Crop Scout and Pest Management Specialist

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, seeks a Crop Scout and Pest Management Specialist to protect crop health and maximise yields. You will perform regular field inspections, identify pests, diseases and weeds, and recommend IPM strategies.

The role requires a Diploma or Bachelor's in Agriculture or related field, at least 3 years in scouting, a valid driver's license, and the ability to work outdoors. You will collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to implement integrated pest management

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of crop scouting, pest identification and management.
• Diploma or degree in relevant field.
• Strong IPM knowledge.
• Detail-oriented with excellent observational skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular scouting and monitoring of crops to detect early signs of pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Accurately identify various insect pests, pathogens, and weeds affecting crops.
• Assess the severity of infestations and determine the need for intervention.
• Develop and recommend integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, prioritizing environmentally sound methods.
• Implement treatment plans, including the application of approved pesticides and biological controls when necessary.
• Maintain detailed records of scouting findings, treatments applied, and their effectiveness.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to integrate pest management plans into overall crop production strategies.
• Stay updated on the latest pest and disease threats and management techniques relevant to the Benoni region.
• Ensure compliance with all regulations regarding pesticide use and handling.

Skills

Entomology

Plant pathology

Agronomy

Crop scouting

IPM knowledge

Observation skills

Education

National Diploma in Agriculture

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy/Entomology/Plant Pathology

Tools

Field data collection tools

GPS handheld devices

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural producer in **Benoni**, is seeking a diligent and observant Crop Scout and Pest Management Specialist. This role is fundamental to protecting crop health and ensuring high yields by proactively identifying and managing pests, diseases, and weed infestations. You will conduct regular field inspections, meticulously documenting observations and recommending appropriate, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong knowledge of entomology, plant pathology, and agronomy, coupled with excellent observational skills. This position is vital for maintaining the quality and productivity of agricultural operations in **Gauteng**.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular scouting and monitoring of crops to detect early signs of pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Accurately identify various insect pests, pathogens, and weeds affecting crops.
• Assess the severity of infestations and determine the need for intervention.
• Develop and recommend integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, prioritizing environmentally sound methods.
• Implement treatment plans, including the application of approved pesticides and biological controls when necessary.
• Maintain detailed records of scouting findings, treatments applied, and their effectiveness.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to integrate pest management plans into overall crop production strategies.
• Stay updated on the latest pest and disease threats and management techniques relevant to the **Benoni** region.
• Ensure compliance with all regulations regarding pesticide use and handling.

Requirements

• A National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Pathology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in crop scouting, pest identification, and management.
• Strong knowledge of common agricultural pests, diseases, and weeds affecting crops grown in **Gauteng**.
• Familiarity with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and practices.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using scouting tools and recording data accurately.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks.
• Valid driver's license is required.

Benefits

This role includes a competitive annual salary, potential for performance bonuses, and participation in a company-provided medical aid scheme. Our client offers opportunities for professional development in pest management techniques and supports ongoing training. This is a key role for maintaining agricultural health and productivity in the **Gauteng** province.