Crop Protection Scientist

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

Life insurance

Paid leave

Education support

Research facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Crop Protection Scientist to safeguard crop health in Soweto, Gauteng. You will lead field and laboratory research to develop IPM strategies, monitor pest pressures, and collaborate with researchers and industry partners to advance sustainable pest management.

The role requires a strong scientific background, rigorous data analysis, and the ability to communicate findings clearly to farm managers.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science, Agronomy or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on crop protection research and field application.
• Knowledge of pest and disease life cycles, symptoms and control measures.
• Experience designing and conducting field trials and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for agricultural chemicals.
• Excellent observational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Willingness to work outdoors in Soweto, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory research to identify and evaluate new crop protection methods and products.
• Develop and refine integrated pest management (IPM) programs for various crops.
• Monitor crop fields for pests, diseases and weeds, assess severity and potential impact.
• Analyze data from field trials and laboratory experiments to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
• Provide technical guidance and training to farm managers and workers on crop protection techniques.
• Ensure compliance with regulations related to pesticide use and environmental safety.
• Collaborate with external research institutions and chemical companies on crop protection initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of research activities, findings and recommendations.

Skills

Field research

Analytical skills

Observation

Problem solving

Scientific writing

Communication

Education

Master's/PhD degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the agricultural sector with operations in Soweto, Gauteng, is seeking a dedicated Crop Protection Scientist. This role is essential for safeguarding crop health and maximizing yields by developing and implementing effective strategies against pests, diseases, and weeds. The Crop Protection Scientist will conduct research, analyze threats, and recommend scientifically-backed solutions tailored to the specific challenges faced by our farms. This position requires a strong scientific background, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to sustainable and integrated pest management (IPM) principles within the Soweto agricultural community.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory research to identify and evaluate new crop protection methods and products.
• Develop and refine integrated pest management (IPM) programs for various crops.
• Monitor crop fields for the presence of pests, diseases, and weeds, assessing their severity and potential impact.
• Analyze data from field trials and laboratory experiments to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
• Provide technical guidance and training to farm managers and workers on crop protection techniques.
• Ensure compliance with all regulations related to pesticide use and environmental safety.
• Collaborate with external research institutions and chemical companies on crop protection initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of research activities, findings, and recommendations.

Requirements

• A Master's or PhD degree in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in crop protection research and field application.
• Comprehensive knowledge of pest and disease life cycles, symptomology, and control measures.
• Experience in designing and conducting field trials and statistical analysis of data.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for agricultural chemicals.
• Excellent observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to present scientific findings effectively.
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions in Soweto, Gauteng.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Annual bonus opportunities tied to research outcomes and operational impact.
• Comprehensive medical and life insurance plans.
• Paid sick leave and vacation days.
• Opportunities for continuing education and participation in scientific conferences.
• Access to well-equipped research facilities and modern laboratory equipment.
• Contribution to a company that is vital to food security in the region.