Technical and Programme Co-ordinator

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Our client. a biorational company, is seeking a Technical and Programme Co-ordinator to join their team

The purpose of this role is doing orchard inspections, writing scientific based reports, working with data and having direct communication with farmers.

Location: Citrusdal

Job type: On site

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Programme Manager in delivering technical support including pest monitoring services [False Codling Moth (FCM), Fruit Fly (FF), Bactrocera Dorsalis (BD), Carob Moth (CM)] on a weekly basis through orchard visits and data analytics (from release through to recapture and infestation).
• Assist with all technical requests and needs in the Olifants River Valley (Citrusdal), Hex River Valley, (De Doorns), NUY Valley and Orange River Valley (Kakamas) regarding pest activity in citrus orchards and table grape vineyards.
• Liaise with the Programme Manager to ensure correct and timeous orchard visits and reports are prepared on a weekly basis.
• Visit orchards with high pest activity and presence, poor sanitated orchards and infested fruit. Identify possible causes and write a short scientific report with recommendations. Timeous follow up visits will be required to ensure corrective actions were executed.
• Oversee field-based flight tests to ensure they are being conducted correctly.
• Monitor pest flight peaks, mainly focussed on FCM, to determine timing of alternative measures.
• Assist the Programme Manager with new season customer sign ups/onboarding.
• Assist the Programme Manager with weekly customer interactions as identified through weekly monitoring information, or as requested by the Programme Manager.
• Assist the Area Co-ordinator with the management of field traps and monitoring data stations on a weekly basis.
• Monitoring of qualitative and quantitative aspects relating to sterile FCM releases (flight ability, quality checks) and assist with corrective actions where required.
• Assist with necessary internal meetings and presentations as and when required.
• Manage distribution of moths’ ex-production facility to various areas, ensuring that all parameters including quality, moth age and ratios are met.
• Manage ratios for all areas and advise area Managers and program Manager accordingly.
• Assist with managing programme related information for the company, including the maintenance and upkeep of all related information for operational and programme purposes.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Entomology or similar field. (Bsc, Hons)
• Knowledge of pest management products, IPM systems and implementation in citrus will receive preference
• Knowledge of False Coddling Moth or Integrated Pest Management will receive preference.
• Good understanding of insect biology and ecology in agro-ecosystems
• Excellent Computer, report writing and data skills (Microsoft package)
• Valid driver’s licence, Travel will be required in this position
• Fluent in Afrikaans (non-negotiable)
• Be willing to travel

Skills Required

• Diligent and accurate work
• Ability to work in a team and independently
• Capable of following protocols/work instructions
• Detail orientated which drives informed, collective decision making
• Strong communication skills and high Emotional Intelligence

Should meet the above criteria, we invite you to apply directly to the advertisement. Should you not hear back from us within 2 weeks of application, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful