Senior Crop Protection Specialist - Integrated Pest Management

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane seeks a Senior Crop Protection Specialist to lead IPM programs across diverse crops. You will monitor fields, diagnose pest issues, and design integrated control strategies while promoting sustainable agriculture in the Limpopo region.

The role requires a Master’s in Entomology/Pathology/Agronomy and at least 7 years of crop protection experience, with travel to field sites and team training responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or related field.
• 7+ years of crop protection experience in a commercial setting.
• Strong IPM expertise and sustainable pest-control practices.
• Willingness to travel within Limpopo and perform field work.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement IPM programs tailored to crops and regional conditions.
• Monitor fields for pests, diseases, and weed pressure; record findings.
• Identify pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies; advise controls.
• Evaluate biological, cultural, chemical, and mechanical methods.
• Train farm staff on monitoring, identification, and management practices.
• Stay updated on research and tech advances in crop protection.
• Ensure compliance with South African pesticide regulations and environment laws.
• Maintain detailed records of pest incidences and control effectiveness.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to integrate protection plans.
• Conduct trials to test new crop protection products and strategies.

Skills

IPM knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Staff training

Record keeping

Education

Master's degree in Entomology/Pathology/Agronomy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant agricultural producer in the **Limpopo** region, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Crop Protection Specialist. This vital role will focus on developing, implementing, and overseeing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to safeguard crop health and maximize yields across diverse farming operations. The ideal candidate will possess a profound knowledge of entomology, plant pathology, and sustainable pest control methods. You will be instrumental in minimizing crop losses due to pests, diseases, and weeds, while promoting environmentally sound practices. This position offers a challenging opportunity to contribute to the success of **South African** agriculture from its base in **Polokwane**, leading initiatives in advanced crop protection. We are looking for a proactive and knowledgeable specialist who can drive innovation in pest and disease management.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive IPM programs tailored to specific crops and regional conditions.
• Monitor fields regularly to detect early signs of pest infestations, diseases, and weed pressures.
• Identify pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, recommending appropriate and effective control measures.
• Evaluate and recommend the use of biological, cultural, chemical, and mechanical control methods.
• Train farm staff on best practices for pest and disease monitoring, identification, and management.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and technological advancements in crop protection.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant **South African** regulations regarding pesticide use and environmental protection.
• Maintain detailed records of pest and disease incidence, control measures, and their effectiveness.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to integrate crop protection strategies into overall farm plans.
• Conduct trials to test new crop protection products and strategies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in crop protection, with a strong emphasis on IPM strategies in a commercial agricultural setting.
• In-depth knowledge of common pests, diseases, and weeds affecting crops grown in **South Africa**.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective IPM programs.
• Experience with a range of control methods, including biological controls and sustainable practices.
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and advise field teams.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and reporting on pest management activities.
• Must be willing to travel extensively within the **Limpopo** province and conduct field-based work.
• Valid driver's license required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits.
• This position provides opportunities for professional growth, attendance at relevant conferences and training programs, and the chance to play a key role in sustainable agriculture in the **Polokwane** area and across **South Africa**.