Agronomist
TWK Agri
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Permanent
Closing Date 04 November 2024 Job Details Division: Constantia Fertilizer
Minimum experience: Associate
Company primary industry: Agriculture
Job functional area: Production
Job Description
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 and developing tailored fertilizer recommendations.
Responsibilities and Duties: 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. 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. 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. 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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