Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture and horticultural excellence? We are looking for an experienced Senior Agronomist to join our dynamic team and lead the way in enhancing the productivity and quality of our almond orchards here in New South Wales.
About the role
The purpose of this role is to provide technical expertise, developing crop management strategies, and supporting sustainable agriculture practices to enhance productivity and quality horticultural production whilst monitoring, controlling, and reporting of pest and diseases in almonds to support tree health, yields and profitability on orchards.
Your key accountabilities will include:
* Providing advanced agronomic support to the experienced farming team.
* Develop and implement block by block crop management plans for fertigation, sprays and soil health.
* Conduct field trials and research to evaluate new agronomic practices, crop varieties, and technologies.
* Actively expand understanding of irrigation horticulture practices related to almond production and agronomy through independent study, research, conferences and seminars.
* Provide expert advice on irrigation management, pest and diseases, fertigation and soil amelioration requirements. In addition to providing support to on-farm management including regular training sessions.
* Develop annual irrigation and nutrition programs for the region.
* Monitor and guide farm activities to ensure plans and schedules are strictly adhered to.
* Constantly monitor orchard health with the farming team providing recommendations for improvement.
* Contribute to the development of best practice pest disease management plans.
* Manage soil monitoring programs, reviewing trends and developing management plans.
* Expand the implementation of precision farming techniques.
* Contribute to the annual budgeting process for the region.
About you
To be considered for this role you are a seasoned horticulture agronomy professional. You will have a deep understanding of the scientific principles under pinning broad scale, irrigated, horticultural production. You will have a bachelor's or master's degree in agricultural science. Most importantly you will be able to demonstrate a sustained career or consulting success in a similar environment.
You will also have:
* A minimum of 10 years' experience working with horticultural crops.
* Proven ability to work with senior operational business managers, presenting plans and contributing to budget processes.
* Experience managing pest and disease programs is desirable.
* Proficiency in data analysis and the use of agricultural software and technologies.
* The ability to manage trials and projects to conclusion.
* A deep understanding of sustainable agricultural practices.
About the company
ofi is a leading global integrated supply chain manager, processor and grower of agricultural products and food ingredients, supplying various products across 16 platforms to over 13,000 customers worldwide. With a direct presence in more than 65 countries with sourcing and processing in most major producing countries, Olam has built a global leadership position in many of its businesses. In Australia & New Zealand, we operate in multiple products including coca, dairy, and almonds.
You must be confident of passing our pre-employment medical / drug screen as we have a zero tolerance policy to drugs.