Sustainable Fertigation & Crop Protection Lead

United Exports; Vaalwater; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterberg Berries in Vaalwater, South Africa, seeks an experienced Fertigation & Crop Protection Manager to lead on-farm nutrient and water programs.

You will plan and implement fertigation and crop protection, monitor irrigation, maintain records, and ensure compliance with GlobalG.A.P., SIZA, and export standards. The role reports to the Farm General Manager and requires 3+ years in fertigation and crop protection.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related agricultural field is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in fertigation, irrigation, and/or crop protection in a commercial agricultural environment.
• Experience with GlobalG.A.P., SIZA, or similar compliance standards.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and record-keeping skills.
• Computer literacy including Microsoft Office and farm management systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement seasonal fertigation programmes.
• Monitor irrigation scheduling and soil moisture data to optimise water and nutrient delivery.
• Maintain accurate fertigation records, mixing programmes, and dosing schedules.
• Conduct regular field inspections and adjust programmes as required.
• Oversee the maintenance and functioning of irrigation systems.
• Develop and implement crop protection programmes, including chemical and biological controls.
• Ensure compliance with spray programmes, MRLs, and export standards; maintain records of crop protection activities.
• Analyse water usage, nutrient applications, and pest/disease trends; prepare regular management reports.
• Lead, train, and develop fertigation, irrigation, and crop protection teams; promote IPM and sustainable farming.

Skills

Irrigation management

Crop protection

Nutrient management

IPM

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture/ Agronomy

Tools

Farm management systems

Job description

Waterberg Berries in Vaalwater, South Africa, seeks an experienced Fertigation & Crop Protection Manager to lead on-farm nutrient and water programs.

You will plan and implement fertigation and crop protection, monitor irrigation, maintain records, and ensure compliance with GlobalG.A.P., SIZA, and export standards. The role reports to the Farm General Manager and requires 3+ years in fertigation and crop protection.