Research and Development Agronomist - Room for Advancement

About the business

Dual Chelate Fertilizer Pty Ltd (Organization of DCF Group) is an ISO 9001certified manufacturing company that has been recognised as a finalist for the Manufacturing Hall of Fame in the year 2022.

We have manufacturing and distribution operations located in VIC, SA, NSW and QLD. 

About the Role

We seek a responsible, organised, and motivated Research and Development Agronomist to join our team. Reporting to the National Technical and Relationship Manager, this role will be responsible for researching and developing bio efficiency of plant nutrient products manufactured by Dual Chelate Fertilizer Pty Ltd.

1. To evaluate product application rates (both foliar and fertigation) to be efficient and economical for end-users and make comparisons with competitors’ products range to ensure Dual Chelate Fertilizer Pty Ltd remains competitive. 

2. To conduct ongoing R & D trials with key accounts to justify the repeated usage of Dual Chelate Fertilizer products and to add value to their business. 

The role could be based in Mildura or Robinvale. 

Relocation assistance will be provided for the right applicant.

Position responsibilities

• Planning, organizing and overseeing processes or trials.

• Making improvements or modifications to current application rates and timing.

• Formulating new products as best suits to plant nutrient requirements for different crops.

• Generating ideas for new products and researching feasibility in terms of profitability, resource availability and compliance with regulations.

• Recording and analysing data.

• Presenting results to colleagues.

• Investigating and testing new products and competitor activities.

• Liaising with engineering, research, technical and/or production staff and key clients in horticulture and broad acre.

• Supervising junior staff including technicians and seasonal workers.

• Writing and reading technical papers, reports, reviews and specifications.

• Keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments in plant nutrient industry.

• Responsible for supervising a number of projects at simultaneously.

Skills and experience

Essential

• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree (with satisfactory internal / External Job experience) in an appropriate subject such as agriculture, plant nutrition, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or chemical.

• A logical and investigative mind

• Excellent analytical skills

• A methodical approach to work

• Team working skills & Interpersonal skills

• Written and oral communication skills

• The ability to communicate effectively with staff in non-scientific positions

• Good technical skills

• Problem-solving skills

• IT skills

Desirable

• A relevant postgraduate qualification may be helpful, particularly for career progression. 

• Practical research, factory or laboratory work experience is also beneficial and may be gained via final year project work, sponsorship, work shadowing, vacation work or industrial placements.

Benefits and perks

A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful applicant, including: 

• Company Maintained Vehicle 
• Company uniforms, other work tools and on-the-job training