Agro-Environmental Scientist

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 680,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape invites an Agro-Environmental Scientist to address environmental challenges in regional agriculture. You will conduct field and lab research on soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and climate change impacts to inform sustainable farming practices.

The role requires a strong scientific background, ability to translate findings into practical guidance for farmers and policymakers, and a drive to advance environmental stewardship in arid environments.

Qualifications

• Strong scientific background in agro-environmental science or related field.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory research on agro-environmental issues (soil health, water quality, pest management, crop production).
• Develop and implement strategies for sustainable agricultural practices (conservation tillage, IPM, water-efficient irrigation).
• Assess environmental impacts of agricultural activities and propose mitigation measures.
• Monitor environmental indicators and analyze data related to climate change, biodiversity, and land use.
• Collaborate with farmers and extension officers to disseminate findings and promote best practices.
• Prepare scientific reports, research papers, and presentations for conferences and publications.
• Contribute to development of environmental policies and guidelines for agriculture.
• Stay abreast of latest research, technologies, and policies in agro-environmental science.
• Manage research projects, including budgeting, data collection, and analysis.

Skills

Scientific writing

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Agro-Environmental Science or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural research and development organization located in Upington, Northern Cape, is seeking a dedicated Agro-Environmental Scientist. This role is critical in addressing the environmental challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector of the region. The scientist will be responsible for conducting research on sustainable farming practices, soil and water management, biodiversity conservation, and the impact of climate change on agriculture. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, a passion for sustainable agriculture, and the ability to translate research findings into practical recommendations for farmers and policymakers. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the future of agriculture in Upington and the wider Northern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory research on agro-environmental issues, including soil health, water quality, pest management, and crop production.
• Develop and implement strategies for sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation tillage, integrated pest management, and water-efficient irrigation.
• Assess the environmental impact of agricultural activities and propose mitigation measures.
• Monitor environmental indicators and analyze data related to climate change, biodiversity, and land use.
• Collaborate with farmers, agricultural extension officers, and other stakeholders to disseminate research findings and promote best practices.
• Prepare scientific reports, research papers, and presentations for conferences and publications.
• Contribute to the development of environmental policies and guidelines for the agricultural sector.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific research, technologies, and policies in agro-environmental science.
• Manage research projects, including budgeting, data collection, and analysis.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Agro-Environmental Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural research or environmental management, preferably in an arid or semi-arid region.
• Proven experience in field research, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Strong understanding of sustainable agriculture principles, environmental conservation, and climate change adaptation.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in relevant scientific software and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape and challenges of the Northern Cape is highly desirable.
• A driver's license and willingness to travel to field sites.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional development and networking within the agricultural science community. This role provides a chance to make a tangible impact on sustainable agriculture in the region. The position is located in Upington, Northern Cape.