Soil Scientist

South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI), a division of the South African Sugar Association (SASA), has a permanent opportunity available for a Soil Scientist based in the irrigated region of the South African sugarcane industry – Pongola/Mpumalanga.

SASRI is recruiting for an established researcher in the field of soil science with proven practical experience in all aspects of irrigation. This position requires an independent and strongly self-motivated individual with good problem-solving and interpersonal communication skills. The researcher is required to embrace formal and participatory research methodology, training, and knowledge exchange with irrigated sugarcane growers as aligned with the short- and long-term strategic objectives of SASRI.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To ensure that the RDE needs of irrigated growers related to soil science and irrigation management interactions are addressed, thereby allowing optimisation of irrigation practices on various soil types.
• To conduct formal and participatory (i.e., on-farm demonstrations) research that solves problems related to various aspects of irrigation management including, but not limited to, matching irrigation systems to soil type, irrigation scheduling on various soil types, drainage and runoff, and precision agriculture solutions (e.g., remote sensing and digital technologies).
• To conduct knowledge exchange and practical training on irrigation practices from a soil science perspective including, but not limited to, irrigation system selection, installation and management of irrigation systems in fields with varying soils, irrigation scheduling, fertigation, and the use of digital decision support tools (applications).
• To develop and maintain good relationships with growers, extension specialists, and the trade ensuring that industry needs are communicated and addressed.
• To ensure that SASRI can provide growers with unbiased, practical, up-to-date advice that allows optimisation of irrigation practices.

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Postgraduate qualification in soil science (preferably soil physics).
• Proficient bilingual (Afrikaans and English) communication skills.
• Proven practical experience in applying soil science knowledge to optimise irrigation practices (e.g., irrigation system selection, installation, irrigation scheduling, and drying-off).
• Practical knowledge of the principles of fertigation and fertigation systems.
• Good interpersonal skills enabling the building and maintaining of trust relationships with growers, extension specialists, and the trade.
• Ability to provide practical training on irrigation management from a soil science perspective.
• Ability to provide impartial advice on the correct use of digital decision support tools and soil water measuring sensors.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Applicants should have a valid driver’s license and their own vehicle as the position will require extensive travel throughout the irrigated region of the South African sugarcane industry.