Crop Protection Specialist - Sustainable Agriculture

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Generous paid vacation and sick leave

Company vehicle for fieldwork

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Crop Protection Specialist for a role based in Port Elizabeth. The position focuses on developing sustainable strategies to manage pests, diseases, and weeds that affect crop yields, with field-based duties and opportunities for remote data analysis and reporting.

You will work with farmers, agronomists, and researchers to apply IPM approaches, evaluate products, conduct field trials, and contribute to training materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in crop protection or agricultural extension.
• Strong knowledge of region's common pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Experience with IPM principles and practices.
• Ability to collect accurate field data and analyze results.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with data management and reporting software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IPM programs tailored to crops and regions.
• Monitor crop health and pest incidence in fields.
• Identify pests and diseases and assess impact on yields.
• Research and evaluate crop protection products and biocontrol agents.
• Provide pesticide use recommendations complying with regulations.
• Educate farmers on best practices in crop protection and IPM.
• Conduct field trials to test new strategies.
• Analyze data from observations to inform decisions.
• Collaborate with researchers to stay updated on innovations.
• Contribute to technical guidelines and training materials.

Skills

IPM practices

Pest management

Fieldwork

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/ Agronomy/ Entomology/ Plant Pathology/ Weed Science

Tools

Pesticide application techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Crop Protection Specialist to join their innovative agricultural team. This role, based in Port Elizabeth , focuses on developing and implementing sustainable strategies for managing pests, diseases, and weeds that affect crop yields. While the role is primarily field-based and requires local presence, there is an opportunity for significant remote engagement in data analysis and reporting. You will be instrumental in researching and recommending effective, environmentally sound crop protection solutions, including integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in entomology, plant pathology, or weed science, combined with practical experience in agricultural settings. You will work closely with farmers, agronomists, and researchers to ensure the effective adoption of best practices, contributing to improved crop health, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced farm profitability. This position is crucial for advancing our commitment to sustainable agricultural production and safeguarding crop viability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated pest management (IPM) programs tailored to specific crops and regions.
• Monitor crop health and pest/disease/weed incidence in agricultural fields.
• Identify pests, diseases, and weeds and assess their potential impact on crop yields.
• Research and evaluate the efficacy of various crop protection products and biological control agents.
• Provide recommendations for the appropriate use of pesticides, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting responsible application.
• Educate farmers and agricultural workers on best practices in crop protection and IPM.
• Conduct field trials to test new crop protection strategies and technologies.
• Analyze data from field observations and trials to inform management decisions.
• Collaborate with researchers and product developers to stay abreast of new innovations in crop protection.
• Contribute to the development of technical guidelines and training materials.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in crop protection, pest management, or agricultural extension.
• Strong knowledge of common agricultural pests, diseases, and weeds in the region.
• Familiarity with integrated pest management (IPM) principles and practices.
• Experience with pesticide application techniques and safety protocols.
• Ability to conduct field assessments and collect accurate data.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with farmers.
• Proficiency in relevant software for data management and reporting is a plus.
• A commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
• Company vehicle provided for fieldwork and client visits.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
• Access to cutting-edge research and technology in crop protection.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Supportive team environment with collaborative opportunities.
• Contribution to advancing sustainable farming practices in Port Elizabeth and beyond.
• Potential for career growth within the organization.