Senior Agronomist - Sustainable Practices

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

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Agronomist for our client in Midrand, Gauteng. You will advise farmers on best practices to boost yields while minimizing environmental impact, focusing on soil health, water management, IPM, and nutrient optimization.

The candidate should hold a master's or PhD in a related field, have 5+ years of sustainable farming experience, and be able to translate science into practical field solutions across Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an agronomist with a focus on sustainable practices.
• In-depth knowledge of crop physiology, soil fertility, plant nutrition, and pest/disease management.
• Proven experience developing and implementing sustainable farming strategies.
• Familiarity with soil testing, plant tissue analysis, and data interpretation.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Midrand and travel within Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert agronomic advice and technical support to farmers on crop production and soil management.
• Develop and implement sustainable farming plans (rotation, cover crops, reduced tillage).
• Monitor crop health and soil conditions; identify issues and propose solutions.
• Conduct field trials and evaluate new agronomic techniques.
• Educate farmers on integrated pest management and responsible inputs.
• Analyze soil and tissue samples to guide nutrient management.
• Promote water conservation and efficient irrigation.
• Prepare technical reports and educational materials for stakeholders.

Skills

Agronomy

Crop Science

Soil Science

IPM Knowledge

Data Interpretation

Communication Skills

Independent Work

Travel Willingness

Education

Master's in Agronomy

PhD in Crop Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in sustainable agriculture, is seeking an experienced Senior Agronomist to join their team in Midrand, Gauteng. This role is critical in advising farmers on best practices to enhance crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. You will focus on developing and implementing strategies for soil health, water management, integrated pest control, and nutrient optimization. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of agronomic principles, a passion for sustainable farming, and the ability to translate scientific knowledge into practical farm-level solutions. This is an opportunity to contribute significantly to the advancement of ecological farming methods in a key agricultural region.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert agronomic advice and technical support to farmers on crop production and soil management.
• Develop and implement sustainable farming plans, including crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage practices.
• Monitor crop health, soil conditions, and environmental factors, identifying potential issues and recommending solutions.
• Conduct field trials and research to evaluate new agronomic techniques and technologies.
• Educate farmers on integrated pest management (IPM) and responsible use of inputs.
• Analyze soil and tissue samples to inform fertilizer and nutrient management strategies.
• Promote water conservation techniques and efficient irrigation practices.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in agronomy and sustainable agriculture.
• Prepare technical reports, field recommendations, and educational materials for farmers and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a related agricultural discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an agronomist, with a strong focus on sustainable agricultural practices.
• In-depth knowledge of crop physiology, soil fertility, plant nutrition, and pest/disease management.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing sustainable farming strategies.
• Familiarity with soil testing, plant tissue analysis, and data interpretation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple client relationships.
• Hands-on experience and practical understanding of farming operations.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Midrand area and travel extensively within Gauteng.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance incentives and comprehensive medical aid.
• Employees benefit from continuous professional development opportunities, including workshops and advanced training.
• Join a dedicated team focused on pioneering sustainable agriculture and making a real difference.
• This role provides an excellent opportunity to grow your career within a leading agricultural organization committed to environmental stewardship in Midrand.