Crop Protection Product Developer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of growing food demand and environmental challenges, the focus on crop protection product developers has become more crucial than ever.
As agricultural innovation progresses, with each development, the need for skilled professionals who can design, enhance, and ensure the safety of our crop protection products amplifies.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a crop protection product developer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
- A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
- Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of crop protection product development,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable crop protection product developer job description template, tailored for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Crop Protection Product Developer Duties and Responsibilities
Crop Protection Product Developers are responsible for creating and testing new crop protection products such as pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
They are involved in research, design, and implementation of these products to ensure they are safe, effective and do not harm the environment.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Conducting thorough research on various crops, pests, diseases, and the environmental impact of potential products
- Designing and developing new crop protection products
- Carrying out laboratory tests and field trials to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the product
- Working closely with agronomists, biologists, and other scientists to understand the needs of farmers and the agricultural industry
- Staying up-to-date with legislation and regulations related to crop protection products
- Preparing technical reports and product documentation
- Providing training to sales and marketing teams on the features and benefits of the new product
- Collaborating with manufacturing teams to ensure the product can be produced on a large scale
- Working with regulatory bodies to get the necessary approvals for the product
- Responding to customer inquiries and complaints regarding the product
Crop Protection Product Developer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a skilled and knowledgeable Crop Protection Product Developer to join our team.
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and testing innovative crop protection products, working closely with researchers, agronomists and other professionals to ensure our products are effective, safe and commercially viable.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agricultural science, plant pathology, or a related field, and a good understanding of crop protection technology and market trends.
Responsibilities
- Develop new crop protection products in line with company objectives and market demand.
- Carry out laboratory and field trials to test the effectiveness of new products.
- Collaborate with researchers, agronomists, and other professionals to develop product specifications and performance targets.
- Analyze data from trials and studies to inform product development.
- Ensure all products meet regulatory requirements and safety standards.
- Prepare technical reports and product documentation.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of research and development strategies.
- Stay abreast of new technologies, scientific research, and market trends in crop protection.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in product development, preferably within the agriculture or crop protection industry.
- Degree in agricultural science, plant pathology, chemistry, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of crop protection technology and products.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements and safety standards related to crop protection products.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Proficiency in relevant software and data analysis tools.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Crop Protection Product Developer
- Work Environment: Laboratory and field setting. Travel may be required for field trials and industry events.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Product Development Manager or Director of Research and Development.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $72,000 minimum to $125,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Crop Protection Product Developer Do?
Crop Protection Product Developers are primarily engaged in the agricultural or horticultural sectors.
They can work for agribusiness corporations, research institutions, or government agencies.
Their main responsibility is to develop and improve crop protection products, such as pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other plant protection products.
They carry out laboratory experiments, field tests, and other research activities to assess the efficacy, safety, and environmental impact of these products.
In addition, they may work closely with agronomists, plant pathologists, and other scientists to identify and combat crop diseases, pests, and other threats to crop health and yield.
Crop Protection Product Developers are also involved in the formulation of these products, ensuring that they are effective, safe to use, and comply with regulatory standards.
Furthermore, they often collaborate with marketing and sales teams to promote the proper use of these products and educate farmers and other end-users about the benefits and precautions of their use.
They continuously monitor and assess the performance of their products in the market, collecting data and feedback from users, and modifying or improving the products as necessary.
In some cases, they may also be involved in patenting new products and technologies, and in representing their company in dealings with regulatory bodies, industry groups, and other stakeholders.
Crop Protection Product Developer Qualifications and Skills
A competent Crop Protection Product Developer should have the following skills and qualifications:
- Strong scientific understanding and background in agronomy, plant pathology, entomology or related fields to develop effective crop protection products.
- Excellent analytical and research skills to understand the needs and challenges in crop protection and develop innovative solutions.
- Ability to apply knowledge of chemistry and biology in the development of crop protection products.
- Strong problem-solving skills to identify and overcome potential issues during product development and testing.
- Communication skills to effectively explain complex scientific concepts to a non-scientific audience, as well as to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Proficient in using software for research and analysis, as well as familiarity with relevant laboratory equipment and techniques.
- Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality in product development and testing.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations regarding crop protection and pesticide use, ensuring product compliance.
- Project management skills to oversee the development process, including planning, coordinating resources, and meeting deadlines.
