Senior Agronomist

Company:

Our client is an international agricultural genetics organisation focused on the breeding and development of improved berry varieties. The company develops proprietary plant genetics and works closely with growers, nurseries and production partners worldwide.

The business operates a network of more than 30 research and operational facilities and supports commercial activities in over 40 countries. Its international teams coordinate breeding, research and agronomic programmes across Europe, the Americas and Asia within a business generating approximately €900 million in annual revenue.

Opportunity:

The Senior Agronomist is responsible for the day-to-day management of breeding field operations supporting raspberry and blackberry development programmes.

The role combines hands on agronomy with operational planning and reporting. The successful candidate will oversee crop health, irrigation, nutrition and phytosanitary programmes while ensuring breeding trials and applied research activities are executed effectively.

This position reports to the Lead Breeding Assistant and works closely with internal teams including nurseries, development and production. The role also involves occasional interaction with regional authorities and external stakeholders.

The company is seeking a practical agronomist with experience in small fruit production or horticulture who is comfortable balancing field work with planning, reporting and coordination responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

Field and Crop Management

• Monitor pest populations and disease pressure through regular field scouting.
• Plan and schedule phytosanitary treatments and crop protection programmes.
• Maintain accurate records of crop protection activities within internal systems.
• Monitor irrigation performance and fertiliser programmes through sampling and analysis of water, leaf and substrate materials.
• Ensure optimal crop conditions including irrigation, nutrition and overall plant health.
• Support the growth and performance of raspberry and blackberry breeding material.

Breeding Trials and Research

• Coordinate transplanting, management and tracking of seedlings and replicated breeding trials.
• Collect and record agronomic and trial data from breeding and research plots.
• Prepare reports summarising field observations and experimental results.
• Plan and execute field experiments related to plant physiology, nutrition and crop protection.
• Develop and maintain protocols for field activities including data collection and sensor calibration.

Field Operations

• Plan and coordinate field activities including pruning, harvesting, irrigation and general crop maintenance.
• Organise daily work activities for field teams together with the Field Supervisor.
• Maintain the weekly schedule of field operations and support workforce planning.
• Ensure field areas remain organised, safe and operationally efficient.

Asset and Resource Management

• Maintain inventory of tools, equipment and machinery used in the field.
• Monitor equipment calibration and maintenance requirements.
• Manage agronomic inputs within agreed budget parameters.
• Support sourcing activities and contribute to annual budget preparation.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure safe working conditions for field employees.
• Deliver routine operational and safety training for field staff.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes and reduce risk.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and environmental, health and safety standards.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Support internal projects including sustainability initiatives, infrastructure activities and field visits.
• Work closely with internal departments including nurseries, development and production teams.
• Liaise with regional regulatory bodies where required.

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Horticulture or a related discipline.
• Approximately 2-5 years of experience in small fruit production, horticulture or fruit growing.
• Practical experience working with berry crops is strongly preferred.
• Experience combining field-based agronomy with reporting and data management.
• Knowledge of pest and disease monitoring, crop nutrition and irrigation management.
• Experience supporting breeding trials or applied agricultural research is advantageous.
• Ability to coordinate field operations and supervise field activities.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Fluency in English and Portuguese is required. Spanish is considered an advantage.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word.
• Experience working with additional data management or reporting software. Knowledge of SAP is desirable.
• Valid driving licence and willingness to travel regionally when required.
• Ability to work both in field and office environments.
• Ability to perform physical field tasks including lifting up to 25 kg.

Remuneration:

The salary for this role is up to €40,000 per year, depending on experience and overall fit.Additional benefits include a discretionary performance bonus of up to two months' salary, a meal allowance of €9 per working day, and one additional day of leave for the employee's birthday. For further information, please contact us at apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter in Word format detailing your relevant experience.