About the role

The Crop Protection Specialist develops, implements, monitors and improves integrated crop protection programs to protect sugarcane productivity, crop health and sustainability. This is a technical leadership role in pest, disease and weed management, working with Estate Operations, Grower Services, Research, field staff, growers, contractors and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, review and improve integrated crop protection strategies for pests, diseases and weeds, using field data, crop health trends, product performance and resistance risks
Support annual crop protection work plans aligned with productivity objectives, seasonal risk, budget, regulatory requirements and sustainability standards
Design, coordinate and evaluate surveillance programs for key sugarcane pests and diseases, including scouting schedules, sampling methods, reporting tools, thresholds, escalation protocols and follow-up
Conduct regular field inspections and crop health assessments, document findings and recommend timely corrective actions
Develop and evaluate weed management programs and monitor herbicide performance
Design and implement crop protection trials and demonstrations
Evaluate pesticides, biological controls and cultural management practices
Keep records of pesticide evaluations and crop protection recommendations

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Protection, Crop Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agriculture or a related field
Minimum of 5 years' experience in crop protection, agronomy, pest management or agricultural research
Valid driver's license
Strong knowledge of sugarcane pests, diseases, weeds and integrated pest management principles
Knowledge of pesticide application technologies, resistance management and product stewardship
Skilled in disease diagnostics, field scouting and crop monitoring
Skilled in data collection, statistical analysis, GIS platforms and digital agriculture tools
Able to turn field observations into actionable recommendations
Strong analytical, problem-solving, written and verbal communication skills, and able to prepare technical reports and presentations

Preferred qualifications

Sugarcane production experience
Professional certifications in pesticide management or crop protection