Agroecology Architect: Regenerative Farming Systems

Placements24; Graafwater; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a forward-thinking agricultural research and development organization in Paarl, Western Cape, seeking an experienced Agro-Ecologist to design sustainable farming systems. The role focuses on integrating ecological principles to boost biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem resilience while maintaining productivity.

Lead field experiments, guide landscape-scale ecological planning, and collaborate with farmers, researchers, and policymakers to promote regenerative

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Agroecology, Ecology, Agronomy with ecological focus, or closely related environmental science discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of research and practical experience applying ecological principles to agricultural systems.
• In-depth knowledge of biodiversity, ecosystem function, nutrient cycling, and soil ecology.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate integrated agro-ecological farming systems.
• Conduct ecological assessments of agricultural landscapes and identify key processes.
• Research and apply biodiversity conservation, soil health, and nutrient cycling principles.
• Develop strategies to enhance ecosystem services such as pollination and pest control.
• Collaborate with farmers to transition to regenerative practices.
• Monitor performance using ecological and agronomic indicators.
• Create training materials and run workshops for farmers and extension agents.
• Collaborate with researchers to advance agroecology understanding.
• Contribute to policy development for sustainable agriculture and land use.
• Prepare technical reports and research publications.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Ecological modeling

Field research

Education

Ph.D. in Agroecology or related field

Tools

R

GIS

Job description

Placements24 partners with a forward-thinking agricultural research and development organization in Paarl, Western Cape, seeking an experienced Agro-Ecologist to design sustainable farming systems. The role focuses on integrating ecological principles to boost biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem resilience while maintaining productivity.

Lead field experiments, guide landscape-scale ecological planning, and collaborate with farmers, researchers, and policymakers to promote regenerative