Senior Agronomist - Crop Optimization

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Retirement savings plan

International travel opportunities

Hybrid work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Agronomist in Pretoria to lead crop optimization initiatives, design and evaluate field trials, and deliver data-driven agronomic strategies across our agricultural operations in Gauteng. The role blends on-field responsibilities with remote analysis and planning in a hybrid work setup.

You will guide planting schedules, fertilizer programs, and pest management, collaborating with researchers, farm managers, and extension services to drive yield improvements and

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in agronomy with a strong focus on crop production and optimization.
• In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Proven ability to design and interpret field experiments and research data.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, balancing field responsibilities with office-based analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine crop management plans, including planting schedules, fertilization programs, and pest/disease control strategies.
• Conduct field trials and research to evaluate new crop varieties, agricultural inputs, and technologies.
• Analyze soil, plant tissue, and environmental data to provide expert recommendations for improving crop performance.
• Monitor crop health and development, identifying potential issues and implementing timely interventions.
• Collaborate with farmers and agricultural extension services to disseminate best practices and provide technical guidance.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in agronomy, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural technology.

Skills

Excellent communication

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder engagement

Data-driven insights

Education

Master's or PhD in Agronomy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned Senior Agronomist with expertise in crop optimization to join their innovative agricultural division in Pretoria . This critical role involves developing and implementing advanced agronomic strategies to maximize crop yields, improve quality, and ensure sustainable farming practices across our operations. You will work closely with research teams, farm managers, and stakeholders to drive agricultural excellence, utilizing data-driven insights and cutting-edge technologies. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute significantly to the agricultural landscape of Gauteng, operating within a hybrid work model that blends essential field engagement with the efficiency of remote analysis and planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine crop management plans, including planting schedules, fertilization programs, and pest/disease control strategies.
• Conduct field trials and research to evaluate new crop varieties, agricultural inputs, and technologies.
• Analyze soil, plant tissue, and environmental data to provide expert recommendations for improving crop performance.
• Monitor crop health and development, identifying potential issues and implementing timely interventions.
• Collaborate with farmers and agricultural extension services to disseminate best practices and provide technical guidance.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in agronomy, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural technology.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in agronomy, with a strong focus on crop production and optimization.
• In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Proven ability to design and interpret field experiments and research data.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment , balancing field responsibilities with office-based analysis.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional conferences.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment in Pretoria with hybrid flexibility.