AGRONOMIST

Farm Manager SA; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Manager SA is seeking a seasoned agronomist to lead fertiliser programmes and water management across about 1,400 ha of citrus. You will manage budgets, influence farming practices, and drive crop yield and profitability through soil health and irrigation optimization.

The role requires substantial experience in agronomy, planting and irrigation scheduling, and strong diagnostic skills. Collaborate with stakeholders and mentor subordinates in a dynamic farming environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, with Horticulture, Crop Science, Agronomy or Soil Science major.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in the agronomy field.
• Experience in plant selection process and the development of planting and irrigation schedules, budgets, and timelines.
• Proven track record of commercial farming in citrus.
• Strong computer skills, especially MS Office and diagnostic scientific software, to build fertiliser programmes and track fertiliser applications.
• Strong research, decision making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Awareness of industry trends, technology, and developments.
• Listening, verbal, written communication skills and presentation skills.
• Ability to work as an individual as well as in a team context.
• Be able to mentor subordinates.
• Ability to present technical subject matter to senior management, officials, farmers and other stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Responsible for fertiliser programmes and water management on +/- 1400 ha of citrus
• Responsible for annual budgets of above programmes
• Provide input on farming practices, including irrigation, pruning and yield estimates
• Crop Management: Develop and implement effective crop management strategies to optimise yield, quality and profitability
• Soil Science: Analyse soil composition, fertility, and health to recommend improvements and ensure sustainable soil management practices
• Water Management: Develop and implement efficient irrigation systems and water conservation strategies
• Research and Development: Trial and evaluate new rootstocks, varieties, soil management techniques and irrigation practices
• Consultation and Advisory Services: Provide expert advice to farmers and 3rd party growers on best practices in crop production, soil management, and water conservation
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect and analyse data on crop yields, soil health, and water usage, and prepare reports to inform decision-making

Skills

MS Office

Communication skills

Teamwork

Mentoring

Presentation skills

Problem solving

Research skills

Industry awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture (Horticulture/Crop Science/Agronomy/Soil Science)

Tools

Diagnostic software

MS Office

Job description

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, with Horticulture, Crop Science, Agronomy or Soil Science major


• Minimum 5 years' experience in the agronomy field


• Experience in plant selection process and the development of planting and irrigation schedules, budgets, and timelines


• Proven track record of commercial farming in citrus.


• Strong computer skills, especially MS Office and diagnostic scientific software, to build fertiliser programmes and track fertiliser applications.


• Strong research, decision making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.


• Awareness of industry trends, technology, and developments


• Listening, verbal, written communication skills and presentation skills.


• Ability to work as an individual as well as in a team context


• Be able to mentor subordinates


• Ability to present technical subject matter to senior management, officials, farmers and other stakeholders

KEY RESPONSIBILITES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Responsible for fertiliser programmes and water management on +/- 1400 ha of citrus


• Responsible for annual budgets of above programmes


• Provide input on farming practices, including irrigation, pruning and yield estimates


• Crop Management: Develop and implement effective crop management strategies to optimise yield, quality and profitability


• Soil Science: Analyse soil composition, fertility, and health to recommend improvements and ensure sustainable soil management practices


• Water Management: Develop and implement efficient irrigation systems and water conservation strategies


• Research and Development: Trial and evaluate new rootstocks, varieties, soil management techniques and irrigation practices


• Consultation and Advisory Services: Provide expert advice to farmers and 3rd party growers on best practices in crop production, soil management, and water conservation


• Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect and analyse data on crop yields, soil health, and water usage, and prepare reports to inform decision-making

ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted.