Agricultural Sustainability Consultant - Cape Winelands

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Professional development

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Agricultural Sustainability Consultant for the Paarl, Western Cape region to advise wine and fruit farms on sustainable practices that boost environmental performance, resource efficiency, and long-term viability.

The role requires a strong grounding in ecological principles, sustainable farming techniques, and local environmental legislation, with a focus on delivering tailored sustainability strategies and effective stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural sustainability consulting or a similar role.
• Experience with the Paarl/Western Cape region, ideally viticulture or horticulture.
• Solid understanding of ecological principles and sustainable farming practices.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation and sustainability certification schemes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct environmental impact assessments and sustainability audits for agricultural operations.
• Develop and implement customized sustainability plans for farms and agri-businesses.
• Advise clients on water conservation, soil health, biodiversity, and waste reduction.
• Provide guidance on organic farming, IPM, and responsible chemical use.
• Assist clients in achieving sustainability certifications and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor and report on progress and effectiveness of initiatives.
• Stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes.
• Educate farm staff and management on sustainability principles.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and collaboration on projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science / Sustainable Agriculture / Agronomy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dedicated environmental consultancy, is looking for an experienced Agricultural Sustainability Consultant to join their team, serving the Paarl, Western Cape region and surrounding areas. This role is crucial for advising agricultural businesses, particularly within the wine and fruit sectors, on implementing sustainable practices that enhance environmental performance, resource efficiency, and long-term viability. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of ecological principles, sustainable farming techniques, and relevant environmental legislation. You will work closely with farmers and agri-businesses to develop and implement tailored sustainability strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct environmental impact assessments and sustainability audits for agricultural operations.
• Develop and implement customized sustainability plans for farms and agri-businesses.
• Advise clients on water conservation, soil health management, biodiversity enhancement, and waste reduction.
• Provide guidance on organic farming, integrated pest management (IPM), and responsible chemical use.
• Assist clients in achieving sustainability certifications and compliance with environmental standards.
• Monitor and report on the progress and effectiveness of implemented sustainability initiatives.
• Stay updated on best practices, innovations, and regulatory changes in sustainable agriculture.
• Educate and train farm staff and management on sustainability principles and practices.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and collaboration on sustainability projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural sustainability consulting or a similar role.
• Proven experience working with the agricultural sector in the Paarl or Western Cape region, ideally with exposure to viticulture or horticulture.
• Solid understanding of ecological principles and sustainable farming practices.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation and sustainability certification schemes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage client relationships effectively.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and opportunities for continuous professional development. The chance to make a tangible positive impact on the environment and the agricultural sector in the Western Cape is a key feature of this role. Flexible working arrangements may be considered for the right candidate. You will be based in the beautiful Paarl area, working with leading agricultural stakeholders in one of South Africa's most iconic regions.