Field Equipment Specialist at Bayer Lichtenburg, North West

Ready to Lead the Harvest? Become a Field Equipment Specialist at Bayer in Lichtenburg! 🚜🌾

At Bayer, our vision is to realize a world where ‘Health for all, Hunger for none’ is a reality. We are driven by sheer dedication, curiosity, and a commitment to constantly redefining the ‘impossible’ in agriculture. If you’re looking for a varied and meaningful career where your technical expertise directly impacts global food production, then this is your opportunity!

We are seeking a seasoned and hands-on Field Equipment Specialist to join our Crop Science division in Lichtenburg, North West. This crucial role coordinates the large-scale equipment operations across our South African production area of 5,400 hectares.

Your Mission: Custodian of Cutting-Edge Field Assets

This isn’t just a maintenance job; it’s a leadership role where you will be the custodian of critical field assets, valued at approximately €20 million. You will ensure efficiency, safety, and quality across planting, detasseling, and harvesting operations.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities:

1. Equipment Management & Maintenance

• Maintenance Programs: Develop, implement, and maintain rigorous maintenance programs for all field equipment.
• Contractor Management: Plan and execute maintenance programs by effectively managing external contractors.
• Asset Custodian: Become the go-to expert for our field assets, ensuring their reliability and optimal performance.
• Quality Control: Set and monitor Quality parameters for field equipment, ensuring they directly support product quality and cost efficiency for our customers.

2. Operations & Logistics Coordination

• Harvest Planning: Plan and coordinate in-house detasseling, harvesting, and inbound freight in close collaboration with the field production team.
• Special Projects: Lead the in-house planting of Field Scripts and interrow planting.
• Pollen Management: Manage the pollen blowing of selected fields to support breeding objectives.
• Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the field team to create and adhere to the annual harvest schedule.

3. Safety, Training, and Financial Oversight

• Safety Leadership (ESH): Lead all ESH (Environment, Safety, Health) efforts, complying with Bayer standards and the OHS act. Ensure contractors comply with all safety standards.
• Training: Be responsible for the thorough training and evaluation of all equipment operators.
• Budget & Cost Control: Create and manage yearly operating budgets. Implement Visual Management to track cost and maintenance progress and seek continual improvements in cost efficiencies.
• Inventory: Implement robust inventory controls and stock levels for spare parts.
• Innovation Support: Support and implement upcoming projects, including VSR & ISR planting, Pollen blower, Dry/direct harvesting, and other technology deployment strategies aimed at gaining technical or cost advantages.

What You Need to Bring to the Field 🌾

This role demands a blend of technical expertise, agricultural knowledge, and administrative precision.

• Education/Experience: An Agricultural or Technical Diploma or 3 years of practical experience in farming activities, particularly planting and harvesting.
• Industry Experience: 3 years of seed production experience is required.
• Certifications (Must-Haves):
  • SACAA RPAS Drone Pilot License
  • AVCASA Certification
  • SANSOR Certification

Join the Visionaries

At Bayer, you will be part of a diverse and dedicated community of brilliant minds, committed to making a real difference in the world. We offer a culture that welcomes applications from all individuals and prioritizes treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.

If you have the qualifications and the drive to lead our field operations in Lichtenburg, there’s only one choice. Apply now and help us solve the world’s toughest challenges!