Senior Crop Protection Officer

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Company vehicle

Training opportunities

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 in Klerksdorp, North West, is seeking an experienced Senior Crop Protection Officer to lead crop protection initiatives, develop pest, disease, and weed management strategies, and ensure regulatory compliance.

You will oversee IPM adoption, train farm workers, manage chemical applications, and stay updated on new protections and technologies to safeguard crop health and yield.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Protection, Entomology, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in crop protection or pest management in agriculture.
• Strong knowledge of pests, diseases, and weeds affecting key crops.
• Experience with chemical application equipment and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute crop protection plans for pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Conduct regular field inspections to monitor crop health.
• Oversee application of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides safely and effectively.
• Promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and sustainable practices.
• Manage inventory and safety compliance for crop protection chemicals.
• Train farm workers on safe handling and identification of threats.
• Stay updated on new crop protection technologies and regulations.

Skills

Crop protection

IPM knowledge

Analytical skills

Decision making

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy/Plant Protection

Tools

Pesticide application equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Crop Protection Officer to lead their crop protection initiatives from Klerksdorp, North West. This position is integral to safeguarding crop health and maximizing yield by developing and implementing effective pest, disease, and weed management strategies. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of crop protection, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting the use of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques for sustainable agriculture. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of agricultural pests and diseases and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive crop protection plans, including strategies for pest, disease, and weed control.
• Conduct regular field inspections to monitor crop health and identify potential threats.
• Recommend and oversee the application of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides, ensuring safe and effective use.
• Implement and promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Manage inventory and application of crop protection chemicals, adhering to all safety and environmental regulations.
• Train farm workers on safe handling of chemicals and identification of common crop threats.
• Stay updated on new crop protection technologies, research findings, and regulatory changes.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Protection, Entomology, or a related agricultural science discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of practical experience in crop protection or pest management within the agricultural sector.
• Proven knowledge of common agricultural pests, diseases, and weeds affecting key crops.
• Experience with chemical application equipment and safety protocols.
• Understanding of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to make informed decisions under pressure.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary and performance-based incentives.
• Health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Company vehicle for field assessments and travel.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• A crucial role in ensuring the health and productivity of significant agricultural output.