EcoSusPro is developing a large-scale, integrated rice production and processing operation in Torugbene, Delta State. The project is designed to deliver a complete rice value chain, combining modern farming techniques, structured farmer training, and efficient processing systems.
We are seeking an experienced Agronomist to lead and manage the full rice production cycle, ensuring optimal yields, efficient farm operations, and the transfer of knowledge to a new generation of farmers. This is a hands-on, field-based role for someone who understands both the science and practice of rice farming and can apply it effectively at scale
The Role
- This is a senior technical position responsible for overseeing all agronomic aspects of rice production on the farm.
- The Agronomist will manage the entire cropping process, from nursery establishment through transplanting, crop management, and harvesting, ensuring that best practices are consistently applied.
- The role involves integrating modern technologies, including the use of agricultural drones for data collection and analysis, to support precision farming and improve productivity.
- The Agronomist will play a key role in training and mentoring farmers, building their capacity to adopt improved practices and sustain high yields.
What You Will Be Responsible For
- The successful candidate will lead all agronomic aspects of the project, managing the full rice production cycle from land preparation and nursery establishment through transplanting, crop management, and harvesting, ensuring consistent delivery of yield and quality targets.
- You will develop and implement seasonal crop plans, input schedules, and field operations, while supervising the application of fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides in line with best practices. You will also take responsibility for soil fertility, water management, and crop nutrition strategies, ensuring optimal use of inputs and cost efficiency.
- You will design and execute integrated pest and disease management systems, ensuring timely intervention to manage risks such as weeds, pests, birds, flooding, and environmental stress.
- A critical part of the role involves leading research and development activities by designing and implementing on-farm trials to test improved varieties, input regimes, and agronomic practices. Trial results must be translated into practical recommendations that can be scaled across both the farm and outgrower systems.
- You will build and manage a structured outgrower programme, providing technical support to farmers, monitoring performance, and ensuring alignment between outgrower production and central farm standards.
- Training and capacity building are central to this role. You will deliver practical, field-based training programmes, ensuring farmers adopt improved practices and achieve sustainable productivity.
- You will integrate modern technology into operations, including the use of agricultural drones for field mapping, crop monitoring, and data collection, applying data-driven insights to improve yield, efficiency, and planning accuracy.
- You will also establish systems for monitoring performance, tracking yield and input efficiency, and producing regular technical reports to support continuous improvement.
Candidate Profile
This role is suited to a highly experienced, field-oriented agronomist with a strong track record in rice production systems.
- You should demonstrate deep practical experience in managing rice production across the full cropping cycle, with the ability to operate effectively in field environments and deliver results under real conditions. You should be capable of designing and managing on-farm trials, translating technical findings into practical field decisions, and driving adoption of improved practices among farmers.
- Experience working with outgrower or smallholder systems is essential, along with the ability to integrate technology and data into farm decision-making. Strong leadership, organisation, and problem-solving skills are required, as the role involves managing teams and making timely decisions in dynamic field environments.
- Candidates should possess a degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field, with a minimum of 10 years’ hands-on experience in rice production and farm management, including experience managing large-scale operations and delivering consistent yield outcomes.
- A Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a related field with 5 years hands on experience will be considered an advantage, particularly for candidates with strong experience in research, data interpretation, and on-farm trial design. However, proven field experience and the ability to deliver results under real farming conditions remain the most critical requirement.
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Strong expertise across the full rice production cycle
- Proven experience in designing and managing on-farm trials or agronomic experiments
- Ability to interpret field data and translate results into practical, scalable farming decisions
- Experience working with outgrower or smallholder farmer systems
- Strong leadership and ability to train and mentor farmers effectively
The following certifications or demonstrated equivalent experience will be considered a strong advantage:
- Certification or proven experience in drone operations, precision agriculture, or GIS-based field analysis
- Training or certification in Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Experience or certification in irrigation and water management systems
- Knowledge or certification in seed systems or certified seed production
- Project management training or certification (such as from Project Management Institute), particularly in large-scale agricultural operations
Experience with agricultural drones and data systems is expected, along with the ability to apply precision agriculture approaches to improve productivity and efficiency.
We Also Welcome
We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and diverse candidates, as well as highly skilled professionals who combine strong technical competence with a genuine passion for training others and delivering meaningful impact in agricultural communities.
We also welcome applications from candidates with varied professional experience across different rice production environments, provided they meet the technical requirements of the role. In addition, we encourage high-potential, emerging professionals who demonstrate strong technical ability, relevant hands-on experience in rice production, and the confidence to operate in demanding field environments to apply.
What You Will Gain
- A competitive and attractive remuneration package
- The opportunity to work on a large-scale, high-impact agricultural project
- A platform to apply modern agronomic practices and technologies
- The chance to build capacity, improve livelihoods, and create lasting impact
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