Catfish Grow-Out & Integrated Crop Farm Worker - Kaduna at LAJ Aquaculture & Farmacology

Primary Site: 28 Usman Jibril Street, Narayi Highcost, Adjacent NAFDAC Office, Kaduna (On-site accommodation available)

Reports to: Farm Manager

Job Summary

The Catfish Grow-Out & Integrated Crop Farm Worker will support daily operations across both the fish grow-out units and the integrated garden farms. Responsibilities include feeding fish, maintaining ponds, managing tomato and spring onion gardens, irrigation using nutrient-rich fish water, pruning, harvesting, sales support, and general farm maintenance. The ideal candidate is hardworking, disciplined, and able to follow farm procedures to ensure optimal fish and crop production.

Key Responsibilities

Fish Grow-Out Operations

• Feed fish according to the farm feeding schedule and growth stage.
• Monitor feeding behaviour, adjust quantities, and report abnormalities.
• Observe fish for signs of stress, poor growth, or disease.
• Assist in periodic grading to maintain uniform size groups.
• Monitor pond/tank water levels, clarity, and temperature.

Water Quality & Pond/Tank Management

• Clean ponds, tanks, hapas, and inlet/outlet structures as scheduled.
• Remove sludge, debris, and mortalities promptly.
• Support water exchange routines and pond preparation.
• Report issues affecting water flow or infrastructure immediately.

Feed Storage & Management

• Receive, organise, and store feed in a clean, dry, pest-free environment.
• Stack feed bags properly (e.g., on pallets) to prevent moisture damage.
• Monitor stored feed for mould, pests, or contamination.
• Track usage and ensure stock rotation using FIFO (first-in, first-out).
• Keep feed storage secure and clean.

Integrated Crop Farm Operations (Tomatoes & Spring Onions)

This section covers daily and weekly activities across all four (4) crop gardens operated by the farm.

Garden Preparation & Maintenance

• Carry out weekly weeding across all four garden plots to maintain clean, weed-free beds.
• Support soil preparation, bed formation, and manure application when necessary.
• Maintain tidy, organised garden spaces with proper pathways and clean surroundings.

Irrigation & Nutrient Management

• Perform daily watering of all gardens using nutrient-rich water drained from fish ponds.
• Ensure even watering to promote healthy plant growth.
• Report irrigation issues such as blocked hoses, broken watering cans, or uneven water distribution.

Tomato Farm Operations

• Conduct regular pruning of tomato plants to improve airflow, reduce disease, and boost fruiting.
• Perform staking and tying to support growing tomato plants and prevent breakage.
• Monitor for pests, yellowing leaves, and diseases, reporting issues promptly.
• Apply organic manure or fertiliser where needed.

Spring Onion Operations

• Plant, transplant, and maintain spring onion beds.
• Weed carefully to avoid uprooting young plants.
• Ensure consistent watering and monitor for pest damage.

Harvesting & Sales

• Harvest tomatoes and spring onions at the correct maturity and quality.
• Clean, sort, and package harvested vegetables for sale.
• Assist with recording harvest quantities and supporting customer sales or deliveries.
• Maintain careful handling to preserve produce quality.

Harvesting & Sales Support (Fish & Crops)

• Assist in harvesting table-size catfish using nets or traps.
• Sort, weigh, package, and load fish for customers.
• Support the sale of vegetables harvested from the four crop gardens.
• Maintain a courteous and professional approach to customers.

Farm Maintenance

• Keep ponds, gardens, tools, and farm surroundings clean and organised.
• Perform minor repairs and report major maintenance issues promptly.
• Maintain high hygiene and safety standards at all times.

Record Keeping

• Log feed usage, water checks, mortalities, and pond activities.
• Record crop activities such as planting, weeding, watering, and fertiliser use.
• Document harvest quantities and sales for both fish and crop production.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in fish farming or crop farming is an advantage but not required—training will be provided.
• Ability to work outdoors and handle physically demanding tasks.
• Reliability and willingness to learn aquaculture and crop farming systems.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently.
• Basic literacy and numeracy for record keeping.
• Willingness to work early mornings, weekends, and public holidays.

Working Conditions & Benefits

• Free on-site accommodation provided.
• Work involves both aquaculture and crop farming in varying weather conditions.
• Opportunity to learn integrated farming skills and progress within the company.
• Competitive salary (negotiable based on experience).

Staff Welfare & Health Insurance (Compulsory)

• All employees are enrolled in a compulsory health insurance scheme under the NHIA GIFSHIP programme.

Key details:

• Annual premium: ₦38,200
• Monthly equivalent: ₦3,200
• Deduction plan: Four equal instalments of ₦9,550 per year
• Provides access to quality healthcare nationwide
• Company handles registration, premium payment, and NHIA ID card issuance
• This ensures reliable healthcare access and protection from unexpected medical expenses.