Senior Agronomist
On-siteParilla, State of South Australia, Commonwealth of Australia
Job Summary
Provide farm-based agronomic input into production planning, budgets, and seasonal crop programs. Deliver agronomic advice to Farm Managers and Supervisors regarding land preparation, planting, irrigation, fertiliser, crop protection, monitoring, and harvesting. Develop crop monitoring programs to identify development, nutritional needs, pests, diseases, and weeds early. Recommend and monitor fertiliser and chemical programs to meet yield targets and cost objectives. Support Integrated Pest Management strategies and maintain accurate agronomic records. Organise and evaluate agronomic trials and demonstrations. Conduct research on new techniques and varieties. Provide regular crop assessments, production forecasts, and updates to management teams. Assist with yield, quality, and harvest planning. Identify opportunities to improve yield, pack-out, quality, and input efficiency while maintaining safety standards. Investigate crop performance issues and develop corrective actions. Support seasonal and longer-term agronomic strategies. Participate in Pye Group networking for continuous improvement. Provide technical coaching and training to farm personnel. Build relationships with operations, procurement, quality, and maintenance teams. Work outdoors in all weather conditions. Full/unrestricted driver's licence required.
Required Qualifications
- Tertiary and/or post graduate level qualification in Agronomy, Agriculture, Agricultural Science or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience
- Minimum of 15 years relevant agronomic experience, within commercial horticultural or fresh produce operations
- Sound understanding of crop production, seasonal timing, crop nutrition, irrigation, pest and disease management and general agronomy relating to fresh produce and vegetable crops
- Demonstrated experience in potato, carrot and onion production
- Experience in crop monitoring, agronomic trials, production planning, data analysis and interpretation of crop performance
- Demonstrated knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and responsible chemical use
- Chemical User Certificate Accreditation
- Full/unrestricted driver's licence
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with employees, Farm Managers, suppliers and external stakeholders
- Strong analytical, planning, problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team
- Cultural adaptability and a willingness to work with a diverse range of stakeholders
- Ability and willingness to work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions
- Commitment to ongoing learning, continuous improvement and a strong work ethic
- Commitment to delivering team goals and the drive to achieve successful production outcomes
- Willingness to relocate to Parilla
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in potato, carrot and onion production is highly desirable
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.