Senior Agronomist for Vineyard Management

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance package

Company vehicle for work travel

Professional development opportunities

Retirement savings contribution

Annual performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, is recruiting a Senior Agronomist to oversee vineyard operations, providing expert solutions to improve yield, quality, and sustainability. You will manage the full agricultural cycle from soil analysis to harvest, working with farm managers and field teams to achieve excellence.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years in agronomy with viticulture focus, strong knowledge of soil science and plant physiology, and experience with precision agriculture and farm

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Agronomy or related field is required.
• 5-7 years of proven agronomy experience with a focus on viticulture or fruit crops.
• Deep knowledge of soil science, plant physiology, and pest management in grapevines.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed soil analysis and recommend amendments and irrigation plans.
• Develop and implement IPM-based pest and disease management plans.
• Monitor crop development, identify issues, and propose timely interventions.
• Advise on planting, pruning, canopy management, and harvesting to maximize yield and quality.
• Oversee fertilizer and agrochemical applications safely and efficiently.
• Collaborate with research institutions and suppliers to adopt new technologies.
• Maintain accurate records of agronomic activities and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Supervise and train field staff on best agricultural practices.
• Evaluate strategy effectiveness and report on KPIs.

Skills

Viticulture

Soil science

Plant physiology

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Agronomy

Tools

Precision agriculture software

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural enterprise in the George region of the Western Cape, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Agronomist to oversee and optimize their extensive vineyard operations. This pivotal role involves providing expert advice and practical solutions to enhance crop yield, quality, and sustainability. The successful candidate will be instrumental in managing the entire agricultural cycle, from soil analysis and planning to harvesting and post-harvest evaluation. You will work closely with farm managers and field teams, leveraging scientific principles and innovative techniques to achieve operational excellence. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact within a dynamic and forward-thinking organization, contributing to the growth and reputation of the region's viticulture sector. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of plant physiology, soil science, and pest management within a viticultural context. You will be expected to stay abreast of the latest advancements in agricultural technology and sustainable farming practices, integrating them where applicable. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of vineyard management. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and promoting best practices in land stewardship. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding environment for a professional passionate about agricultural science and its practical application.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting detailed soil analysis and recommending appropriate amendments and irrigation strategies.
• Developing and implementing comprehensive pest and disease management plans, emphasizing integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Monitoring crop development and health, identifying potential issues, and proposing timely interventions.
• Advising on best practices for planting, pruning, canopy management, and harvesting to maximize yield and quality.
• Managing the application of fertilizers and other agrochemicals in a safe and efficient manner.
• Collaborating with research institutions and suppliers to introduce new technologies and varieties.
• Maintaining accurate records of all agronomic activities, inputs, and outcomes.
• Ensuring adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Supervising and training field staff on best agricultural practices.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of implemented strategies and reporting on key performance indicators.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of proven experience in agronomy, with a strong focus on viticulture or fruit crop management.
• In-depth knowledge of soil science, plant physiology, entomology, and pathology relevant to grapevines.
• Experience with precision agriculture techniques and farm management software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the operational areas.
• Familiarity with South African agricultural practices and regulations.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive health insurance package.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Contribution to retirement fund.
• Access to cutting-edge agricultural technologies and resources.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.
• Annual performance-based bonuses.
• Paid annual leave.
• Company-issued vehicle for work-related travel.