Trait Integration Specialist


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Job Title: Trait Integration Specialist
Location: Delmas, South Africa

Company: Corteva
Industry Sector: Agribusiness
Industry Type: Chemical, Pesticide and Fertilizer
Career Type: Researcher/Research & Development
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: Competitive
Job Description:

GROWING WHAT MATTERS STARTS WITH YOU

Corteva Agriscience , the world's first dedicated agriculture start-up, serves to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Our employees fulfill this purpose everyday by building/participating in an inclusive culture where we encourage each other to stay curious, think differently, act boldly and do what's right for our customers, our co-workers, our partners and our planet. With over 20,000 team members from 130 countries, innovating in 140 world class R&D facilities, we have the resources, leadership heritage and partner ecosystem to make a meaningful impact now and into the future.

#GrowWhatMatters

We're hiring a Trait Integration Specialist.

Learn how you can be our voice in the conversation about the future of agriculture.

Your Challenge:

Nursery Operations

  • Plan and execute nursery operations using proprietary software.
  • Conduct phenotypic and genotypic selections in field and greenhouse nurseries.
  • Oversee planting, transplanting, leaf sampling, and harvesting activities.
  • Scout greenhouses regularly to ensure optimal plant health and development.
  • Oversee irrigation, fertilization, weed, pest, and disease control.
  • Ensure accurate and consistent data collection and database uploads.
  • Implement genotyping protocols to support marker-assisted selection.
  • Overall management of media preparation, embryo rescue, and growth chambers
  • Maintain inventory of chemicals and supplies for lab efficiency.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring timely service.
  • Lead seed processing activities including preparation, sorting, shelling, and inventory management.
  • Travel to other nursery sites across RSA regions as needed.
  • Work overtime, weekends, and public holidays during peak periods.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

  • Lead and supervise assistants and temporary employees.
  • Provide training, guidance, and daily support to TI partners and nursery staff.
  • Collaborate with global teams to implement process improvements and innovations.
  • Foster a diverse, inclusive, and multidisciplinary team environment.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure full implementation of quality management protocols.
  • Enforce safety operating procedures for all routine tasks.
  • Work with Genetically Modified Organisms in compliance with regulations and policies.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly work environment.

Key Stakeholders and Interactions:

Interaction with Breeding Team and Breeders

Location:

Delmas, Mpumalanga (On-site position)

To Grow What Matters, You Will Need

  • Related Degree - BSc Honors or MSc in plant Breeding, Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Biology, or related field
  • Minimum 3 years of agricultural experience; experience in maize trait introgression, genotyping, and tissue sampling is advantageous.
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to travel during planting/harvesting campaigns.
  • Fluent in English with strong communication skills across diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Must have the ability to meet deadlines, show attention to detail, succeed in a team environment, and use a computer and other data collection devices
  • Strong ownership and accountability for high-quality results.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership, time management, and operational safety skills.
  • Ability to multitask, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
  • High energy, agility, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Innovative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.
  • Familiarity with crop growing practices and a passion for crop production.

Who Are We Looking For?

  • Curious, bold thinkers who want to grow their careers and be part of a winning team?
  • Market shaping individuals who want to transform the agriculture industry to meet the world's growing need for food
  • Collaborators who thrive in a diverse, inclusive work environment?
  • Innovators who bring initiative and fresh ideas that drive our business into the future and make us an industry leader

Growing What Matters Starts With You... What We Can Offer To Help You Grow?

  • Opportunity to be part of a global industry leader working to discover solutions to the most pressing agricultural challenges of our time?
  • Challenging work assignments that grow your skills, capabilities and experiences?
  • Opportunities for international rotations and relocation that will expand your global view and cultural experience?
  • Diverse, inclusive work environment where employees bring their whole selves to work and feel heard, valued and empowered?
  • Dedicated and customized resources help grow your professional skills, industry expertise and personal perspectives. 
  • Joining us is a natural opportunity to strengthen your professional network through valuable relationships.
  • Support the health and well-being of every employee by offering world-class benefits, meaningful work and competitive salary
  • Performance driven culture with a strong focus on speed, efficiency and agility?

#LI-NK2

To know more about Corteva please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs3CpU29-1M

To apply please click on APPLY TO THIS POSITION

Job Post Date: 10/06/25
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Career Type: Researcher/Research & Development
Country: South Africa

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