Crop Protection Product Developer Experience Requirements
Crop Protection Product Developers typically need a substantial amount of experience in the agricultural sector.
Entry-level candidates are likely to have at least 2 to 3 years of experience, usually gained through internships or part-time roles in agricultural research, product development, or related fields.
They might also have previous experience in roles such as Agricultural Scientist, Field Tester or Quality Assurance Analyst in agricultural product companies.
Familiarity with crop diseases, pests, and weed control is essential at this stage.
Candidates with more than 3 to 5 years of experience are generally expected to have a deeper understanding of crop protection product development and may have been involved in the full cycle of product development, from initial research to product launch.
This experience may be gained in roles such as Senior Scientist, Research Associate or Product Development Specialist.
Those with more than 5 years of experience, often possess management or leadership experience.
They are generally suitable for senior or managerial positions, overseeing the product development team, and shaping the strategic direction of crop protection product development.
Crop Protection Product Developer Education and Training Requirements
Crop Protection Product Developers typically have a bachelor’s degree in agronomy, botany, biology, or a related field.
In-depth knowledge about crop diseases, pests, and chemicals used in the agricultural industry is crucial.
Hence, coursework or practical experience in plant pathology, entomology, and chemistry is highly desirable.
Many positions may require a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in agronomy, plant pathology, or a related field.
These advanced programs often provide specialized knowledge and research opportunities on crop protection and pest management strategies.
Strong analytical skills and knowledge of laboratory procedures are also essential as they often have to analyze the effect of various chemicals on different crops.
Certifications from recognized agricultural bodies, like the American Society of Agronomy or the Crop Science Society of America, can demonstrate a candidate’s expertise and commitment to the field.
Continuing education is vital in this role due to the evolving nature of pests and diseases, and the constant development of new crop protection products and strategies.
Crop Protection Product Developer Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Crop Protection Product Developer is approximately $75,000 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can range significantly, depending on the individual’s years of experience in the industry, level of education, the specific employer, and the geographical location.
Crop Protection Product Developer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Crop Protection Product Developer need?
A Crop Protection Product Developer should possess a strong background in plant biology and chemical engineering.
They need analytical skills to interpret and analyze research data, problem-solving skills to develop efficient crop protection solutions, and communication skills to present their findings effectively.
Understanding of regulatory requirements and environmental safety standards is also crucial in this role.
Do Crop Protection Product Developers need a degree?
Yes, a degree in Agriculture, Botany, Biology, or a related field is typically required for this role.
An advanced degree in these fields or in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or Biotechnology can increase job prospects and advancement opportunities.
Additionally, experience in agricultural research or product development can be beneficial.
What should you look for in a Crop Protection Product Developer resume?
Look for a strong educational background in a relevant field and experience in agriculture or product development.
Any experience in conducting research, analyzing data, and developing plant protection products should be highlighted.
Also, knowledge of regulatory compliance in the agriculture industry and proficiency in using relevant software and equipment can be an added advantage.
What qualities make a good Crop Protection Product Developer?
A good Crop Protection Product Developer is innovative and analytical, with the ability to design and develop effective solutions for crop protection.
They should have a strong focus on safety and compliance, ensuring that all products meet regulatory standards.
Good communication skills are also necessary to collaborate with different teams and present their findings.
What are the daily duties of a Crop Protection Product Developer?
Daily duties include conducting research and experiments to develop effective crop protection products, analyzing data, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of these products.
They may also need to prepare reports on their research findings, collaborate with different teams to implement their products, and stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in the field of crop protection.
Is it difficult to hire Crop Protection Product Developers?
Hiring Crop Protection Product Developers can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.
It requires a combination of strong technical skills in biology and chemistry and a deep understanding of agricultural practices and regulations.
To attract the right candidates, offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and the potential to make a real impact in the field of agriculture could be beneficial.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a crop protection product developer.
Surprise, surprise!
It’s not just about developing pesticides.
It’s about creating a safeguard for our precious harvests, one protective product at a time.
With our indispensable crop protection product developer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this journey.
But why limit yourself?
Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to finely-tailored job descriptions or sharpening your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every product you develop plays a vital role in the bigger scheme of things.
Let’s protect our future. Together.
How to Become a Crop Protection Product Developer (Complete Guide)
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