Area Production Specialist - Worcester

Basf Venezolana, S.A.; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Area Production Specialist to enhance seed production activities. This role involves liaising with vegetable seed growers and third-party producers, ensuring high-quality production from soil preparation to post-harvest. The successful candidate will develop new growers, implement best practices, and manage production goals while contributing to a global collaboration platform. If you're passionate about agricultural sciences and want to make a significant impact in the field, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in vegetable seed production.
• Strong knowledge of seed production techniques and processing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee seed production from soil preparation to harvest.
• Advise growers on best practices in crop growing.

Skills

Seed Production Techniques

Communication Skills

Crop Rotation

Irrigation Management

Field Inspections

Education

Diploma in Agricultural Sciences

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Sciences

Tools

MS Office

Farm Machinery

Job description

Area Production Specialist - Worcester

Company

Job Field: Production, Maintenance & Technical Services

The successful candidate will serve as the first point of contact for our vegetable seed growers and third-party producers, playing a vital role in overseeing and enhancing production activities.

This position entails ensuring the high-quality production of seeds, from soil preparation through to post-harvest activities.

Note: This role requires extensive travel, which may extend beyond the region and include areas outside of the Western Cape.

Responsibilities:

1. Represent the company as the first point of contact for vegetable seed growers and third-party producers.
2. Assist with all aspects of seed production from soil preparation to harvest, post-harvest threshing, and pre-cleaning activities.
3. Establish a reliable grower base in the area ensuring long-term sustainability.
4. Develop new growers and improve growing methods in the region.
5. Follow and advise growers on best practices in all aspects of crop growing, including rogueing, maintaining field isolation, crop rotation, irrigation, chemical and fertilizer application, harvesting, and seed cleaning.
6. Ensure production goals are met in the region for both yield and quality.
7. Identify challenges facing production and provide recommendations for continual improvement.
8. Ensure accurate reporting on production progress and record-keeping of production data.
9. Manage and evaluate nicking and production research trials.
10. Conduct proper field inspections and certification.
11. Supervise roguing crews and maintain records of off-types removed.
12. Support the maintenance of crop production protocols and track cultivation costs.
13. Contribute actively as an Area Crop Specialist in a global collaboration platform on production practices and research.

Qualifications:

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Sciences or Management.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in vegetable seed production.
• Strong knowledge of seed production techniques and processing technologies.
• Familiarity with research practices in production.
• SANSOR-trained or in the process of obtaining Phytosanitary Inspector accreditation.
• Preferred: Pesticide (AVCASA) and Fertilizer (BASOS) consultant accreditations.
• Expertise in vegetable seed production and pollination methods.
• Proficiency in MS Office and operation of farm machinery.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Our commitment: Diversity is our strength. Join our global team that embraces inclusion and equal opportunities regardless of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability, or belief.

Application deadline: 18.03.