We are a leading global integrated supply chain manager and processor of agricultural products and food ingredients, sourcing 20 products with a direct presence in 70 countries and supplying them to over 16,200 customers. With direct sourcing and processing in most major producing countries for its various products, we have built a global leadership position in many of its businesses, including Cocoa, Coffee, Cashew, Sesame, Rice, Cotton and Spices. Headquartered in Singapore and listed on the SGX-ST on February 11, 2005, we currently ranks among the top 40 largest listed companies in Singapore in terms of market capitalization and is a component stock in the Straits Times Index (STI), MSCI Singapore Free, S&P Agribusiness Index and the DAX global Agribusiness Index.

Job Description for Agronomist

This is a greenfield Pepper plantation project and the position holder will be part of the start-up team that will start the plantation from the beginning.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Agronomic Planning

• Monitor and report field usage and maintain stock records.
• Ensure that necessary information/ documentation is available for operations and other departments.

1. Crop Management

• Assist in the planning, management and monitoring of the Pepper plantation.
• Assist in ensuring that yield is maximised economically under the prevailing conditions of the season.
• Maintain extensive historical database, including yields and varieties.
• Aerial Operations; complete orders for all aerial operations and monitor aerial activities to ensure quality of operations and that operations are undertaken during the desired climatic conditions.

1.  Research and Development

• Assist the Plantation head/s and other Agronomy team members in conducting research and development, and implementation of new ideas and technologies.
• Identify problem areas requiring investigation and research.

• Draw up trial plans, assessment methods etc. in conjunction with plantation heads and agronomists and the R&D team. Undertake and analyse trials to maintain and improve our position as industry leader.

• Coordinate trial requirements within operational constraints.
• At the end of each season, or earlier if possible, ensure that trials are assessed and data interpreted.
• Ensure collation and presentation of end of season reports on the farm.
• Actively seek out and propose any relevant technical developments and determine their “fit” into company farming practices.           

1. Insect Control Management

• Obtain accurate and timely assessment of pest dynamics and make daily insect control decisions.
• Instruct aerial operators on insecticide product, rate and mix.
• Manage application to achieve maximum efficiency without spray failures and with safety to crops, personnel and environment.
• Co-ordinate all sprays with the plantation head and farm team members.

1. Weed Management

• Conduct weed assessments and decide on herbicide products, rates and application method.
• Maintain accurate rates and placement on and aerial applications.
• Assist in achieving minimal weed infestations in irrigation channels, coordinating controls and sprays with the Plantation head throughout the year.

1. Irrigation Scheduling of all Crops

• Make crop inspections to determine irrigation dates in conjunction with the Plantation head.

Experience:

• 12 to 15 years’ experience as agronomist. Experience of working on Pepper agronomy is mandatory
• Degree in agriculture sciences in preferred
• Work location is Cuh Puh, Gia Lai Province, Vietnam