Farm Manager / Agronomist at Aldelano Organic Foods Ltd

About the Role

• Aldelano Farms is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Farm Manager to oversee the production of open-field habanero peppers. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, executing, monitoring, and optimizing all farm operations to ensure maximum productivity, quality, and profitability.
• The Farm Manager must be willing to work on Saturdays and Sundays, as these are critical operational days on the farm. The position includes two scheduled off-days during weekdays, to be determined by management based on operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Farm Operations Management

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise all field activities from nursery establishment to crop termination.
• Develop and implement seasonal production plans and work schedules.
• Ensure proper land preparation, transplanting, irrigation, fertigation, staking, pruning, and harvesting operations.
• Monitor crop growth and ensure adherence to recommended agronomic practices.
• Maintain accurate field records and production reports.

Crop Production & Agronomy

• Manage open-field habanero pepper production to achieve target yields and fruit quality.
• Monitor plant health and identify nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, diseases, and physiological disorders.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management programs.
• Ensure proper fertilizer application schedules and irrigation management.
• Monitor weather conditions and implement mitigation measures when necessary.

Staff Management

• Supervise farm supervisors, farm attendants, and casual workers.
• Assign daily tasks and monitor staff productivity.
• Train workers on proper farming practices, safety procedures, and equipment usage.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and recommend improvements.

Irrigation & Fertigation Management

• Oversee drip irrigation systems and ensure efficient water distribution.
• Monitor irrigation schedules and water usage.
• Manage fertigation programs and fertilizer inventories.
• Ensure proper maintenance of pumps, filters, valves, and irrigation infrastructure.

Harvest & Post-Harvest Management

• Plan and supervise harvesting operations to meet market requirements.
• Ensure proper fruit handling, grading, sorting, packaging, and storage.
• Minimize post-harvest losses through effective management practices.
• Coordinate product delivery schedules when required.

Farm Assets & Inventory Management

• Manage farm equipment, tools, machinery, and infrastructure.
• Maintain accurate inventory records of fertilizers, agrochemicals, seeds, and consumables.
• Ensure timely procurement requests and proper utilization of farm resources.
• Implement preventive maintenance schedules for farm equipment.

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly farm reports.
• Track production costs, labor costs, input usage, and yields.
• Ensure compliance with farm policies, health and safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Report operational challenges and recommend practical solutions.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor\'s Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Production, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of practical experience managing open-field habanero pepper production.
• Proven experience in drip irrigation and fertigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of pepper nutrition, pest management, disease control, and yield optimization.
• Experience supervising large agricultural workforces.
• Experience preparing production budgets and farm reports.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational abilities.
• Ability to make sound agronomic decisions under pressure.
• Good record-keeping and reporting skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and basic farm reporting systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Work Schedule

• Must be available to work Saturdays and Sundays.
• Entitled to two off-days during weekdays, scheduled based on operational requirements.
• Must be willing to work extended hours during peak farming operations, transplanting periods, and harvest seasons.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Crop establishment and survival rate after transplanting.
• Yield per hectare/acre.
• Fruit quality and marketable yield percentage.
• Irrigation and fertilizer use efficiency.
• Labor productivity and workforce management.
• Pest and disease control effectiveness.
• Input cost management and budget adherence.
• Accuracy and timeliness of farm reports.