Crop Scout / Agricultural Technician

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Training & career advancement

Exposure to modern farming techniques

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a diligent Crop Scout / Agricultural Technician to join our East London team. You will monitor crop health, identify pests and diseases, and collect data to support farm management decisions.

The role offers opportunities to work with agronomists and farm managers in the Eastern Cape region. The ideal candidate has a Diploma or Certificate in Agriculture and at least 2 years in crop scouting or field monitoring, with strong observational skills and the ability to

Qualifications

• Diploma or Certificate in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in crop scouting or field monitoring.
• Knowledge of South African crops, pests, and diseases.
• Ability to interpret basic agricultural data.
• Proficiency with basic field monitoring equipment and data recording tools.

Responsibilities

• Regularly inspect fields to monitor crop growth, health, and signs of pests, diseases, or weeds.
• Collect samples of plants, soil, and water for laboratory analysis.
• Record observations regarding crop conditions, environmental factors, and treatment effectiveness.
• Assist in implementing pest and disease control programs under guidance of an agronomist.
• Operate and maintain basic farm equipment and monitoring tools.
• Prepare field reports with findings and recommendations for farm management.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols while working in the field.
• Assist with irrigation management and data collection.

Skills

Observational skills

Data interpretation

Field monitoring

Education

Diploma or Certificate in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a diligent and observant Crop Scout / Agricultural Technician to join their team in East London . This role is essential for monitoring crop health, identifying potential issues such as pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, and collecting data to support farm management decisions. You will work closely with agronomists and farm managers, providing critical field-level information to ensure optimal crop performance and yield. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with a keen eye for detail and a foundational understanding of plant science to contribute to sustainable agriculture in the Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Regularly inspect fields to monitor crop growth, health, and identify any signs of pests, diseases, or weeds.
• Collect samples of plants, soil, and water for laboratory analysis.
• Record detailed observations regarding crop conditions, environmental factors, and treatment effectiveness.
• Assist in the implementation of pest and disease control programs under the guidance of an agronomist.
• Operate and maintain basic farm equipment and monitoring tools.
• Prepare field reports summarizing findings and recommendations for farm management.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols while working in the field.
• Assist with irrigation management and data collection.

Requirements

• Diploma or Certificate in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in crop scouting, field monitoring, or a similar agricultural technician role.
• Good knowledge of common South African crops, pests, and diseases.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret basic agricultural data and observations.
• Proficiency in using basic field monitoring equipment and data recording tools.
• Physical fitness to work outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Willingness to travel within the East London area and surrounding farms.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for overtime pay.
• Health insurance options.
• Opportunities for training and career advancement in agriculture.
• Exposure to modern farming techniques and technologies.
• A supportive team environment focused on agricultural best practices in East London .