Senior Crop Protection Specialist

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,494,000 - 2,158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote work from anywhere

Professional growth opportunities

Paid time off

Access to ongoing training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Crop Protection Specialist to lead remote advisory services and strategy development in pest and disease management. You will design IPM programs, evaluate products, and guide farmers and agronomists with evidence-based recommendations across diverse crops.

Your role requires advanced degrees, at least six years of experience, and strong data analysis/sci reporting skills. This remote position supports global agriculture initiatives and encourages collaboration

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy or related field.
• Minimum 6 years' experience in crop protection or pest/plant disease management.
• Proven IPM program development and implementation expertise.
• Deep knowledge of major crop pests, diseases and weeds.
• Experience with field trials and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of pesticide toxicology and regulatory affairs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated pest management programs for various crops.
• Conduct field trials and evaluate new crop protection products and techniques.
• Assess efficacy and safety of pesticides, biopesticides, and control agents.
• Provide expert pest/disease identification advice to farmers and agronomists.
• Analyze crop health data and recommend interventions to minimize losses.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and advances in crop protection tech.
• Help prepare technical reports, publications, and presentations.
• Promote responsible and sustainable agrochemical use.

Skills

Independent remote work

Strong communication

Data analysis software

Scientific reporting

Education

Master's or PhD in Entomology/Plant Pathology/Agronomy

Tools

Data analysis software

Scientific reporting tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural research and development firm, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Crop Protection Specialist to join their team. This is a fully remote position, offering the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge solutions in pest and disease management from anywhere. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, evaluating, and recommending integrated crop protection strategies for a wide range of agricultural commodities. You will play a crucial role in advising on the safe and effective use of pesticides, biological control agents, and cultural practices to minimize crop losses and environmental impact. This role requires a deep understanding of entomology, plant pathology, and agronomy, coupled with excellent research and communication skills. We are looking for an expert in the field of crop protection who can drive innovation and provide strategic guidance to our agricultural partners, ensuring the health and productivity of crops across diverse farming systems. Your expertise will be key in safeguarding harvests and promoting sustainable agricultural practices through remote consultation and strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) programs for various crops.
• Conducting research and field trials on new crop protection products and techniques.
• Evaluating the efficacy and safety of pesticides, biopesticides, and other control agents.
• Providing expert advice and technical support on pest and disease identification and management to farmers and agronomists.
• Analyzing crop health data and recommending appropriate interventions to minimize yield losses.
• Staying abreast of regulatory changes, new pest threats, and advancements in crop protection technology.
• Contributing to the development of training materials and best practice guidelines for crop protection.
• Collaborating with research institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Preparing technical reports, scientific publications, and presentations on crop protection strategies.
• Advising on the responsible and sustainable use of agrochemicals to minimize environmental impact.
• Monitoring pest and disease outbreaks and developing rapid response strategies.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or a closely related agricultural science field.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in crop protection, pest management, or plant disease management.
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of insect pests, plant diseases, and weeds affecting major agricultural crops.
• Experience with conducting field trials and analyzing experimental data.
• Strong understanding of pesticide toxicology, application technology, and regulatory affairs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects remotely.
• Proficiency in relevant software for data analysis and scientific reporting.
• A passion for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

• This remote position offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Employees will have the flexibility to work from their chosen location.
• Our client provides opportunities for professional growth through involvement in innovative research projects and access to ongoing training.
• Contribution to significant advancements in sustainable agriculture is a core aspect of this role.
• You will be part of a dedicated team of experts focused on tackling critical challenges in global food security.
• This role includes paid time off and other benefits typically associated with full-time employment.
• Access to a network of leading researchers and industry professionals will be provided.