Senior Agronomist - Remote Operations

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive remote work setup

Professional development opportunities

Impactful sustainable agriculture work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Agronomist for a fully remote role across South Africa. You will develop and implement advanced agronomic strategies to optimize crop yields and promote sustainable farming, guiding partners and stakeholders with data-driven expertise.

The ideal candidate has a Master's or Ph.D. in Agronomy and at least seven years of progressive experience in crop production, soil science, plant nutrition, pest management and irrigation.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in agronomy, with a strong focus on crop production and management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine crop management plans based on soil analysis, climate data, and crop physiology.
• Provide expert advice on pest and disease management, nutrient application, and irrigation strategies.
• Conduct field research trials and analyze data to evaluate new agricultural technologies and practices.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and presentations for internal stakeholders and external clients.
• Monitor agricultural trends and regulatory changes to ensure compliance and best practices.
• Mentor junior agronomists and provide technical guidance.
• Support the sales and marketing teams with technical expertise during client consultations.
• Manage remote monitoring tools and data platforms to track crop health and performance.
• Contribute to the development of best practice guidelines for sustainable agriculture.

Skills

Remote work

Soil science

Plant nutrition

Pest management

Irrigation systems

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Agronomy

Tools

Precision agriculture technologies

Agricultural software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural technology firm, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Agronomist to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing advanced agronomic strategies to optimize crop yields and promote sustainable farming practices across diverse agricultural landscapes. Your expertise will guide our client's ongoing commitment to innovation and efficiency in the agricultural sector. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a passion for leveraging data and technology to drive agricultural success. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the highest standards of agricultural advice and support are delivered to our client's partners and stakeholders. This role is crucial for maintaining our client's position at the forefront of agricultural science and practice. The opportunity to shape the future of farming from a remote setting awaits a dedicated professional.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine crop management plans based on soil analysis, climate data, and crop physiology.
• Provide expert advice on pest and disease management, nutrient application, and irrigation strategies.
• Conduct field research trials and analyze data to evaluate new agricultural technologies and practices.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and presentations for internal stakeholders and external clients.
• Monitor agricultural trends and regulatory changes to ensure compliance and best practices.
• Mentor junior agronomists and provide technical guidance.
• Support the sales and marketing teams with technical expertise during client consultations.
• Manage remote monitoring tools and data platforms to track crop health and performance.
• Contribute to the development of best practice guidelines for sustainable agriculture.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related agricultural field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in agronomy, with a strong focus on crop production and management.
• Proven experience in remote work environments, demonstrating strong self-discipline and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of soil science, plant nutrition, pest management, and irrigation systems.
• Experience with data analysis software and precision agriculture technologies.
• Excellent understanding of sustainable and organic farming principles.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proficiency in relevant agricultural software and digital platforms.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a globally distributed team.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel occasionally for field assessments if required (though the role is primarily remote).

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive remote work setup support.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued education.
• Contribute to impactful projects in sustainable agriculture.
• Flexible working hours within a remote-first culture.
• Access to cutting-edge agricultural technologies and research.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on agricultural practices nationwide.