About

Job description:

Our client T Muso & Co Pty. Ltd. is a large independent vegetable cultivation and processing business in South Australia using innovative technologies to produce higher-demand vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce and potato. As the R & D lead, you are responsible for working with the management and the operations teams to improve the productivity and sustainability of the primary business and associated networks through generating and sharing knowledge on soil and in-crop & postharvest management and providing strategic advice to support long-term crop planning, maximise yields, manage production risks, and ensure the ongoing commercial sustainability of the business.

Responsibilities:

- Provide strategic advice and guidance to the management and farm staff on production planning, crop rotations, market insights, crop forecasting as well as on issues such as pest & disease management, soil and water conservation practices in Olericulture.

-Advice the company, managers and its stakeholders to maintain records on a range of vegetable crops from the land preparation to harvesting including processing and marketing handling of fresh produce.

-Collect, analyse, interpret and report plant/crop, soil, water, climate data and other information affecting production and profitability of farm operations and advise the management on developing appropriate management practices and production plans.

-Monitor and evaluate the current production practices and procedures to address the ongoing challenges in the farm and the industry and improve the efficiency of production processes.

-Develop, introduce and implement best management practices and techniques to improve crop production by alternative cultivation and management methods to increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the production system.

- Collect latest technical information/knowledge and inform the management, other staff and associated farmers to use field vegetable crop specific recommendations such as new varieties, planting times, cropping density, fertilizer practices and irrigation management.

Minimum requirements

-Tertiary qualification in Agricultural Science, Horticulture Science, Agronomy or a closely related discipline.

-Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Olericulture, especially with crucifers and other field vegetable industry with an understanding of general requirements of rural producers.

- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in on-farm consulting, farm operations including processing and marketing (preferably on vegetable industry).

- Practical knowledge of horticultural crop protection (i.e. pests, weeds, disease) and plant nutrition, irrigation and fertigation.

-Proven experience in interpreting reports and translating findings into practical actions.

- Strong grower relationship management skills with the ability to coach and influence.

-Solid analytical capability with confidence of working with data and reporting.

-A current driver’s license.

In addition
- Be able to ensure the team works within the businesses OH&S/WHS.
- Experience with farm machinery.

Benefits:
Professional development assistance