Agronomist & Aquaponics Systems Operator

About SimuPodSimuPod 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 RoleThis is a hybrid role combining:AgronomyAquaponicsOperationsData managementContinuous improvementYou 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 ForDaily System OperationsPerform daily inspections of crops, fish, water systems, pumps, filters, and infrastructureExecute germination, transplanting, harvesting, and crop maintenance activitiesMonitor crop growth and identify potential issues before they impact productionEnsure fish health and feeding schedules are maintainedMaintain cleanliness and biosecurity standards throughout the facilityData Collection & Record KeepingRecord operational data accurately and consistentlyTrack crop performance, yields, mortality, growth rates, water quality, and system performanceVerify and validate collected data for accuracyInvestigate inconsistencies and anomalies in recordsMaintain audit-ready operational logsWater Quality & Aquaponics ManagementMonitor and maintain:pHECWater temperatureDissolved oxygenAmmoniaNitriteNitrateFish feeding ratesFish health indicatorsIdentify trends early and take corrective action before issues escalate.Crop Planning & Yield ManagementExecute production schedulesMaintain staggered planting cyclesSupport harvest forecastingTrack productivity and yield performanceIdentify opportunities to improve crop quality and outputProblem Solving & TroubleshootingDiagnose and resolve:Plant nutrient deficienciesFish health issuesWater quality problemsPump and circulation failuresDisease outbreaksProduction bottlenecksYou will be expected to approach problems methodically using data rather than assumptions.Continuous ImprovementHelp improve:Operating proceduresData collection processesCrop selection strategiesYield performanceLabor efficiencySystem reliabilityWe are looking for individuals who continuously ask:“How can this system perform better tomorrow than it did today?”What Success Looks LikeWithin your first 90 days, you should be able to:Independently operate the SimuPod systemMaintain accurate daily operational recordsIdentify emerging issues before they become failuresConsistently follow standard operating proceduresContribute practical improvement recommendationsWithin your first year:Improve production consistencyIncrease yield predictabilityReduce operational errorsHelp establish scalable operating standards for future expansionRequired QualificationsDegree or Diploma in Agronomy, Agriculture, Horticulture, Crop Science, Aquaculture, Agricultural Engineering, or related fieldStrong understanding of plant production systemsAbility to collect and analyze operational dataComfortable working with spreadsheets and digital record-keeping toolsStrong written and verbal communication skillsHigh level of personal accountabilityPreferred QualificationsExperience with hydroponics or aquaponicsExperience operating controlled-environment agriculture systemsExperience with commercial crop productionExperience maintaining operational records and reportingFamiliarity with sensors, monitoring equipment, and agricultural technologyCritical CompetenciesThe 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.CompensationCompetitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.How We Evaluate CandidatesCandidates will be assessed on:Operational thinkingAgronomic knowledgeAquaponics understandingData accuracy and record-keeping disciplineProblem-solving abilityCommercial awarenessContinuous improvement mindsetA practical take-home assessment and system walkthrough will form part of the selection process.