Area Production Specialist in Worcester (Western Cape) at BASF

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Select and manage external growers and rental areas, providing consultation and guidance to support their production activities in reproducing seeds
• Assist with all aspects of seed production, including soil preparation, harvest, and post-harvest threshing and pre-cleaning activities
• Supervise workers and rouging crews to ensure efficient and effective production processes
• Provide high-level support in developing, improving, and implementing new seed production technology and expertise in crop management for the region
• Take responsibility for meeting production goals, including yield and quality, through planning and development, grower relations, field inspection, and accurate record-keeping
• Identify and address challenges in production, continuously seeking opportunities for improvement in agronomy, field selection, logistics, and quality management
• Evaluate and analyze nicking trials to enhance seed production processes 
• Actively participate in the development of global and regional crop protocols, contributing to the cost of cultivation analysis
• Work with 3rd party seed companies to ensure delivery of the required amount of seeds at the highest possible standard

QUALIFICATIONS

• Agricultural Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture Sciences, Agricultural Management, or Agronomy
• Experience in vegetable seed production, preferably with expertise in hand pollination for Artichoke seed production
• Knowledge of seed-specific field agronomics for crops like Artichoke, Onion, Carrot, and Lettuce
• Familiarity with hand pollination methods and the ability to identify off-types based on plant traits
• Understanding of seed processing technologies
• Ability to obtain accreditations such as Seed Inspector (SANSOR), Pesticide (AVCASA), Fertilizer (BASOS), and Phytosanitary Field Inspector (SANSOR)
• Proficiency in MS Office and general computer literacy
• Competence in operating various farm machinery
• Physical capability to safely lift weights up to 25 kg