Remote Lead Agronomist - Sustainable Practices

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,600,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Mission-driven

Stellenbosch footprint

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Agronomist to direct remote advisory services for sustainable farming worldwide. You will develop innovative agronomic strategies, lead a remote team, and guide clients on crop management, soil health, water conservation and IPM.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or master's in agronomy, 8+ years of experience, proven leadership, and strong communication for a fully remote setting.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in agronomy with emphasis on sustainable farming.
• Proven leadership experience managing a remote team.
• Deep understanding of soil science, crop physiology, plant nutrition, pest management, and water resource management.
• Experience in developing and implementing sustainable farming systems.
• Proficiency with farm management software, GIS and remote sensing data analysis tools.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking and problem solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for remote client relationships.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects remotely.
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and agricultural innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of remote agronomists, guiding client projects.
• Develop and refine sustainable agronomic strategies for diverse systems.
• Advise clients on crop planning, soil fertility, water efficiency and IPM.
• Analyze field data, remote sensing, and soil/tissue samples for insights.
• Create customized farm management plans prioritizing environmental stewardship and viability.
• Stay at the forefront of research in sustainable agriculture and precision farming.
• Share knowledge within the team and with clients.
• Develop training materials and conduct virtual workshops.
• Contribute to new service offerings and client solutions.
• Ensure high-quality advisory services and client satisfaction.

Skills

Remote team leadership

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication

Project management

Education

Ph.D. or Master's in Agronomy/Soil Science/related field

Tools

Farm management software

GIS

Remote sensing data analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking agricultural consultancy focused on sustainability, is looking for a Lead Agronomist to spearhead their remote advisory services. This role is entirely remote, allowing you to work from anywhere while guiding agricultural businesses towards more environmentally sound and profitable practices. You will be responsible for developing and implementing innovative agronomic strategies, leading a team of remote agronomists, and advising clients on crop management, soil health, water conservation, and integrated pest management. Your expertise will be crucial in driving the adoption of sustainable agriculture worldwide. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in agronomy, a proven track record in leadership, and a deep commitment to sustainable farming. We are seeking a strategic thinker and effective communicator who can thrive in a fully remote, collaborative environment. You will play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of remote agronomists, providing guidance and support on client projects.


• Develop and refine sustainable agronomic strategies and best practices for diverse agricultural systems.


• Advise clients on crop planning, soil fertility management, water efficiency, and integrated pest management (IPM).


• Oversee the analysis of field data, remote sensing information, and soil/tissue samples to provide actionable insights.


• Develop customized farm management plans that prioritize environmental stewardship and economic viability.


• Stay at the forefront of research in sustainable agriculture, precision farming, and climate-resilient practices.


• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice dissemination among the remote team and clients.


• Develop training materials and conduct virtual workshops for clients and team members.


• Contribute to the development of new service offerings and client solutions.


• Ensure the highest quality of advisory services and client satisfaction.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field.


• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in agronomy, with a significant focus on sustainable agricultural practices.


• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to manage and motivate a remote team.


• Deep understanding of soil science, crop physiology, plant nutrition, pest management, and water resource management.


• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing sustainable farming systems.


• Proficiency in using farm management software, GIS, and remote sensing data analysis tools.


• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving skills.


• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong client relationships remotely.


• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and thrive in a fully remote work setting.


• Strong commitment to environmental sustainability and agricultural innovation.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere.


• Our client provides a highly competitive salary, reflecting your leadership and expertise.


• A comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, is offered.


• A robust retirement savings plan with company matching is available.


• Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, and holidays, is provided.


• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including virtual conferences, webinars, and specialized training, are supported.


• Employees are part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture globally.


• This role offers the chance to lead impactful initiatives from your home office, contributing to a greener future for agriculture, with the company having a presence in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA**.