Senior Agronomist - Sustainable Farming Practices

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Agronomist for our client in Midrand, Gauteng. You will lead crop management strategies, optimize yields, and promote soil health and environmental stewardship across the estate.

The role requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Agronomy and at least 7 years of experience, plus proficiency with agronomic software and IPM practices. You will mentor staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with research partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Agronomy or related field.
• 7+ years of proven agronomy experience focusing on crop management and yield improvement.
• Knowledge of South African soils, climate, and Gauteng crop challenges.
• Proficiency with agronomic software and data analysis tools.
• Strong leadership and communication; able to mentor staff.
• IPM familiarity and sustainable agriculture principles.
• Valid driver's license for site visits.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement agronomic plans for crops to maximize yield.
• Conduct soil analysis and advise nutrient management, irrigation, and pest control.
• Evaluate new agricultural technologies, seeds, and crop protection products.
• Monitor crop health and intervene as needed.
• Advise farm managers and field staff on best agronomic practices.
• Maintain records of planting, treatments, yields and data.
• Ensure environmental regulations compliance and sustainability.
• Collaborate with research institutions to stay updated.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Crop management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Agronomy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading agricultural enterprise dedicated to pioneering sustainable and innovative farming techniques. We are seeking a highly experienced and forward-thinking Senior Agronomist to join our dynamic team in **Midrand, Gauteng**. This critical role will involve overseeing and enhancing our crop management strategies, focusing on yield optimization, soil health, and environmental stewardship. You will be instrumental in guiding our agricultural operations towards greater efficiency and long-term viability, contributing significantly to the company's mission of responsible land use and high-quality produce.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive agronomic plans for various crops, ensuring optimal growth conditions and maximum yield.
• Conduct detailed soil analysis and provide recommendations for nutrient management, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Research and evaluate new agricultural technologies, seeds, and crop protection products to improve farm productivity.
• Monitor crop health and performance across the estate, identifying potential issues and implementing timely interventions.
• Advise farm managers and field staff on best agronomic practices and modern farming techniques.
• Maintain accurate records of planting, treatments, yields, and other relevant agricultural data.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainable farming practices throughout operations.
• Collaborate with research institutions and agricultural experts to stay abreast of the latest industry developments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of proven experience in agronomy, with a strong track record in crop management and yield improvement.
• In-depth knowledge of South African soil types, climate variations, and common crop challenges in the **Gauteng** region.
• Proficiency in using agronomic software, data analysis tools, and precision agriculture technologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities, with the capacity to train and mentor junior staff.
• Familiarity with integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable agriculture principles.
• A valid driver's license is required for site visits and field operations.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• In addition to a generous annual salary, successful candidates will benefit from comprehensive health insurance, a retirement savings plan, opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, and the chance to work with cutting-edge agricultural technologies in a supportive and environmentally conscious organization.