Senior Agronomist - Crop Optimization

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle for field visits and.

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Agronomist to lead crop optimization across diverse Western Cape operations. You’ll blend on-site field work with remote data analysis to boost yields, improve soil health, and promote sustainable farming across Cape Town and surrounding farms.

Develop strategic plans, oversee trials of new varieties, fertilizers, and pest control, and train farm managers. Requires a Master’s or PhD in Agronomy, Crop Science, or Soil Science and at least 7 years of experience

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in agronomy, with a strong track record in crop production and management.
• In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, soil chemistry, pest and disease management, and sustainable farming techniques.
• Experience with precision agriculture technologies and data analysis tools for farm management.
• Ability to work effectively both in the field and in an office environment, with hybrid work flexibility.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive agronomic plans for crop cultivation, rotation, and soil management.
• Conduct field trials and experiments to evaluate new crop varieties, fertilizers, and pest control strategies.
• Analyze soil samples, weather data, and crop performance metrics to optimize nutrient application and irrigation schedules.
• Provide technical expertise and training to farm managers and agricultural staff on best practices.
• Monitor crop health, identify disease and pest outbreaks, and recommend timely interventions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies and propose adjustments for continuous improvement in crop yield and quality in the Western Cape .

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a closely related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Agronomist to lead crop optimization initiatives within their diverse agricultural operations in the Western Cape region. This role is crucial for enhancing crop yields, improving soil health, and promoting sustainable farming practices across various farms. You will provide expert technical guidance, develop strategic plans, and oversee the implementation of innovative agronomic solutions, blending on-site field work with remote data analysis and planning. This is a key leadership position within our client's agricultural division, focused on driving scientific advancement and operational excellence in Cape Town and surrounding agricultural areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive agronomic plans for crop cultivation, rotation, and soil management.
• Conduct field trials and experiments to evaluate new crop varieties, fertilizers, and pest control strategies.
• Analyze soil samples, weather data, and crop performance metrics to optimize nutrient application and irrigation schedules.
• Provide technical expertise and training to farm managers and agricultural staff on best practices.
• Monitor crop health, identify disease and pest outbreaks, and recommend timely interventions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies and propose adjustments for continuous improvement in crop yield and quality in the Western Cape .

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in agronomy, with a strong track record in crop production and management.
• In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, soil chemistry, pest and disease management, and sustainable farming techniques.
• Experience with precision agriculture technologies and data analysis tools for farm management.
• Ability to work effectively both in the field and in an office environment, with hybrid work flexibility.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance incentives.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between field, office, and remote work.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending agricultural conferences.
• Company vehicle for field visits and site inspections.