Crop Protection Officer - Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Vor Ort; ZAR 300.000 - 420.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Medical insurance

Pension fund contribution

Training opportunities

Paid leave

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking a Crop Protection Officer to lead IPM initiatives on-site in Klerksdorp, North West. You will identify pests and diseases, plan and monitor IPM strategies, and collaborate with farm managers to minimize pesticide use while promoting biodiversity.

Responsibilities include field scouting, data recording, and advising on best practices. A degree or diploma in an agricultural science field with at least 3 years of crop protection experience is required.

Qualifikationen

• Degree or Diploma in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy or closely related agricultural science field.
• Minimum of 3 years hands-on experience in crop protection or pest management in an agricultural setting.
• Proven knowledge of IPM principles and practices.

Aufgaben

• Develop and implement IPM plans for various crops.
• Conduct regular field scouting to monitor pest populations, disease incidence, and beneficial insects.
• Identify pests, diseases, and weeds, and assess infestation or infection levels.
• Recommend control measures prioritizing biological, cultural, and mechanical methods.
• Manage selective and timely application of approved pesticides when necessary, ensuring safety and environmental standards.
• Maintain detailed records of scouting activities and actions taken.
• Advise farm managers and staff on IPM best practices.
• Evaluate effectiveness of control strategies and adjust plans accordingly.
• Stay informed about new pest control technologies, biological agents, and regulatory changes.
• Contribute to training programs for farm personnel on IPM principles.

Kenntnisse

Pest identification

Field scouting

Data recording

Report writing

Communication

Ausbildung

Degree or Diploma in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a significant agricultural producer in the Klerksdorp, North West province, is seeking a dedicated Crop Protection Officer to lead their Integrated Pest Management (IPM) initiatives. This role is crucial for ensuring the health and productivity of diverse crops while adhering to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring comprehensive pest and disease control strategies across the company's farming operations. This is an on-site role, requiring hands‑on involvement in the fields and close collaboration with farm managers and technical teams. You will be expected to identify pests and diseases, assess their impact, and recommend the most effective and sustainable control methods, prioritizing biological and cultural controls alongside judicious use of chemical interventions. Our client is committed to minimizing pesticide use and promoting biodiversity within their agricultural landscapes. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the ecological balance and economic success of farming operations in the Klerksdorp area.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) plans for various crops.
• Conduct regular field scouting to monitor pest populations, disease incidence, and beneficial insects.
• Identify pests, diseases, and weeds, and assess the level of infestation or infection.
• Recommend appropriate control measures, prioritizing biological, cultural, and mechanical methods.
• Manage the selective and timely application of approved pesticides when necessary, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Maintain detailed records of scouting activities, pest/disease observations, and control actions taken.
• Advise farm managers and staff on best practices for crop protection and IPM.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented control strategies and adjust plans accordingly.
• Stay informed about new pest control technologies, biological agents, and regulatory changes.
• Contribute to training programs for farm personnel on IPM principles and practices.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or a closely related agricultural science field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on experience in crop protection or pest management in an agricultural setting.
• Proven knowledge of IPM principles and practices.
• Strong identification skills for common agricultural pests, diseases, and weeds relevant to the North West region.
• Understanding of pesticide application techniques, safety protocols, and environmental impact.
• Ability to conduct field surveys and collect data accurately.
• Good report writing and communication skills.
• Proficiency in using farm management tools and data recording systems.
• Willingness to work outdoors in various field conditions and travel to different farm locations.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Annual salary of ZAR.
• Comprehensive medical insurance.
• Pension fund contribution.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Access to advanced crop protection technologies.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• A challenging role with a focus on sustainable agriculture.
• Supportive work environment with experienced colleagues.