Remote Crop Protection Specialist - Integrated Pest Management

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health and retirement plans

Professional growth opportunities

Supportive team research access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Crop Protection Specialist for a fully remote role, focusing on IPM across diversified crops in Benoni, Gauteng, ZA. You will apply entomology, plant pathology, and agronomy expertise to provide remote consulting, data analysis, and pest/disease management programs.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's in a related field, 5+ years in crop protection, and strong communication skills for remote advisory, training, and collaboration with field teams and clients.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field (Entomology, Plant Pathology or Agronomy).
• Minimum 5 years in crop protection with emphasis on IPM.
• Strong data analysis and remote advisory skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine IPM programs for various crops.
• Analyze pest and disease incidence data to identify trends.
• Provide remote expert advice on identification and control strategies.
• Research and evaluate biopesticides and biological control agents.
• Collaborate with R&D on new crop protection technologies.
• Train field staff and clients via webinars and digital resources.
• Monitor regulatory changes and industry best practices.
• Assess climate change impacts on pest dynamics and adapt strategies.
• Develop risk assessment models for key pests and diseases.
• Contribute content to technical publications and client materials.

Skills

IPM

Entomology

Plant Pathology

Agronomy

Data Analysis

Remote Communication

Education

Master's in Entomology

Master's in Plant Pathology

Master's in Agronomy

Tools

GIS

Remote Sensing

Statistical Software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in sustainable agricultural solutions, is seeking a dedicated Remote Crop Protection Specialist to join their fully remote team. This role is vital for developing and implementing effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies across a diverse range of crops, helping clients minimize crop losses while reducing reliance on chemical interventions. You will leverage your expertise in entomology, plant pathology, and agronomy to provide remote consulting services, conduct data analysis, and contribute to the development of innovative pest and disease management programs, with a particular focus on supporting agricultural activities relevant to Benoni, Gauteng, ZA. As a remote position, you will collaborate closely with field agronomists and farmers via digital platforms, driving the adoption of sustainable and economically viable crop protection methods. This role is ideal for an expert who thrives on problem-solving and contributing to resilient agricultural systems from a remote location.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for various crops, considering regional pest pressures and environmental factors.
• Analyze pest and disease incidence data collected from client farms to identify trends and risks.
• Provide remote expert advice on pest and disease identification, monitoring techniques, and control strategies.
• Research and evaluate new biopesticides, natural enemies, and biological control agents for sustainable pest management.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on the development of new crop protection technologies and products.
• Train field staff and clients on IPM principles and best practices through webinars and digital resources.
• Monitor regulatory changes and industry best practices related to crop protection.
• Assess the impact of climate change on pest dynamics and adapt management strategies accordingly.
• Develop risk assessment models for common crop pests and diseases.
• Contribute content to technical publications, online forums, and client-facing materials.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in crop protection, with a strong emphasis on IPM.
• In-depth knowledge of pest and disease cycles, beneficial insects, and various control methods (biological, cultural, chemical).
• Experience in data analysis related to pest outbreaks and control efficacy.
• Proficiency with digital communication and collaboration tools.
• Ability to interpret field reports and provide clear, actionable recommendations remotely.
• Strong understanding of sustainable agriculture and its application in pest management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to make sound judgments under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, tailored for remote professional interactions.
• Familiarity with GIS and remote sensing for pest monitoring is a plus.

Benefits

• This fully remote role offers significant flexibility in your work location.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement plans.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
• Part of a dedicated team focused on advancing sustainable agriculture and influencing crop protection strategies within regions like Benoni, Gauteng, ZA.
• Access to extensive digital resources and support for ongoing research and development.