8 Agronomy jobs in South Africa

• Identifies the need for human resources in project(s) and manages the allocated resources.
• Plans and co-ordinates own and technical project work activities.
• Independently conducts specialist research/technical support, diagnostics, and other services within projects.
• Collects, captures, processes and interprets technical data and makes internal project recommendations.
• Compiles detailed technical reports and submits for approval.
• Recommends new technologies to be optimized.
• Renders diagnostic, technical and other services at a national level.
• Develops technical capacity at an appropriate level.
• Identifies and participates in own learning opportunities.
• Participates in the project and supervises as delegated.
• Assists with compiling & managing project budget.
• Presents results to stakeholders.
• Manages project facilities, material and equipment.
• Ensures optimal utilization of resources.
• Compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
• Compliance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures.

• MSc or MTech in Agronomy, Horticulture, Crop Science, Agricultural Science, or related field.
• 2 years relevant experience in scientific research focused on agronomic research.
• Agricultural Research knowledge and skills, including ability to set-up and manage research trials.
• Extensive knowledge of hemp/cannabis production systems.
• Good verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Evidence of popular article publications and/or reviewed publications will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.

Enquiries: Dr MM Mofokeng, Tel: (

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 06 SEPTEMBER 2025 

A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance (as well as competency and leadership assessments).

Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees.  Certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s license must be attached on the form.

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Company Description
As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter these threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all – while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs. Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting. From the moment a seed is planted through to harvest, crops need to be protected from weeds, insects and diseases as well as droughts and floods, heat and cold. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Switzerland.

Job Description

• Lead the strategy for adoption and growth of digital agronomy services in the region, engaging with key stakeholders to drive implementation and success.
• Provide support to clients using our farm management and field monitoring platform. This includes onboarding clients onto the platform, drawing up field boundaries, setting up their accounts, and providing support in using the platform.
• The position will be based in the Eastern Free State or KwaZulu-Natal, preferably near Bethlehem/Harrismith/Winterton.
• Crop focus will mainly be maize, wheat and potatoes.
• Take note this is a full-time contract position for 12 months.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Sales, Marketing, Seeds, Distributors, and influential farmers to promote adoption of digital solutions.
• Conduct regular stakeholder analysis and engagement planning to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
• Organize and lead workshops, demonstrations, and training sessions to showcase the value of digital agronomy services to potential clients.
• Onboard new users onto the platform, including setting up their accounts and providing training on how to use the platform.
• Draw up field boundaries and input them into the platform. This may require travelling to visit farms and gather field boundary information.
• Provide ongoing support to users, including answering questions and troubleshooting any issues they may have.
• Other duties as assigned: data entry, data enquiries, database management, etc.

• Associates or Bachelor's degree in a related field such as agriculture or geography.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, in both Afrikaans and English.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work with precision and accuracy.
• Passion for agriculture and technology.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.
• Willingness to travel to visit farms to onboard and support users with the platform.
• Goal and achievement oriented with a strong desire to meet and exceed expectations.
• Attention to detail to ensure data and reports are accurate and precise.

• Strong computer skills and proficiency with common office software (e.g. Microsoft Office).
• Experience with farm management, field monitoring platforms or geographic information systems (GIS) (preferred, but not required).

• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a dynamic agricultural technology environment.
• Skill in navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and aligning diverse interests towards common goals.
• Capacity to drive change and overcome resistance to new technologies in traditional farming communities.
• Own reliable travel to visit farms, driving on gravel roads.
• Clearly and comfortably communicate with clients who are predominantly Afrikaans.

• Mid-Senior level

• Contract

• Chemical Manufacturing

VKB Group Bursary Opportunity 2026

Invest in your future – with a company that's invested in you!

At VKB, we believe in planting seeds —not just in fields, but in people. As a leading agricultural enterprise rooted in the heart of South Africa, we’ve grown from humble beginnings into a powerhouse in the food value chain. With over a century of innovation and excellence behind us, we’re proud to be a shareholder-backed “house of brands,” creating meaningful impact across various sectors.

