Mango Research Specialist

Sun World International is a global leader in the breeding, development, and licensing of premium fresh fruit varieties. We partner with growers in more than 30 countries to bring innovative table grape, stone fruit, and other produce varieties to market. Come grow with us!

We are seeking a Mango Research Specialist for our field research operations in South Africa. In this role, the specialist will support mango breeding and commercial testing activities by contributing to field trials, harvest activities, post-harvest evaluations, and data collection in support of our variety development programs. We are looking for a professional who is passionate about agriculture, research, innovation, and the use of field and post-harvest technology, with a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with breeders to implement advanced selection trial plans, including spray treatments, training, and management trials.
• Partner with breeders to coordinate and manage the harvesting and data collection for commercial testing and post-harvest trials.
• Must continually advance knowledge and skills of mango management, and post-harvest technology.
• Act as a liaison with host farming team. Act as first point of contact for all farm related activities and requests
• Work with host farm team to develop fertigation and pest management plans for orchards leased by Sun World
• Ensures that all safety regulations, especially around pesticide handling, re-entry periods and storage are fully complied with.
• Support implementation of crossing plans and collection of pollen, fruit and seed extraction for the mango breeding program
• Responsible for monitoring and/or executing grafting and top work activities
• Assist with managing planting, pruning, thinning, grafting, training, weed control, pest management, and irrigation in commercial testing and seedling blocks
• Responsible for data collection, organization, and analysis as required by the breeder
• Maintain post-harvest lab in a clean, safe, and organized manner
• Complete tasks in a timely, efficient, safe, and effective manner
• Contribute o Farming Operations team process improvements and training.

REQUIREMENTS:

• National Diploma/Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6) or higher in Plant Science, Horticulture, Agronomy or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of farming experience
• Skills in data analysis, collection, and organization with a strong attention to detail
• Ability to work well in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily
• Highly self-motivated, flexible, and adaptable; able to be effective in a fast-paced environment
• Possess a technology and digital-first mindset
• Excellent English communication (both oral and written)
• Demonstrated ability to successfully prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced environment

PREFERENCES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related fields
• Experience with mangos. Will also consider those with experience with fruit trees, table grapes or perennial crops.
• Able to operate analytical equipment including scales, pH meters, refractometers, and titratable acidity machines
• Experience in the operation of farm equipment, including forklift, tractors, and backhoe

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The position is regularly required to sit, use hands-to-finger, handle controls, and talk and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, and stop. Employee must regularly lift and move up to 23 Kg. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus, as well as work with a computer monitor and in the field. The employee must be able to work in varying temperatures and seasonal outdoor conditions.

WORK SCHEDULE: Onsite. Either working at the farm (located 20 minutes from Hoedspruit) in the fields or in the office in Hoedspruit.