Agronomist

TWK Agri; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

TWK Agri is seeking an experienced Agronomist for Umlaas, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on providing technical agronomic support, soil and crop evaluations, and nutrient management recommendations, with responsibilities including field trials, farmer training, and collaboration with sales teams.

The ideal candidate will have a BSc in Agronomy, BASOS qualification, and at least 5 years’ advisory experience, with strong analytical and communication skills to support farmers and distributors

Qualifications

• BSc in Agronomy or equivalent required.
• Matric/Grade 12 as minimum.
• BASOS qualification considered advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as Agronomist or similar advisory role.
• Experience with field trials and soil analysis is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct soil sampling, testing and analysis to guide fertiliser recommendations.
• Advise on soil management, fertility, erosion control, and pH/salinity issues.
• Develop crop nutrition plans to optimise yield and quality in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Recommend timing, method and dosage to maximise efficiency and minimise environmental impact.
• Design, manage and analyse field trials for fertiliser products and agronomic practices.
• Assist in product testing and provide feedback on performance in different conditions.
• Prepare reports from trial data and contribute to technical literature for marketing.

Skills

Agronomy expertise

Field trials

Soil analysis

Technical advisory

Farmer training

Communication

Education

BSc in Agronomy

Matric / Grade 12

BASOS qualified (AVCASA Beneficial)

Job description

Constantia Fertiliser, part of the TWK Group, has the following vacancy available: Agronomist at Umlaas, KwaZulu-Natal.

Job Summary
This role involves providing technical agronomic expertise to support crop production and fertiliser product performance. This includes conducting soil and crop evaluations, developing nutrient management recommendations, managing field trials, delivering farmer training, and assisting customers and sales teams with practical, sustainable solutions that optimise agricultural productivity.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Conduct soil sampling, testing, and analysis to assess nutrient levels and recommend appropriate fertiliser applications based on specific crop and soil conditions
• Provide advice on soil management practices, such as improving soil fertility, erosion control, and addressing soil salinity or pH imbalances
• Develop and implement crop nutrition plans that optimise plant health, yield, and quality for various crops grown in the KwaZulu-Natal province
• Assist in maximizing the efficiency of fertiliser applications through recommendations on timing, method, and dosage, ensuring minimal environmental impact
• Design, manage, and execute field trials to test new fertiliser products or agronomic practices
• Support product testing and trials, contributing feedback on how different products perform under varying soil and crop conditions
• Analyse trial data and produce reports to assess product performance
• Work with the marketing team to create product usage guides, technical literature, and promotional materials that accurately reflect the agronomic benefits of products
• Act as the technical expert for farmers, distributors, and sales teams, offering agronomic advice, problem-solving support, and product usage recommendations
• Conduct farm visits and field inspections to diagnose issues related to soil fertility, crop health, and fertiliser application practices
• Provide training and workshops for farmers and distributors on fertiliser application, nutrient management, and sustainable farming practices
• Assist the sales team by providing technical expertise on products, addressing client inquiries, and recommending solutions that meet the specific needs of different crops or regions
• Participate in trade shows, conferences, and client meetings to represent the company as a technical expert

Qualifications and Skills

• Matric / Grade 12
• BSc in Agronomy or similar
• Additional certifications – BASOS qualified (AVCASA Beneficial)
• At least 5 years’ experience working as an Agronomist or in a similar agricultural advisory role
• Experience with field trials, soil analysis, and crop production support
• Knowledge of the fertilizer industry and experience working with fertiliser products is highly desirable
• In-depth understanding of KwaZulu-Natal’s diverse climates, soil types, and agricultural practices
• Ability to diagnose soil and crop health issues and recommend effective solutions
• Understanding of plant nutrient needs and soil management to offer tailored recommendations
• Focused on meeting the needs of farmers and distributors by providing practical, results-oriented agronomic advice
• Stay current with the latest agronomic research and technologies to help the company offer cutting-edge products and services
• Strong analytical skills with experience in interpreting soil and plant tissue analysis reports
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working directly with farmers, clients, and internal teams
• Ability to translate complex scientific data into actionable advice for non-expert clients

Take the next step in your career with TWK Agri, a trusted leader in agriculture and beyond.

*The company can expire job adverts at any time at their own discretion.

**TWK Agri supports the principles of Employment Equity and reserves the right to prioritise candidates in line with our Employment Equity targets.

***Although this position is advertised in Pietermaritzburg, the position will be based in Umlaas.