Today, VKB is more than just an agricultural company . With a footprint that spans every link of the food value chain, we operate in a wide range of disciplines—including core agricultural roles like agronomy, animal sciences, agri-processing, grain handling, and agri-finance, as well as corporate functions such as Human Resources, Finance, IT, Marketing, Legal, Procurement, Logistics, and more. From food production and retail to insurance and business services, our integrated business model touches nearly every aspect of modern agriculture and rural development.

We’re passionate about nurturing the next generation of experts and innovators who will help shape the future of our company—and the industry. If you are a motivated student with a strong academic record and a deep desire to grow within one of South Africa’s most established agribusinesses, we want to invest in your future.

Apply for a VKB bursary and take the first step toward a rewarding career that feeds, fuels, and strengthens our nation.

What’s on Offer?

We are inviting passionate and driven individuals to apply for a bursary in BSc Agric majoring in Agronomy.

Whether you’re in matric and planning to study in 2026, or already studying toward the relevant degree , this bursary could be your next big step!

Effective Date:

January 2026 intake

Minimum Requirements

For Grade 12 Applicants:

• Valid South African ID
• National Senior Certificate with a minimum 70% average
• Upload latest Grade 11 & current Grade 12 results

For Tertiary Students:

• Enrolled at an accredited South African tertiary institution
• Minimum 60% average in major subjects
• Submit full academic record including 2025 results

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to complete vacation work at one of our regional head offices
• Willingness to relocate after studies for potential employment or work-back obligations
• Fluency in English and Afrikaans (spoken and written)

Important Application Instructions:

• Applications open 1 August 2025 and close 30 September 2025
• Use Google Chrome to access the portal
• Upload all supporting documents in PDF format
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• We reserve the right not to award a bursary

Apply Online via Simplify

Complete your application and answer all required questions honestly and accurately.

Let’s grow your future together – apply now and be part of the VKB Group, where people matter, and potential is nurtured.

In the framework of a DAAD-funded project focused on Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science, the University of the Western Cape (Cape Town, South Africa) is seeking to appoint a Research Chair at the level of Associate Professor/Professor, starting from 1 March 2026.The Chair is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

A key component of this project is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the University of the Western Cape, dedicated to sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, as well as applied agricultural and food and nutritional data science. The centre’s primary objective is to further develop the expertise of doctoral students, early-career researchers, and university lecturers through application-oriented and transdisciplinary research in agri-food systems and applied data science. It also aims to enhance teaching methodologies and mentorship programmes within these interdisciplinary fields.

The Centre is established within a German-African university consortium, co-led by the University of Hohenheim and the University of the Western Cape, with the University of Pretoria and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources as core partners and the University of Mpumalanga as associate partner.

Within the Centre, a Research Chair is created to advance the linkage between agri-food systems research and data science. The Research Chair will, together with the management team, lead and coordinate the activities of the Centre, and serve as a liaison between the Centre and the research groups at the partnering institutions (including the NRF-funded Research Chair on farming systems at the University of Mpumalanga). The duration of the contract position is tied to the project’s duration which ends December 2029.The position is financed by the DAAD with funds from the BMFTR, reporting directly to the Deputy Vice Chancellor responsible for Research and Innovation at the University of the Western Cape.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key performance areas:

• Establish and advance an independent research agenda aligned with the Centre’s research themes;
• Strengthen the research profile of the Centre via active participation, postdoctoral and PhD supervision, publications, and innovative contributions;
• Facilitate learning events affiliated to resilient food systems and agri-food data sciences;
• Spearhead the liaison between the Centre and the research groups at the partnering institutions in the consortium with the aim of deepening the synergistic relationships and creating possibilities for creating new opportunities and channels of funding;
• Work with the eResearch Office, the Information and Communication Services (ICS) on Research Data Management (RDM) and High Performance Computing issues related to agri-food systems;
• Facilitate research grants and learning and/or teaching stays for German doctoral students, university lecturers and (young) researchers in South Africa;
• Facilitate regular webinars and seminars on Resilient Food Systems and Agri-Food Data Science;
• Develop mechanisms for long term sustainability of the Centre of Excellence;
• Work with relevant departments on the establishment of agri-food data science short courses for the industry.

