricultural advisory services.
• Strong knowledge of crop physiology, common pests, diseases, and weeds affecting agricultural crops.
• Familiarity with IPM principles and the application of various crop protection products.
• Excellent diagnostic skills and ability to identify plant problems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advise and train farmers effectively.
• Understanding of South African agricultural landscape and crop protection regulations.
• Ability to work independently and manage field activities, including travel to farms.
• Valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of specific crops grown in the Mpumalanga region is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional development.
• You will have the chance to work with innovative crop protection solutions and contribute directly to the success and sustainability of local agriculture.
• Join a team of dedicated professionals committed to supporting farmers and advancing agricultural practices in the vibrant region of Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA .