Agronomist

A fantastic opportunity to live & work in the world-renowned Whitsundays!

Vee Jays Kalfresh is a leading horticultural company, focused on farming, processing and supply of commercial-scale fresh conventional and Certified organic vegetables, to major supermarkets across Australia! 

We are an innovative, sustainable, and a growing business with a team driven by a desire to create the freshest, tastiest, nutrient-rich produce possible, with the least impact on the environment.

Our farming philosophy is driven by the belief that a happy plant is a healthy plant. We know that Mother Nature is an incredible thing and if a plant that is allowed to meet its own full potential naturally it will produce healthy food. Sustainable farming methods are at the crux of everything we do!

Due to our continued growth, we are now looking for a motivated, organised and data-driven Agronomist with a passion for horticulture to join our team in Bowen, North Queensland.

Bowen is quiet costal farming town boasting some of Queensland best beaches, we are perfectly positioned with direct access to the Whitsunday Islands and less than an hour’s drive to vibrant Airlie Beach and to the Whitsunday coast airport. 

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Agronomy Manager, you will develop and implement recommended strategies for optimal crop production and sustainable agriculture practices, carrying out critical crop evaluation including pest and disease control, environmental impact, nurtured growth, expected yields and maturity, ensuring maximum productivity of quality produce is delivered. 

The Agronomist role is a key role for Jurgens Produce as the position effectively acts as a link between the sales operation, production, and farming functions of the business. The Agronomist position requires a motivated and organised person who can successfully communicate with the sales and production departments, along with our harvesting teams and partner growers, ensuring crops are produced to specification and ready for harvest at the optimum maturity, to maximise yield and quality, whilst simultaneously meeting the sales/production requirements of the business.  

Other key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining accurate long and short-term forecasting for quality harvest and yield.
• Provide input into cropping schedules to ensure farming operations can meet the forecasted demand.
• Communicate with sales and production departments, farming and harvest operations to ensure that expected forecasts for upcoming quantity & quality remain accurate
• Management of the beneficial insect program, including ordering, releasing & monitoring of parasitism.
• Organise and conduct research on variety trials for pest, weed and disease control. 
• Work to identify and rectify any pre- or post-harvest crop quality issues or recommendations for improvement.
• Implement robust systems to ensure growing and harvesting of crops is system led and not person reliant.

About you

To be considered in this role, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Agriculture, Agronomy or Plant Science 
• Technical knowledge relevant to crop production
• Analyze and improve processes, using methodical approach to problem solving
• Good time management and organisational skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Able to work in a diverse environment with multi-nationals
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently and within a team
• Current valid driver’s license
• Strong work ethic

This is a full-time career opportunity in a dynamic hands-on role, which offers a competitive salary based on your qualifications, skills and experience. 

Relocation assistance to Bowen QLD may also be considered for the right candidate as part of your salary package.

What are you waiting for?  

If you have a vision of becoming a major contributor to the growth of a leading Australian horticultural company, we look forward to hearing from you.

Please submit your current resume and cover letter outlining your motivation demonstrated suitability for joining the Jurgens Produce & VJK team to ***********@vjkproduce.com.au

Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the Vee Jays Kalfresh website to familiarise yourself with our company and produce  https://vjkproduce.com.au/