Seeds Production Associate at Value Seeds Limited

Job Summary

• The Seeds Production Associate will support entire seed lifecycle, from planting to post-harvest, by assisting growers, scouting fields, managing equipment, performing agronomic tasks like roguing and pest control, and maintaining quality records, splitting time between fieldwork and warehouse duties in varied conditions to ensure high-quality seed supply.
• The preferred candidate should be willing to work under pressure in a high-paced environment.
• He/ She must be able to juggle multiple tasks and independently work through highly diverse and intricate work routines, processes and procedures.
• He/ She is expected to be very focused on quality levels and is expected to spend time splits between fields, office and warehouse, working in a variety of different weather conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Production Lead to plan and organise production schedule from planting to harvesting, including pest and disease control, irrigation, fertilization, and post-harvest handling
• Assist with planting, crop scouting (emergence, growth stages), field mapping, field reports,roguing(removing off-types), detasseling, and coordinating labour.
• Help growers with equipment, discuss best practices, and ensure adherence to standards for seed certification.
• Maintain a current table of head and seat counts in the office and space use and coordinate internal moves.
• Support seed receiving, drying and shelling.
• Conduct field inspections, help within-house germination /quality tests, and maintain data for quality assurance.
• Maintain accurate records of activities, inventory, and field data.
• Ensure field practices meet the standards set by national seed regulators.
• Manage daily operations on farms area, overseeing crop production
• Develop and implement a work schedule, assigning tasks to farm workers supervising their activities to optimize productivity
• Maintain accurate records of farm activities, crop health, and production outputs
• Ensure that yield targets are met within the designated crop cycle
• Monitor crop growth and apply timely interventions to prevent yield reduction or quality deterioration
• Any other duties as assigned to meet organisational requirements

Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience:

• Minimum of ND or NCE in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture or related field
• At least 2 years’ working experience in similar role
• Proven experience in farm management, especially in any of maize, rice, sorghum or vegetable production

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong organizational skills
• Farm production planning and execution
• Data capturing and reporting
• Optimal resource allocation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Hausa language
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office tools such as Word and Excel
• Ability to ride a motorcycle with valid Driver’s License with a willingness to travel extensively
• Adaptability and resilience to work in diverse and challenging environments
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and commitment to the Company’s mission

Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of Agronomy
• Record Keeping
• Technical Proficiency
• Attention to Details
• Problem Solving and Analytical Skills
• Communication and Collaboration
• Document and Information Management
• Familiarity with national seed laws and certification procedures

Working Conditions:

• Candidate should reside or be willing to reside in Zaria
• Time splits between fields, office and warehouse, working in a variety of different weather conditions
• Interaction with a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers and farm workers

Salary
Attractive.