• You must be a citizen of an EU member state.
• Applicants (m/f/d) should generally have lived in the Federal Republic of Germany for the last two years before applying. Close contact with a German university is also essential during the period abroad.
• Possession of a Ph.D. in one of the following fields: Data Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Food Systems/Agriculture with a demonstrated expertise in Data Science applications.
• Experience in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate data science courses at a German University.
• A track record of quality peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals and conferences, and research in data science, preferably in the context of Agri-food Systems.
• A track record of successful postgraduate supervision of both Masters and PhD students in Data Science and/or Agri-food Systems.
• Evidence of international presence in data science related research fields.
• Evidence of leadership experience and ability to work in multinational and multicultural research environments.

The following documents must be submitted with the application:

• a cover letter outlining your interest.
• a separate description of your research vision for the Centre of Excellence.
• a curriculum vitae including a list of publications.
• contact information for three referees.
• a brief teaching dossier, preferably on data science and food systems related modules including teaching evaluations.

Research Chair: Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science

Post Number

8653

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Natural Sciences -> Natural Sciences Faculty Administration

Type of Position

Fixed Term Contract

Length of Contract Period

N/A

Location

Closing Date

15/10/2025

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

In the framework of a DAAD-funded project focused on Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science, the University of the Western Cape (Cape Town, South Africa) is seeking to appoint a Research Chair at the level of Associate Professor/Professor, starting from 1 March 2026.The Chair is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

A key component of this project is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the University of the Western Cape, dedicated to sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, as well as applied agricultural and food and nutritional data science. The centre’s primary objective is to further develop the expertise of doctoral students, early-career researchers, and university lecturers through application-oriented and transdisciplinary research in agri-food systems and applied data science. It also aims to enhance teaching methodologies and mentorship programmes within these interdisciplinary fields.

The Centre is established within a German-African university consortium, co-led by the University of Hohenheim and the University of the Western Cape, with the University of Pretoria and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources as core partners and the University of Mpumalanga as associate partner.

Within the Centre, a Research Chair is created to advance the linkage between agri-food systems research and data science. The Research Chair will, together with the management team, lead and coordinate the activities of the Centre, and serve as a liaison between the Centre and the research groups at the partnering institutions (including the NRF-funded Research Chair on farming systems at the University of Mpumalanga). The duration of the contract position is tied to the project’s duration which ends December 2029.The position is financed by the DAAD with funds from the BMFTR, reporting directly to the Deputy Vice Chancellor responsible for Research and Innovation at the University of the Western Cape.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key performance areas:

• Establish and advance an independent research agenda aligned with the Centre’s research themes;
• Strengthen the research profile of the Centre via active participation, postdoctoral and PhD supervision, publications, and innovative contributions;
• Facilitate learning events affiliated to resilient food systems and agri-food data sciences;
• Spearhead the liaison between the Centre and the research groups at the partnering institutions in the consortium with the aim of deepening the synergistic relationships and creating possibilities for creating new opportunities and channels of funding;
• Work with the eResearch Office, the Information and Communication Services (ICS) on Research Data Management (RDM) and High Performance Computing issues related to agri-food systems;
• Facilitate research grants and learning and/or teaching stays for German doctoral students, university lecturers and (young) researchers in South Africa;
• Facilitate regular webinars and seminars on Resilient Food Systems and Agri-Food Data Science;
• Develop mechanisms for long term sustainability of the Centre of Excellence;
• Work with relevant departments on the establishment of agri-food data science short courses for the industry.
• You must be a citizen of an EU member state.
• Applicants (m/f/d) should generally have lived in the Federal Republic of Germany for the last two years before applying. Close contact with a German university is also essential during the period abroad.
• Possession of a Ph.D. in one of the following fields: Data Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Food Systems/Agriculture with a demonstrated expertise in Data Science applications.
• Experience in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate data science courses at a German University.
• A track record of quality peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals and conferences, and research in data science, preferably in the context of Agri-food Systems.
• A track record of successful postgraduate supervision of both Masters and PhD students in Data Science and/or Agri-food Systems.
• Evidence of international presence in data science related research fields.
• Evidence of leadership experience and ability to work in multinational and multicultural research environments.

