Agronomist & Aquaponics Systems Operator

Job description

About SimuPod

SimuPod is a controlled-environment aquaponics and vertical farming system designed to produce high-quality crops through a repeatable, scalable, and data-driven operating model.

Our goal is not simply to grow plants. We are building a modern agricultural operating system where biology, engineering, operations, and data work together to create predictable outcomes.

We are looking for two highly disciplined Agronomists & Systems Operators who can help operate, monitor, improve, and scale the SimuPod platform.

The Role

This is a hybrid role combining:

• Agronomy
• Aquaponics
• Operations
• Data management
• Continuous improvement

You will be responsible for ensuring the daily health and performance of both the crop and fish production systems while maintaining accurate records and driving continuous optimization.

Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong observational skills, and a commitment to data accuracy.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Daily System Operations

• Perform daily inspections of crops, fish, water systems, pumps, filters, and infrastructure
• Execute germination, transplanting, harvesting, and crop maintenance activities
• Monitor crop growth and identify potential issues before they impact production
• Ensure fish health and feeding schedules are maintained
• Maintain cleanliness and biosecurity standards throughout the facility

Data Collection & Record Keeping

• Record operational data accurately and consistently
• Track crop performance, yields, mortality, growth rates, water quality, and system performance
• Verify and validate collected data for accuracy
• Investigate inconsistencies and anomalies in records
• Maintain audit-ready operational logs

Water Quality & Aquaponics Management

Monitor and maintain:

• pH
• EC
• Water temperature
• Dissolved oxygen
• Ammonia
• Nitrite
• Nitrate
• Fish feeding rates
• Fish health indicators

Identify trends early and take corrective action before issues escalate.

Crop Planning & Yield Management

• Execute production schedules
• Maintain staggered planting cycles
• Support harvest forecasting
• Track productivity and yield performance
• Identify opportunities to improve crop quality and output

Problem Solving & Troubleshooting

Diagnose and resolve:

• Plant nutrient deficiencies
• Fish health issues
• Water quality problems
• Pump and circulation failures
• Disease outbreaks
• Production bottlenecks

You will be expected to approach problems methodically using data rather than assumptions.

Continuous Improvement

Help improve:

• Operating procedures
• Data collection processes
• Crop selection strategies
• Yield performance
• Labor efficiency
• System reliability

We are looking for individuals who continuously ask:

“How can this system perform better tomorrow than it did today?”

What Success Looks Like

Within your first 90 days, you should be able to:

• Independently operate the SimuPod system
• Maintain accurate daily operational records
• Identify emerging issues before they become failures
• Consistently follow standard operating procedures
• Contribute practical improvement recommendations

Within your first year:

• Improve production consistency
• Increase yield predictability
• Reduce operational errors
• Help establish scalable operating standards for future expansion

Required Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Agronomy, Agriculture, Horticulture, Crop Science, Aquaculture, Agricultural Engineering, or related field
• Strong understanding of plant production systems
• Ability to collect and analyze operational data
• Comfortable working with spreadsheets and digital record-keeping tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High level of personal accountability

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hydroponics or aquaponics
• Experience operating controlled-environment agriculture systems
• Experience with commercial crop production
• Experience maintaining operational records and reporting
• Familiarity with sensors, monitoring equipment, and agricultural technology

Critical Competencies

The ideal candidate demonstrates:

• Attention to Detail – Can identify small issues before they become major problems.
• Data Integrity – Treats operational data as a critical business asset and understands that inaccurate data leads to poor decisions.
• Systems Thinking – Understands how crops, fish, water chemistry, equipment, and operations interact.
• Discipline & Consistency – Can execute the same process accurately every day.
• Curiosity & Learning Mindset – Seeks continuous improvement rather than simply maintaining the status quo.
• Ownership Mentality – Acts as if the system belongs to them.

Compensation

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.

How We Evaluate Candidates

Candidates will be assessed on:

• Operational thinking
• Agronomic knowledge
• Aquaponics understanding
• Data accuracy and record-keeping discipline
• Problem-solving ability
• Commercial awareness
• Continuous improvement mindset

A practical take-home assessment and system walkthrough will form part of the selection process.