Senior Crop Protection Specialist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Company car and fuel allowance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng invites a Senior Crop Protection Specialist to lead R&D, field trials, and IPM initiatives for key crops, translating research into practical farming solutions for farmers in Sandton and beyond. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in a crop protection discipline, with 7+ years in R&D or technical support, strong IPM expertise, and proven ability to travel to field sites.

Joining a leading agrochemical company, you will contribute to sustainable agriculture and

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a crop protection field with research focus.
• Experience in crop protection R&D, product development, or technical support.
• Strong knowledge of pesticides, IPM, and regulatory aspects.
• Ability to translate research into practical farming solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D initiatives for new crop protection products and formulations.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate efficacy and safety under varied conditions.
• Develop crop protection programs tailored to crops and regions.
• Provide technical support and training to sales teams and distributors.
• Analyze pest and disease trends and recommend control measures.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for pesticide use and registration.
• Collaborate with R&D, regulatory, and marketing teams.

Skills

IPM expertise

Field trial design

Analytical thinking

Scientific communication

Independent worker

Education

Master's or PhD in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or related crop protection

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agrochemical company with a significant presence in Sandton , is seeking a highly qualified Senior Crop Protection Specialist. This role will be instrumental in developing and implementing innovative crop protection strategies for various agricultural sectors. The specialist will focus on research, development, and technical support related to pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The ideal candidate will possess deep scientific knowledge, strong analytical skills, and the ability to translate research findings into practical solutions for farmers. This is a key position within a dynamic company, contributing to agricultural productivity and sustainability in Gauteng and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development initiatives for new crop protection products and formulations.
• Conduct field trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of crop protection agents under various conditions.
• Develop comprehensive crop protection programs tailored to specific crops and regions.
• Provide expert technical support and training to sales teams, distributors, and end-users.
• Analyze pest and disease trends and recommend appropriate control measures.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for pesticide registration and use.
• Collaborate with internal R&D teams, regulatory affairs, and marketing departments.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements, emerging pests/diseases, and industry best practices in crop protection.
• Contribute to the development of product stewardship guidelines and best management practices.
• Prepare scientific reports, technical bulletins, and publications.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or a related discipline with a specialization in crop protection.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in crop protection research, development, or technical support within the agricultural industry.
• Proven expertise in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Strong knowledge of pesticide modes of action, efficacy, and environmental impact.
• Experience in designing and managing field trials.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory processes for agrochemicals is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel periodically to field sites and industry events.
• A valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
• Generous retirement fund contributions.
• Company car and fuel allowance.
• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and training.
• Opportunity to influence product development and agricultural practices.
• A challenging and rewarding role within a leading agrochemical company in Sandton .