Crop Protection Specialist - Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 640,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Training & industry conferences

Regional travel

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, seeks a dedicated Crop Protection Specialist with IPM expertise to develop sustainable pest management strategies and advise clients on best practices. You will conduct field assessments, implement IPM plans, and promote environmentally sound crop protection.

The role requires a strong scientific background in entomology, plant pathology, or weed science and at least 4 years of IPM-related experience. Travel within the region is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or related agricultural science.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in crop protection or IPM.
• Knowledge of pest, disease, and weed identification and management.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for crop protection products.
• Ability to work independently and conduct fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IPM programs for various crops.
• Monitor fields for pests, diseases, and weeds and assess impact.
• Recommend biological and cultural methods before chemicals.
• Advise farmers on crop protection and pesticide use.
• Conduct field trials to test new products and methods.
• Ensure compliance with pesticide regulations and environmental protection in Upington.
• Maintain records of outbreaks and control measures.
• Provide IPM training and stay updated on research.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

BSc in Entomology

BSc in Plant Pathology

BSc in Agronomy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural services provider in the Upington region of the Northern Cape , is seeking a dedicated Crop Protection Specialist with expertise in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This role is vital for developing and implementing effective, sustainable strategies to manage pests, diseases, and weeds, ensuring optimal crop health and yield for clients. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background in entomology, plant pathology, or weed science, combined with practical experience in applying IPM principles in large-scale agricultural settings. You will be responsible for providing expert advice, conducting field assessments, and promoting environmentally sound crop protection practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for various crops.
• Monitor fields to detect and identify pests, diseases, and weeds, assessing their potential impact.
• Recommend appropriate control strategies, prioritizing biological and cultural methods before chemical interventions.
• Advise farmers and farm managers on best practices for crop protection and pesticide application.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate the efficacy of new crop protection products and methods.
• Ensure compliance with all regulations related to pesticide use and environmental protection in Upington .
• Maintain detailed records of pest outbreaks, control measures, and their effectiveness.
• Provide training and educational resources on IPM principles to stakeholders.
• Stay updated on the latest research and developments in crop protection and IPM.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in crop protection or IPM, preferably in a consulting or advisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of pest, disease, and weed identification and management.
• Strong understanding of biological control agents, cultural practices, and judicious use of pesticides.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for crop protection products.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and conduct fieldwork in various conditions.
• Experience in the agricultural sector of the Northern Cape is highly desirable.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the region.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a benefits package that includes medical aid and retirement fund contributions. We are committed to supporting our employees' professional growth through access to specialized training, workshops, and opportunities to attend industry conferences. This role provides the chance to work in a critical area of agriculture, contributing to sustainable food production and environmental health within the dynamic agricultural landscape of ZA .

• Competitive salary
• Medical aid
• Retirement fund contributions
• Access to specialized training, workshops, and opportunities to attend industry conferences
• Chance to work in a critical area of agriculture, contributing to sustainable food production and environmental health within the dynamic agricultural landscape of ZA .