Senior Agricultural Scientist

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg is seeking a Senior Agricultural Scientist to lead field trials and guide soil health initiatives. You will collaborate with farmers, government bodies, and researchers to drive sustainable farming and crop productivity in KwaZulu-Natal.

The role demands a strong background in agronomy and a minimum of seven years in agricultural research or extension, with a proven track record in experimental design and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Science, or related field.
• 7+ years in agricultural research, development, or extension.
• Proven track record in experimental design, data analysis, and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of crop physiology, soil chemistry, and integrated pest management.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design field trials to evaluate crop varieties, fertilizers, and pest control.
• Analyze soil and plant tissue samples to diagnose issues and recommend treatments.
• Develop sustainable agricultural strategies to improve productivity and stewardship.
• Provide technical training and extension services to farmers.
• Collaborate on research projects and contribute to publications.
• Stay abreast of advancements in agricultural science and technology.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Agronomy knowledge

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Agronomy or related

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Agricultural Scientist to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg . This pivotal role involves spearheading research and development initiatives focused on enhancing crop yields, improving soil health, and promoting sustainable farming practices within the region. You will work closely with local farmers, government agricultural bodies, and the research team to implement innovative solutions and provide expert guidance. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional passionate about driving agricultural advancement and contributing to food security in KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute field trials to evaluate new crop varieties, fertilizers, and pest control methods.
• Analyze soil and plant tissue samples to diagnose issues and recommend appropriate treatments.
• Develop and implement sustainable agricultural strategies to improve farm productivity and environmental stewardship.
• Provide technical training and extension services to farmers and agricultural extension officers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on research projects and contribute to scientific publications.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in agricultural science and technology.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Science, or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in agricultural research, development, or extension services.
• Proven track record in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific reporting.
• Strong knowledge of crop physiology, soil chemistry, and integrated pest management.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending international conferences.
• Access to state-of-the‑art research facilities and equipment in Pietermaritzburg .
• A supportive work environment fostering innovation and collaboration.