Field Equipment Specialist

Bayer; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational agricultural company is seeking a Field Equipment Specialist in Gauteng, Johannesburg. This role involves coordinating operational processes for field equipment, developing operating procedures, and managing maintenance programs. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in agriculture or farming operations, seed production experience, and relevant certifications. This position offers the opportunity to lead essential projects in agricultural technology.

Qualifications

• 3 years practical experience in farming activities, planting and harvesting.
• 3 Years seed production experience.
• Experience in managing contractors.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operational processes involving field equipment.
• Develop specific operating procedures for field equipment.
• Implement maintenance programs for all field equipment.
• Manage yearly operating budgets.
• Support projects for cost or technical advantage in field productions.

Skills

Operational coordination

Maintenance program management

Training and evaluation

Quality management

Safety compliance

Education

Agricultural or technical Diploma

Tools

ISO 9001:2015

ISO 45001

SACAA RPAS Drone Pilot License

AVCASA Certification

Job description

Job title : Field Equipment Specialist

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline : October 30, 2025

Job Purpose

Field Equipment Specialist coordinates the operational processes involving field equipment to support planting, detasseling and harvesting operations in South Africa – 5,400 hectares.

Implement and administer maintenance programs.

Manage contractors regarding planning and execution of maintenance programs.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Support Field Mission team, Equipment Team Lead and related squads in achieving our Vision, Mission and Objectives for South Africa.
• Responsible for developing specific operating procedures for all field equipment according ISO 9001 : 2015 and ISO45001 standards.
• Responsible for training and evaluation of all equipment operators.
• Develop and maintain maintenance programs for all field equipment and be a custodian for our field assets. (20M€)
• Cleaning of fleet assets.
• Setting Quality parameters of field equipment affecting product quality and cost to customers directly.
• Ensure that contractors comply to safety standards.
• Lead ESH efforts, aid in and arrange for resources to promote safety in all operations, complying with Bayer standards and OHS act.
• Create and manage yearly operating budgets and employ processes to continually seek improvements in reliability and cost efficiencies.
• Implement Visual management to track cost and maintenance progress.
• Implement inventory controls and stock levels for spare parts.
• Plan and coordinate in‑house detasseling, harvesting and inbound freight in close collaboration with the field production team
• Plan and coordinate dry harvesting in liaison with the field production team.
• Manage the pollen blowing of selected fields.
• Collaborate with the field team to plan a harvest schedule.
• Lead the in‑house planting of Field Scripts and interrow planting.
• Support and implement upcoming projects – VSR & ISR planting, Pollen blower, Dry / direct harvesting and other technology deployment strategies to gain a cost or technical advantage in field productions.
• Internal – Africa Field Equipment Lead, South Africa RC Supply Site Lead, Field Equipment Team Lead, Field Mission, Plant Mission (Dryer and Processing teams) and E2E Mission teams supporting South African commercial production. Quality Testing (laboratory) as well as Field Quality.

Qualifications Required

• Agricultural or technical Diploma or 3 years practical experience in farming activities, planting and harvesting.
• 3 Years seed production experience.
• SACAA RPAS Drone Pilot License.
• AVCASA Certification.
• SANSOR.
• Agriculture / Agro‑Allied jobs.