About the Opportunity

Driscoll's, the global Berry company, is looking for an Agronomist to be based in the Limpopo/ Mpumalanga area of South Africa. We need your expertise to maximize the potential of our proprietary genetics and engaging with independent growers creating enterprise value. Your main objective will be to provide technical advice to growers, understanding and extending production methods, cycles and new technologies. Working with growers to map, facilitate, track and interpret on-farm trials. Additionally, you will need to evaluate variety performance and feasibility in new and existing growing regions and production systems.

Responsibilities

Core responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Build complex fertiliser programs and irrigation schedules for both soil and substrate blueberry production systems.
• Disciplined approach to agronomic recommendations to growers, including visit reports and follow up action steps.
• Ability to influence grower agronomic practices.
• Solve current and new pest and disease challenges for growers across different countries and climates.
• Utilise a network of internal and external resources to approach agronomic challenges through critical thinking.
• Plan and manage budgets and prioritizing expenditure within set guidelines.

Candidate Profile

Candidate Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (with at least 8 years of experience) in Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science, Plant pathology, Entomology or Agriculture, with comprehensive understanding of horticulture, plant physiology and plant genetics.
• Knowledge of the agronomic practices relating to horticultural crops from seedling to harvesting.
• Berry production knowledge including direct experience with soft fruit production would be highly desirable.
• Practical experience of farming practices including equipment operation and management, irrigation management, and pest control.
• Knowledge and experience of agricultural research would be an added advantage.
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication Skills
• Keen understanding and appreciation of integrated pest management.
• Feel comfortable working in field, office, and corporate settings.
• Willing to travel to other farming locations with the ability to travel internationally being compulsory.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program are also required.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Open attitude to learn new systems and new technologies in farming, to enable us to grow more berries with less resources.
• Collaborative attitude with the highest level of service. 

English as primary language in the work place with Afrikaans as a major benefit as well as any other languages.

About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.

Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.

Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.

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Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo.

Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro.

Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.