Agricultural Technician - Soil and Water Analysis

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 250,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid contributions

Retirement fund

Hybrid role

Professional development

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape invites applications for an Agricultural Technician to support laboratory and field analyses of soil and water samples. You will prepare samples, operate analytical equipment, record data, and help interpret results for farm management and irrigation planning.

The role suits someone with a background in agriculture or lab sciences, strong analytical skills, and a hands-on approach to follow established protocols diligently.

Qualifications

• National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years in a laboratory setting, preferably with soil and water analysis.
• Proficient with laboratory equipment and analytical techniques.
• Strong knowledge of soil science and water quality parameters relevant to agriculture.
• Excellent data recording and reporting accuracy.
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Basic knowledge of LIMS and data management software.
• Familiarity with Upington region agriculture is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to conduct fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Collect, prepare, and analyze soil and water samples in the lab.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment (pH meters, conductivity meters, spectrophotometers).
• Perform routine chemical and physical tests on samples per procedures.
• Record results accurately in the LIMS.
• Assist in interpreting data and preparing summaries for agronomists.
• Conduct field assessments of soil and water quality as needed.
• Adhere to lab safety protocols and quality controls.
• Calibrate and troubleshoot instruments to ensure accurate readings.
• Assist with inventory of lab supplies and reagents.
• Contribute to R&D of new analytical methods for soil and water testing.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Data recording

Teamwork

Education

National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field

Tools

pH meters

Conductivity meters

Spectrophotometers

LIMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural consultancy and services provider, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Agricultural Technician to support their operations in Upington, Northern Cape. This role involves conducting laboratory and field analyses of soil and water samples to provide critical data for farm management and irrigation planning. The successful candidate will be responsible for sample preparation, operating analytical equipment, recording data accurately, and assisting in the interpretation of results. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in agriculture or laboratory sciences to contribute to sustainable farming practices in a key agricultural region. We are looking for a technically proficient individual with strong analytical skills and a commitment to quality and accuracy. You will work closely with agronomists and farm advisors, playing a vital role in helping clients optimize crop production and water resource management. The position requires a hands-on approach and the ability to follow established protocols diligently. This role offers a solid foundation for a career in agricultural science and services within the Upington, Northern Cape area. We value precision and reliability in our technical team, ensuring our clients receive the best possible insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, prepare, and analyze soil and water samples in the laboratory.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as pH meters, conductivity meters, and spectrophotometers.
• Perform routine chemical and physical tests on soil and water samples according to established procedures.
• Record and document all analytical results accurately in the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Assist in interpreting analytical data and preparing summary reports for agronomists and clients.
• Conduct field assessments related to soil conditions and water quality as required.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and quality control standards.
• Calibrate and troubleshoot analytical instruments to ensure accurate readings.
• Assist with inventory management of laboratory supplies and reagents.
• Contribute to research and development of new analytical methods for soil and water testing relevant to Upington, Northern Cape agriculture.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting, preferably with soil and water analysis.
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and analytical techniques.
• Strong understanding of soil science and water quality parameters relevant to agriculture.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data recording and reporting.
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Basic knowledge of LIMS and data management software.
• Familiarity with agricultural practices in the Upington, Northern Cape region is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to conduct occasional fieldwork.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid contributions and a retirement fund.
• This hybrid role provides flexibility, allowing for a balance between laboratory work and potential fieldwork.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training in analytical techniques and agricultural science, are available.
• Employees benefit from working with a dynamic team of agricultural professionals and contributing to impactful projects in a vital agricultural region.
• We provide a structured work environment with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
• The role offers exposure to cutting-edge agricultural technology and best practices.