Crop Protection Agronomist

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Performance bonuses

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Crop Protection Agronomist to join our client’s team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on developing and implementing strategies to protect crops from pests, diseases and weeds, ensuring optimal yield and quality through IPM and field inspections.

You will advise growers, monitor crops, collect data, and stay updated on regulatory changes. The successful candidate will have a 3+ year track record in crop protection, a relevant degree, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in crop protection, agronomy, or a related field.
• Solid understanding of plant pathology, entomology, and weed science.
• Knowledge of various crops grown in the region and vulnerabilities.
• Familiarity with pesticide regulations and safe application practices.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail for field assessments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to advise growers.
• Ability to work independently and manage time for field activities.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive crop protection plans tailored to specific crops and regional conditions.
• Conduct regular field scouting and inspections to identify threats from pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Provide expert recommendations on pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides with safety compliance.
• Promote and implement IPM strategies to minimize chemical inputs.
• Educate farmers and workers on best practices in crop protection and safe chemical handling.
• Monitor crop health and growth stages to anticipate and address issues proactively.
• Collect and analyze data on pest incidence, disease outbreaks, and effectiveness of control measures.
• Maintain detailed records of field observations, recommendations, and outcomes.
• Stay updated on research, technologies, and regulatory changes in crop protection.

Skills

Observational skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy/Plant Science/Agriculture or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Crop Protection Agronomist to join their team based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This essential role focuses on developing and implementing strategies to protect crops from pests, diseases, and weeds, ensuring optimal yield and quality. You will work closely with farmers and agricultural stakeholders to provide expert advice and practical solutions for sustainable crop management. This position requires a hands-on approach, involving field visits, crop monitoring, and the application of integrated pest management (IPM) principles. The successful candidate will be a knowledgeable and proactive individual committed to advancing agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship within the region. You will be a key point of contact for growers, offering tailored recommendations and technical support to address their specific challenges in crop health and protection. The role demands a blend of scientific expertise and practical application in a dynamic agricultural setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive crop protection plans tailored to specific crops and regional conditions.
• Conduct regular field scouting and inspections to identify potential threats from pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Provide expert recommendations on the selection and application of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Promote and implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to minimize reliance on chemical inputs.
• Educate farmers and agricultural workers on best practices in crop protection and safe chemical handling.
• Monitor crop health and growth stages to anticipate and address potential issues proactively.
• Collect and analyze data on pest incidence, disease outbreaks, and the effectiveness of control measures.
• Maintain detailed records of field observations, recommendations, and outcomes.
• Stay updated on the latest research, technologies, and regulatory changes in crop protection.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a closely related field. Minimum of 3 years of experience in crop protection, agronomy, or a related field. Solid understanding of plant pathology, entomology, and weed science. Knowledge of various crop types grown in the region and their specific vulnerabilities. Familiarity with pesticide regulations and safe application practices. Excellent observational skills and attention to detail for field assessments. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively advise growers. Ability to work independently and manage time effectively for field activities. A valid driver's license and willingness to travel frequently within the assigned region.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program. This includes health insurance, potential performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional development and further training in specialized agronomic fields. You will have the chance to work with a reputable organization dedicated to agricultural excellence and sustainability. The role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and the satisfaction of contributing directly to the success of local agriculture. We offer a supportive team environment and the resources necessary to excel in your role.