Senior Soil & Water Scientist — Sustainable Ag R&D

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, a leader in agricultural research, seeks an accomplished Agricultural Scientist specializing in Soil and Water Management. You will conduct cutting-edge studies to optimize soil health and water-use efficiency in South Africa's farming systems.

This role combines field and laboratory research, data analysis, and the development of practical guidelines for sustainable soil and water management in the Free State, with opportunities for collaboration with farmers and

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Soil Science or related field.
• 5+ years of research in soil and water management in agriculture.
• Strong knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology and hydrology.
• Experience with data analysis and scientific writing.
• GIS and remote sensing familiarity is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on soil properties, fertility, and health, and their impact on crop production.
• Develop and evaluate water management strategies, including irrigation techniques and water conservation methods.
• Analyze soil and water samples to assess quality, nutrient levels, and potential contaminants.
• Investigate and recommend soil amendment practices to improve soil structure and fertility.
• Model and predict the effects of land use practices on soil and water resources.
• Develop guidelines and best practices for sustainable agriculture, focusing on soil and water conservation.
• Collaborate with farmers, extension officers, and other stakeholders to disseminate research findings and provide technical support.
• Design and manage field experiments and laboratory studies.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in soil science, hydrology, and sustainable land management.

Skills

Soil science

Hydrology

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Soil Science or related

Tools

GIS

Remote sensing

Job description

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, a leader in agricultural research, seeks an accomplished Agricultural Scientist specializing in Soil and Water Management. You will conduct cutting-edge studies to optimize soil health and water-use efficiency in South Africa's farming systems.

This role combines field and laboratory research, data analysis, and the development of practical guidelines for sustainable soil and water management in the Free State, with opportunities for collaboration with farmers and