Field-Based Crop Protection & IPM Specialist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking an Agricultural Crop Protection Specialist to advise farmers on IPM, pest, disease, and weed management, and to recommend crop protection products. The role requires a Bachelor in Agriculture or related field, 4+ years' field experience, strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to travel with a valid driver's license.

You will work directly in the fields, assess crop health, diagnose issues, and provide sustainable protection measures while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Protection, Entomology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in crop protection, pest management, or agricultural advisory services.
• Strong knowledge of crop physiology, common pests, diseases, and weeds affecting agricultural crops.
• Familiarity with IPM principles and the application of various crop protection products.
• Excellent diagnostic skills and ability to identify plant problems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advise and train farmers effectively.
• Understanding of South African agricultural landscape and crop protection regulations.
• Ability to work independently and manage field activities, including travel to farms.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated pest management (IPM) programs for various crops.
• Identify and diagnose plant diseases, insect pests, and weed problems in field crops.
• Recommend appropriate crop protection products, including pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides, adhering to safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Advise farmers on best practices for application, timing, and dosage of crop protection agents.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate the efficacy of new crop protection products and strategies.
• Educate farmers on the safe handling and storage of agricultural chemicals.
• Monitor pest and disease outbreaks and provide timely alerts and management recommendations.
• Stay current with advances in crop protection technology, sustainable farming practices, and regulatory changes.
• Collaborate with sales and technical teams to support farmers and clients.
• Maintain detailed records of farm visits, diagnoses, recommendations, and trial results.

Skills

Diagnostic skills

Crop protection knowledge

IPM principles

Communication skills

Independence / field work

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Protection, Entomology, or a related field

Job description

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking an Agricultural Crop Protection Specialist to advise farmers on IPM, pest, disease, and weed management, and to recommend crop protection products. The role requires a Bachelor in Agriculture or related field, 4+ years' field experience, strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to travel with a valid driver's license.

You will work directly in the fields, assess crop health, diagnose issues, and provide sustainable protection measures while