Agricultural Technician (Soil & Water Management)

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health insurance

Provident fund

On-site training & development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Agricultural Technician to join our Durban team, focusing on soil and water management across on-site field operations. You will perform fieldwork, collect data, and apply scientific principles to address agricultural challenges on our lands.

The role requires a practical, hands-on approach with at least 3 years of field experience and solid knowledge of soil testing and irrigation systems. Durban-based posting emphasizes on-site presence and sustainable land stewardship.

Qualifications

• National Diploma or Bachelor's in Agriculture, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of practical fieldwork experience in soil and water management.
• Proficiency with soil testing kits and water quality monitoring equipment.
• Knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices and conservation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular field assessments of soil conditions and nutrient levels.
• Implement and monitor irrigation systems for efficient water use.
• Develop and apply soil improvement strategies such as fertilization and cover cropping.
• Collect samples for laboratory analysis and interpret results.
• Operate and maintain agricultural equipment related to soil and water management.
• Document field activities and observations for reporting.

Skills

Attention to detail

Outdoor work

Data collection

Education

National Diploma or Bachelor's in Agriculture/Soil Science

Tools

Soil testing kits

Water quality monitoring equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a diligent and hands-on Agricultural Technician to join their team in Durban , focusing on crucial soil and water management initiatives. This role is essential for implementing and monitoring best practices on our agricultural lands, ensuring optimal resource utilization and environmental sustainability. You will be involved in fieldwork, data collection, and the application of scientific principles to agricultural challenges. This position is ideal for an individual passionate about practical agriculture and committed to improving land stewardship within the vibrant agricultural sector of KwaZulu-Natal, requiring a consistent presence on-site to effectively manage and oversee field operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular field assessments of soil conditions, including testing for nutrient levels, pH, and moisture content.
• Implement and monitor irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water usage and minimizing waste.
• Assist in the development and application of soil improvement strategies, such as fertilization and cover cropping.
• Collect samples for laboratory analysis and interpret results to inform management decisions.
• Operate and maintain specialized agricultural equipment related to soil and water management.
• Document field activities, data, and observations accurately for reporting purposes.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of practical experience in agricultural fieldwork, specifically in soil and water management.
• Proficiency in using soil testing kits and water quality monitoring equipment.
• Knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices and conservation techniques.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail for accurate data collection.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with regular reviews.
• Comprehensive health insurance and provident fund.
• On-site training opportunities and professional development support.
• Exposure to diverse agricultural projects and innovative techniques.
• A stable role within a growing agricultural enterprise in the Durban area.