Job Description

:
We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Co-ordinator to join the Western Cape Team. This permanent position is ideally located in the Citrusdal area.
Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Program Manager in delivering technical support for the SIT program 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 Program 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 sanitized 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 for the SIT program to ensure they are being conducted correctly.

• Monitor pest flight peaks, mainly focus on FCM, to determine timing of alternative measures.

• Assist the Program Manager with new season customer sign ups/onboarding.

• Assist the Program Manager with weekly customer interactions as identified through weekly monitoring information, or as requested by the Program 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 program related information for the company, including the maintenance and upkeep of all related information for operational and program purposes.

• Work with various departments to ensure protocols and related information are standardized across the program on a national level

Requirements
Degree in Entomology or similar field. (Bsc, Hons)
Knowledge of pest management products, IPM systems and implementation in citrus 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 license, Travel will be required in this position