Constantia Kunsmis, part of the TWK Group, has the following vacancy available: Agronomist at Umlaas, KwaZulu-Natal. Job Purpose: The Agronomist will provide expertise on soil and plant health, nutrient management, and crop production to enhance agricultural productivity and support farmers, distributors, and the sales team. This role involves conducting field trials, developing tailored fertilizer recommendations. Responsibilities and Duties: 1. Soil and Plant Health Management
Conduct soil sampling, testing, and analysis to assess nutrient levels and recommend appropriate fertilizer applications based on specific crop and soil conditions
Provide advice on soil management practices, such as improving soil fertility, erosion control, and addressing soil salinity or pH imbalances
Develop and implement crop nutrition plans that optimize plant health, yield, and quality for various crops grown in the Mpumalanga province
Assist in maximizing the efficiency of fertilizer applications through recommendations on timing, method, and dosage, ensuring minimal environmental impact
2. Field Trials and Research
Design, manage, and execute field trials to test new fertilizer products or agronomic practices
Support product testing and trials, contributing feedback on how different products perform under varying soil and crop conditions
Analyse trial data and produce reports to assess product performance
Work with the marketing team to create product usage guides, technical literature, and promotional materials that accurately reflect the agronomic benefits of products
3. Offer professional fertilization and agronomic advice
Act as the technical expert for farmers, distributors, and sales teams, offering agronomic advice, problem-solving support, and product usage recommendations
Conduct farm visits and field inspections to diagnose issues related to soil fertility, crop health, and fertilizer application practices
Provide training and workshops for farmers and distributors on fertilizer application, nutrient management, and sustainable farming practices
4. Sales Support
Assist the sales team by providing technical expertise on products, addressing client inquiries, and recommending solutions that meet the specific needs of different crops or regions
Participate in trade shows, conferences, and client meetings to represent the company as a technical expert
Qualifications and Skills
BSc in Agronomy or similar
Additional certifications – BASOS qualified (AVCASA Beneficial)
At least 5 years of experience working as an Agronomist or in a similar agricultural advisory role
Experience with field trials, soil analysis, and crop production support
Knowledge of the fertilizer industry and experience working with fertilizer products is highly desirable
In-depth understanding of Mpumalanga's diverse climates, soil types, and agricultural practices
Ability to diagnose soil and crop health issues and recommend effective solutions
Understanding of plant nutrient needs and soil management to offer tailored recommendations
Focused on meeting the needs of farmers and distributors by providing practical, results-oriented agronomic advice
Stay current with the latest agronomic research and technologies to help the company offer cutting-edge products and services
Strong analytical skills with experience in interpreting soil and plant tissue analysis reports
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working directly with farmers, clients, and internal teams
Ability to translate complex scientific data into actionable advice for non-expert clients
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