Job Openings at Aldelano Organic Foods Ltd

Reports to: Farm Manager / Irrigation Supervisor

Position Overview:

The Irrigation/Maintenance Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of the irrigation systems used on the farm, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of water to crops. This role also includes general farm maintenance duties to ensure equipment, machinery, and farm infrastructure are in good working condition. The technician will work closely with other farm staff to maintain optimal growing conditions for all crops, prevent water waste, and troubleshoot any irrigation-related issues that may arise.

Key Responsibilities:

Irrigation System Installation & Maintenance:

Install and Set Up Irrigation Systems:

• Assist with the installation of various irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and underground pipe networks.
• Ensure systems are set up according to the farm\'s water usage plans and crop needs.

Monitor Irrigation Performance:

• Regularly inspect irrigation systems to ensure proper operation, including checking for leaks, clogs, or damaged components.
• Monitor and adjust irrigation schedules to optimize water use based on weather conditions, crop requirements, and soil moisture levels.

Troubleshoot and Repair Irrigation Systems:

• Diagnose and repair issues in irrigation lines, pumps, valves, and sprinklers.
• Replace worn-out or broken parts and ensure that irrigation systems are functioning at full capacity.
• Perform regular system flushes to prevent clogging and maintain efficiency.

Water Management:

• Work with farm management to ensure the irrigation system is delivering the appropriate amount of water to crops.
• Help optimize water usage to prevent waste and comply with water conservation regulations or farm sustainability goals.

Farm Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance:

General Farm Maintenance:

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on farm equipment.
• Ensure all equipment is in good working order and ready for use, including checking fluid levels, changing filters, and repairing mechanical issues.

Facility and Infrastructure Care:

• Maintain farm infrastructure such as fences, gates, irrigation wells, pumps, and storage sheds.
• Assist with building or repairing structures like greenhouses, storage facilities, and barn areas.
• Ensure pathways, roads, and farm buildings are kept clean and in good repair.

Record Keeping and Reporting:

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain records of irrigation system performance, repairs, maintenance schedules, and water usage.
• Report any major issues or required repairs to the farm manager or supervisor promptly.
• Track water consumption and efficiency, and suggest improvements to optimize resource use.

Compliance and Safety:

• Adhere to safety protocols and best practices when operating irrigation equipment and performing maintenance tasks.
• Ensure that all work complies with local environmental and water usage regulations.
• Follow all safety procedures for chemical handling, machinery operation, and farm equipment maintenance.

Collaboration with Other Farm Staff:

Team Support:

• Collaborate with farm workers, the greenhouse team, and other personnel to ensure that irrigation systems are delivering water effectively.
• Provide support during planting, fertilizing, or harvesting activities by setting up irrigation schedules and making adjustments as needed.
• Work with farm management to plan and improve irrigation systems and water efficiency.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: SSCE/OND
• Experience: Previous experience in farm irrigation, equipment maintenance, or general agriculture is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge:
  • Understanding of different irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, etc.) and their components.
  • Knowledge of farm equipment and general maintenance practices.
  • Familiarity with basic plumbing and electrical systems related to irrigation.
  • Knowledge of water conservation practices and environmental regulations.
• Skills:
  • Ability to troubleshoot and repair irrigation systems and equipment.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently and efficiently.
  • Good physical stamina for working long hours and performing manual labor in outdoor environments.
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Work is conducted outdoors, often in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain). Some tasks may involve working with chemicals or machinery.
• Physical Demands: The role requires physical labor, including lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, walking, and standing for extended periods. Tasks may include working in wet conditions.
• Tools and Equipment: Use of irrigation equipment (pipes, hoses, pumps), tools for maintenance and repair (wrenches, drills, etc.), machinery (tractors, sprayers), and personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary.

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Reports to: Farm Manager / Quality Control Supervisor

Position Overview:

The Quality Control (QC) Personnel will be responsible for ensuring that all bell peppers and habanero peppers produced on the farm meet the company\'s quality standards. This role includes inspecting the peppers throughout the growing and harvesting process, conducting sensory evaluations, and ensuring compliance with safety, hygiene, and agricultural standards. The QC personnel will work closely with farm workers and management to ensure high-quality produce is delivered to customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Inspection and Grading:

• Inspect bell peppers and habanero peppers throughout the growing season to ensure they meet industry standards for size, color, shape, and ripeness.
• Grade harvested peppers based on size, color, and quality criteria, identifying and removing damaged or substandard produce.
• Monitor and report on pest and disease damage, taking corrective action to ensure minimal impact on crop quality.
• Document all findings and track quality trends for continuous improvement.

Harvest and Post-Harvest Quality Control:

• Conduct quality checks at harvest to ensure only mature and healthy peppers are harvested.
• Verify that harvested peppers are handled, packed, and stored properly to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.
• Ensure proper sanitation of harvesting equipment and packing facilities to prevent contamination.

