Pest Control Officer - Agricultural Focus

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company vehicle & fuel allowance

Pest control equipment provided

Professional development opportunities

Impact on food security

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a certified Pest Control Officer to work with farms around Polokwane, focusing on identifying, managing, and eradicating agricultural pests to protect crop yields and farm productivity.

The role emphasizes IPM-based strategies, safe pesticide handling, and compliance with environmental and safety regulations to support sustainable farming in the Limpopo region.

Qualifications

• Valid Pest Control Operator (PCO) license or equivalent certification.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural pest control.
• In-depth knowledge of common agricultural pests, their life cycles, and control methods.
• Proficiency in the safe handling and application of pest control chemicals.
• Strong understanding of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough inspections of farms to identify pest infestations and assess damage.
• Develop and implement IPM strategies for various crops.
• Apply pesticides and other control agents safely and in compliance with protocols.
• Maintain detailed records of pest control activities and results.
• Educate farm staff on pest identification and prevention techniques.
• Ensure compliance with national and local regulations regarding pesticide use and environmental protection.

Skills

PCO license

IPM knowledge

Agricultural pest identification

Safety and handling of pesticides

Tools

Pest control equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a certified and experienced Pest Control Officer with a specialization in agricultural applications to join their team serving farms around Polokwane . Your primary responsibility will be to identify, manage, and eradicate agricultural pests that threaten crop yields and farm productivity. You will develop and implement effective pest management plans, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. This critical role supports sustainable agriculture in the Limpopo province, safeguarding crops and promoting healthy farm ecosystems, and working within a professional service dedicated to agricultural health and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough inspections of farms to identify pest infestations and assess damage.
• Develop and implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for various crops.
• Apply pesticides, herbicides, and other control agents safely and effectively, adhering to application rates and safety protocols.
• Maintain detailed records of pest control activities, including chemicals used, application areas, and results.
• Educate farm staff on pest identification and prevention techniques.
• Ensure compliance with all national and local regulations regarding pesticide use and environmental protection.

Requirements

• Valid Pest Control Operator (PCO) license or equivalent certification.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural pest control.
• In-depth knowledge of common agricultural pests, their life cycles, and control methods.
• Proficiency in the safe handling and application of various pest control chemicals.
• Strong understanding of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.
• Ability to work independently and manage service schedules effectively.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance for fieldwork.
• Provision of all necessary pest control equipment and safety gear.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced certifications.
• A vital role contributing to food security and sustainable farming practices.