Senior Agronomist for Sustainable Farming Initiatives

Placements24; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Access to cutting-edge agri-technology

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 in Midrand, Gauteng seeks a Senior Agronomist to develop sustainable farming practices, optimize yields, and drive environmental stewardship across the region. The role blends fieldwork with analytical duties, collaborating with farmers, researchers, and internal teams to advance agricultural excellence.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Agronomy or related field with 7+ years’ experience, strong SA agricultural knowledge, data analysis skills, and willingness to travel

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a closely related field.
• 7+ years of progressive agronomy experience with focus on crop production and soil management.
• Proven ability to develop and implement sustainable farming practices.
• Knowledge of South African agricultural systems and Gauteng crops.
• Data analysis proficiency for reporting and decision-making.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Conduct soil analyses and crop health assessments to identify issues and tailor solutions.
• Develop and implement crop management plans including fertilization, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Advise on adoption of precision agriculture and sustainable methods.
• Provide technical guidance to farm managers, workers, and stakeholders.
• Monitor weather, market trends, and regulatory changes to adapt strategies.
• Collaborate with R&D to trial new varieties and techniques.
• Prepare reports on crop performance, resource use, and sustainability metrics.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Presentation skills

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Agronomy or related field

Tools

Agricultural information systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in innovative agricultural solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Agronomist to join their dynamic team in Midrand, Gauteng. This pivotal role will focus on developing and implementing sustainable farming practices, optimizing crop yields, and contributing to the company's commitment to environmental stewardship. You will work closely with local farmers, research institutions, and internal teams to drive agricultural excellence and address the unique challenges faced by the region. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of agriculture in Gauteng and beyond, fostering resilient and productive farming systems. The role offers a blend of fieldwork and analytical responsibilities, requiring a proactive and data-driven approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil analysis and crop health assessments to identify issues and recommend tailored solutions.
• Develop and implement strategic crop management plans, including fertilization, irrigation, and pest/disease control programs.
• Research and advise on the adoption of new agricultural technologies and sustainable farming methods, such as precision agriculture and organic farming.
• Provide technical guidance and training to farm managers, workers, and stakeholders on best agronomic practices.
• Monitor weather patterns, market trends, and regulatory changes to adapt farming strategies accordingly.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to trial new crop varieties and farming techniques.
• Prepare detailed reports on crop performance, resource management, and sustainability metrics for management review.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental and safety regulations within the agricultural sector.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a closely related agricultural field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in agronomy, with a strong focus on crop production and soil management in diverse agricultural settings.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing sustainable agricultural practices.
• In-depth knowledge of South African agricultural systems, climate variations, and common crop types relevant to Gauteng.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and agricultural information systems for reporting and decision-making.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a methodical approach to identifying and resolving agronomic challenges.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to various farm sites within Gauteng and surrounding areas as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance including medical and dental coverage.
• Generous paid time off, including annual leave and sick days.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning through workshops and conferences.
• Access to cutting-edge agricultural technology and research facilities.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment focused on innovation and sustainability.