Technical Agronomist

Afrikelp; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Afrikelp, a leading agricultural company, seeks a Technical Agronomist in Cape Town. This role focuses on agronomic trials, data analysis, and technical client support while contributing to the company's sustainability goals. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant MSc or PhD and 3-5 years of industry experience.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in agronomic research.
• Proven experience designing and conducting agricultural field trials.
• Strong knowledge of plant nutrition and crop production systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and manage controlled agronomic trials.
• Provide agronomic support to clients and internal teams.
• Present findings at industry events.

Skills

Technical Advisory

Data Analysis

Technical Support

Research Contribution

Communication Skills

Collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in Agriculture or related field

Tools

R / RStudio

Job description

Afrikelp Cape Town, Western Cape, South AfricaTechnical AgronomistAfrikelp Cape Town, Western Cape, South AfricaAt Afrikelp, we nurture growth that supports the sustainability of our people, partners, product, planet, and performance.

We are seeking a highly motivated, scientifically grounded, and solutions-oriented Technical Agronomist to support the R&D team in delivering value-driven outcomes to our clients and partners.PURPOSE OF THE ROLETo support the development, execution, and interpretation of agronomic trials that enhance product performance, generate scientific insight, and inform marketing and commercial strategies.

The role involves close collaboration with clients, contract research organisations (CROs), and internal teams to ensure high-quality data generation, technical service delivery, and the effective positioning of Afrikelp products and crop solutions.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESTrial Design, Execution, and Data AnalysisPlan, execute, and manage controlled and commercial agronomic trials across various crops and geographies.Develop detailed protocols and SOPs based on current scientific literature and best practices.Manage external CROs to ensure data quality, adherence to protocols, and timely delivery of results.Perform rigorous data analysis using statistical software (especially R / RStudio) to extract meaningful insights.Ensure trial data is presented in a scientifically sound, visually compelling, and commercially relevant format.Technical Advisory & Client EngagementProvide agronomic and technical support to farmers, distributors, and internal teams.Translate trial data and research findings into practical on-farm recommendations.Investigate and resolve technical product queries or client complaints, producing clear and detailed reports.Maintain strong relationships with strategic partners, distributors, growers, and relevant industry bodies.Scientific Contribution & Knowledge IntegrationStay abreast of emerging trends in plant science, soil health, crop nutrition, and biostimulants—particularly seaweed extracts.Contribute to internal product development initiatives and support expansion of existing offerings.Present findings at industry events, internal meetings, and scientific platforms.Collaborate on written content for peer-reviewed journals, popular articles, and technical bulletins.Work closely with the Applied Science Manager and other internal stakeholders to align research priorities with company goals.Support the marketing and sales teams by providing technical input for campaigns and training sessions.Contribute to Afrikelp's broader innovation and sustainability goals through ongoing professional development and cross-department collaboration.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSMSc or PhD in Agriculture, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Plant Breeding, or a related field (essential).AVCASA in Crop Protection and / or BASOS / FERTASA certification (preferred).SACNASP registration or eligibility will be advantageous.a valid driver's license and a willingness to travel regularly for work.3–5 years of experience in agronomic research or a technical role within the agricultural sector.Proven experience designing and conducting agricultural field trials.Demonstrated involvement in writing or contributing to scientific publications; authorship of peer-reviewed articles will be advantageous.Proficient in R / RStudio or similar statistical analysis tools.Strong knowledge of plant nutrition, crop production systems, and soil science.Experience working with liquid seaweed biostimulants is highly beneficial.Familiarity with GIS, remote sensing, and precision agriculture tools.Strong critical thinking and data interpretation abilities.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Capable of working both independently and within a team.Willingness to travel extensively and work in field conditions.Highly organised, proactive, and detail-orientedfortable presenting technical information to both scientific and commercial audiences.Should you be interested in the role, please apply by sending your CV through the LinkedIn Portal.Closing date for applications : 31 May Disclaimer : Strictly fair and non-discriminatory selection procedures will be followed.

We use Employment Equity (EE) and Affirmative Action (AA) measures in an endeavor to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups.

Where possible, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act and in line with Afrikelp Employment Equity plans.

Afrikelp reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Should you not hear from us within two weeks following the closing date for applications, kindly consider their application unsuccessful.Seniority levelSeniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionResearch, Analyst, and Information TechnologyIndustriesFarmingReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Afrikelp by 2xGet notified about new Agronomist jobs in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.We're unlocking community knowledge in a new way.

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