Duties & Responsibilities
What we’re looking for:
We are looking for a Field Agronomist to join our dynamic team. The role is physically located in Isando, in Johannesburg. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- To educate growers on latest agronomic practices that drive best in class potato quality (lower defects, higher solids), increased yields, reduce foreign objects, inspects and recommend farmer washing/grading operations and equipment.
- Develop, implement and maintain good handling practices for potatoes to ensure high quality potatoes from storage to the factory.
- Provide Simba growers with best in class, specialist agronomic support to deliver improved potato quality, monitor crop performance (Croptrack) and implement sustainable improvements across all Simba growers and growing regions.
- Provide regional Agro management with monthly commercial crop volume estimates compared to contracted volumes, forecast crop losses where it occurs, and/or identify potential supply risks in order to effectively plan for “short/over-supply” for commercial contract periods.
- Interact with plant schedulers regularly, potato laboratory when needed, FLM’s and Operations Managers where needed to facilitate effective management of the potato supply chain from farm to production.
- Facilitate the successful integration of new potato varieties into SA Program (identify suitable fields and areas for field trials, monitor fields and crop progress regularly, monitor crop quality, arrange plant trials and jointly collate and analyze conversion and consumer performance).
- Assist Commercial Potato Supply Manager in selecting regional strategic planting areas and farmers that will minimize risk and maximize productivity.
- Facilitate and execute research projects (new plant materials, fertilizers and chemical, planting and irrigation practices), which will contribute positively to sustainability and productivity programs.
- Stay updated with latest/best available technology in the agricultural industry in order to be able to assist farmers in making informed decisions.
Desired Experience & Qualification
What will qualify you for the role:
- Specialist Agronomical Knowledge of Potato Crop, with emphasis on quantity and quality forecasting (Preferably B.Sc. (Agric) degree or Diploma in agriculture).
- Knowledge and experience of agricultural industry (5 + years).
- Good technical and planning skills.
- High level of computer literacy.
- Experience in the processing sector would be an advantage.
- Experience in Agronomy related food safety programs.
- Experience in Logistics would be beneficial.
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