Technical Field Officer Crops

About the role

A highly successful commercial crop-farming operation is looking for a technically strong Technical Field Officer to join its agricultural business in the Delmas district. This is a field-based technical role that provides agronomic support and technical advice to the company and its network of contract farmers, with the aim of improving crop performance, yield and overall production efficiency. The successful candidate will spend much of their time in the field working directly with farmers.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical agronomic advice to contract farmers throughout the production cycle, focusing on crop performance, yield optimisation and quality.
• Carry out regular field inspections, crop assessments and monitoring, identify production constraints and recommend corrective actions.
• Advise on cultivar selection, planting practices, crop establishment, plant population, soil preparation and tillage, based on soil, climate and production conditions.
• Give technical guidance on soil fertility, fertilisation, plant nutrition, pH and nutrient management, and on the identification and control of weeds, pests, diseases and environmental stress.
• Evaluate crop performance and the effectiveness of agronomic interventions through field observations and production results to drive continuous yield improvement.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in agriculture (BSc Agric in Agronomy/Plant Production or National Diploma in Agriculture) is advantageous; candidates with matric and sufficient experience will also be considered.
• At least 2-5 years' experience in technical support or crop production, especially in dry beans and grain crops.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with farmers.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as part of a team, and demonstrated leadership.