The following documents must be submitted with the application:

• a separate description of your research vision for the Centre of Excellence.
• a curriculum vitae including a list of publications.
• contact information for three referees.
• a brief teaching dossier, preferably on data science and food systems related modules including teaching evaluations.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.

Research Chair: Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science

Post Number

8653

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Natural Sciences -> Natural Sciences Faculty Administration

Type of Position

Fixed Term Contract

Length of Contract Period

N/A

Location

Closing Date

15/10/2025

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

In the framework of a DAAD-funded project focused on Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science, the University of the Western Cape (Cape Town, South Africa) is seeking to appoint a Research Chair at the level of Associate Professor/Professor, starting from 1 March 2026.The Chair is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

A key component of this project is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the University of the Western Cape, dedicated to sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, as well as applied agricultural and food and nutritional data science. The centre’s primary objective is to further develop the expertise of doctoral students, early-career researchers, and university lecturers through application-oriented and transdisciplinary research in agri-food systems and applied data science. It also aims to enhance teaching methodologies and mentorship programmes within these interdisciplinary fields.

The Centre is established within a German-African university consortium, co-led by the University of Hohenheim and the University of the Western Cape, with the University of Pretoria and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources as core partners and the University of Mpumalanga as associate partner.

Within the Centre, a Research Chair is created to advance the linkage between agri-food systems research and data science. The Research Chair will, together with the management team, lead and coordinate the activities of the Centre, and serve as a liaison between the Centre and the research groups at the partnering institutions (including the NRF-funded Research Chair on farming systems at the University of Mpumalanga). The duration of the contract position is tied to the project’s duration which ends December 2029.The position is financed by the DAAD with funds from the BMFTR, reporting directly to the Deputy Vice Chancellor responsible for Research and Innovation at the University of the Western Cape.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key performance areas:

• Establish and advance an independent research agenda aligned with the Centre’s research themes;
• Strengthen the research profile of the Centre via active participation, postdoctoral and PhD supervision, publications, and innovative contributions;
• Facilitate learning events affiliated to resilient food systems and agri-food data sciences;
• Spearhead the liaison between the Centre and the research groups at the partnering institutions in the consortium with the aim of deepening the synergistic relationships and creating possibilities for creating new opportunities and channels of funding;
• Work with the eResearch Office, the Information and Communication Services (ICS) on Research Data Management (RDM) and High Performance Computing issues related to agri-food systems;
• Facilitate research grants and learning and/or teaching stays for German doctoral students, university lecturers and (young) researchers in South Africa;
• Facilitate regular webinars and seminars on Resilient Food Systems and Agri-Food Data Science;
• Develop mechanisms for long term sustainability of the Centre of Excellence;
• Work with relevant departments on the establishment of agri-food data science short courses for the industry.
• You must be a citizen of an EU member state.
• Applicants (m/f/d) should generally have lived in the Federal Republic of Germany for the last two years before applying. Close contact with a German university is also essential during the period abroad.
• Possession of a Ph.D. in one of the following fields: Data Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Food Systems/Agriculture with a demonstrated expertise in Data Science applications.
• Experience in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate data science courses at a German University.
• A track record of quality peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals and conferences, and research in data science, preferably in the context of Agri-food Systems.
• A track record of successful postgraduate supervision of both Masters and PhD students in Data Science and/or Agri-food Systems.
• Evidence of international presence in data science related research fields.
• Evidence of leadership experience and ability to work in multinational and multicultural research environments.

The following documents must be submitted with the application:

• a separate description of your research vision for the Centre of Excellence.
• a curriculum vitae including a list of publications.
• contact information for three referees.
• a brief teaching dossier, preferably on data science and food systems related modules including teaching evaluations.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.