Senior Agronomist - Remote

Placements24; Midrand; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Remote-first work culture

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Agronomist for a fully remote role across South Africa. You will advise on crop management, soil health, and integrated pest management, guiding diverse agricultural operations with data-driven strategies.

You will lead soil analysis programs, develop fertilization plans, mentor junior staff remotely, collaborate with research partners, and contribute to sustainable farming practices while delivering high-impact agronomic solutions.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop Science, or related field.
• 7+ years field research and practical agronomy experience.
• Strong knowledge of soil fertility, crop physiology and pest management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct soil analysis and tailor fertilization programs.
• Advise on crop selection, planting, cultivation, and harvesting to optimize yield.
• Develop IPM strategies emphasizing sustainable control methods.
• Monitor crop health using remote sensing and field observations.
• Collaborate with researchers and industry partners on trials.
• Prepare technical reports and advisories for stakeholders.
• Mentor junior agronomists in remote settings.
• Ensure environmental compliance and promote sustainability.
• Contribute to strategic planning of agribusiness initiatives.

Skills

Soil fertility management

Crop physiology

Pest/disease control

Remote sensing (GIS, drones)

Data analysis

Project management

Training delivery

Scientific communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Agronomy or related

Tools

GIS

Drone imagery

Agricultural software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading innovator in sustainable agricultural practices, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Agronomist to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in advising on crop management, soil health, and integrated pest management strategies across a diverse range of agricultural operations. You will be instrumental in driving research, development, and implementation of cutting-edge agronomic solutions that enhance yield, improve quality, and minimize environmental impact. This role requires a deep understanding of plant science, soil chemistry, and the latest advancements in agricultural technology. You will collaborate with a distributed team of experts, contributing to projects that shape the future of agriculture. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with excellent communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical information effectively to diverse stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, and management. Your expertise will be vital in guiding our client's strategic initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in agricultural science. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive remote work environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to our shared mission of advancing agricultural sustainability. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the agricultural sector from the comfort of your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth soil analysis and develop tailored fertilization and soil amendment programs.
• Provide expert recommendations on crop selection, planting, cultivation, and harvesting techniques to optimize yield and quality.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies, emphasizing biological and sustainable control methods.
• Monitor crop health and growth using remote sensing data, field observations, and diagnostic tools.
• Research and evaluate new crop varieties, agricultural technologies, and management practices for potential adoption.
• Collaborate with research institutions and industry partners on agronomic trials and studies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and advisories for internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior agronomists and technical staff in remote settings.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainable farming practices.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and long-term vision of our client's agricultural development initiatives.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop Science, or a related agricultural discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in agronomy, with a strong focus on field research and practical application.
• Proven expertise in soil fertility management, crop physiology, and pest/disease control.
• Proficiency in utilizing agricultural software, data analysis tools, and remote sensing technologies (e.g., GIS, drone imagery).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a remote work environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs or workshops.
• A strong understanding of South African agricultural landscapes and challenges.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a geographically dispersed team.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Access to cutting-edge agricultural research and technologies.
• A supportive and collaborative remote-first work culture.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.
• Reimbursement for home office setup and expenses.