Sensory Evaluation and Testing:

• Conduct sensory evaluations (taste, texture, and smell) of both bell peppers and habaneros to maintain the expected flavor profile.
• Perform physical and chemical testing, such as moisture content, firmness, and capsaicin levels (especially for habaneros), to ensure consistency.

Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards.
• Monitor pesticide and chemical residue levels to ensure compliance with safety thresholds.
• Report any discrepancies or potential issues to the farm manager and assist in corrective actions.
• Ensure workers follow safety protocols when handling chemicals, machinery, and during harvest.

Training and Support:

• Assist in training farm workers and harvesters on proper handling techniques and quality standards.
• Provide feedback and coaching to farm workers on the importance of maintaining high-quality standards during planting, growing, and harvesting.

Record-Keeping and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of quality control inspections, including findings and corrective actions taken.
• Prepare daily or weekly reports summarizing quality assessments, pest management, and compliance status.
• Analyze trends and identify opportunities for process improvement in quality control.

Collaboration with Other Departments:

• Work closely with farm management, packing house staff, and sales teams to align quality standards with customer expectations.
• Provide feedback on product quality to aid in marketing and sales efforts, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: BSc Agriculture
• Experience: Previous experience in quality control, agriculture, or food production is preferred.
• Knowledge:
  • Familiarity with agricultural practices related to bell pepper and habanero production.
  • Knowledge of food safety standards, including GAP and HACCP.
  • Understanding of pest management, crop diseases, and quality grading criteria.
• Skills:
  • Strong attention to detail with excellent observation skills.
  • Ability to identify defects and quality issues in peppers.
  • Good communication skills for providing feedback to farm workers and management.
  • Basic computer skills for record-keeping and reporting.
  • Physical ability to perform fieldwork, including bending, lifting, and walking for extended periods.

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Reports to: Greenhouse Manager / Farm Supervisor

Position Overview:

The Greenhouse Attendant for Bell Peppers is responsible for maintaining a healthy environment for the growth and development of bell peppers in a greenhouse setting. This role involves monitoring and managing plant care, ensuring optimal growing conditions, assisting with planting and harvesting, and maintaining cleanliness and organization within the greenhouse. The greenhouse attendant plays a key role in supporting the farm’s production goals by ensuring the plants remain healthy, productive, and free of pests and diseases.

Key Responsibilities:

Plant Care and Maintenance:

• Assist with planting bell pepper seeds or seedlings in the greenhouse according to established schedules.
• Monitor and maintain optimal environmental conditions for bell pepper growth, including temperature, humidity, light, and air circulation.
• Water bell pepper plants regularly and ensure that they are watered appropriately based on their needs.
• Prune and trim plants to ensure healthy growth, remove dead or damaged leaves, and encourage proper fruit development.

Fertilization and Soil Management:

• Assist with the application of fertilizers and other soil amendments according to plant needs and farm protocols.
• Monitor soil conditions and ensure proper pH levels, moisture, and nutrient content.
• Track and report on plant growth and any signs of deficiencies or nutrient imbalances.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Regularly inspect bell pepper plants for signs of pests, diseases, or other plant health issues.
• Apply appropriate pesticides, herbicides, or biological controls as needed, following safety guidelines.
• Ensure the greenhouse is free from any contamination or hazards that could affect plant health, such as weeds or pests.
• Maintain records of pest management activities and any issues encountered.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Care:

• Assist in harvesting ripe bell peppers when they reach maturity, ensuring proper handling to minimize damage.
• Prepare harvested peppers for transportation to the packing area by sorting, cleaning, and inspecting them for quality.
• Ensure that the harvested produce is properly stored to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Greenhouse Maintenance:

• Maintain the cleanliness of the greenhouse by removing weeds, plant debris, and other waste materials regularly.
• Ensure that greenhouse structures, such as supports, irrigation systems, and ventilation equipment, are in good working condition.
• Assist with the cleaning and disinfection of tools, equipment, and the greenhouse to prevent the spread of diseases.

Record Keeping and Reporting:

• Track daily activities, including planting, watering schedules, pest treatments, and harvest yields.
• Maintain accurate records of plant health, growth stages, and environmental conditions.
• Report any issues or abnormalities to the greenhouse manager or supervisor promptly.

Health and Safety Compliance:

• Follow safety guidelines when using tools, chemicals, and machinery.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and safety glasses as required.
• Adhere to food safety standards and biosecurity protocols to maintain a healthy and safe growing environment.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: SSCE/OND in any field.
• Experience: Prior experience in greenhouse or agricultural work is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge:
  • Basic understanding of plant care, especially for bell peppers.
  • Familiarity with greenhouse operations, including environmental control, irrigation systems, and pest management.
  • Knowledge of agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, and safe handling practices is beneficial.
• Skills:
  • Strong attention to detail and observation skills.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
  • Good communication skills for reporting issues and coordinating with other team members.
  • Physical stamina and ability to perform manual labor, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Work is conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment, with exposure to varying temperatures and humidity levels.
• Physical Demands: The role requires physical activity such as lifting, bending, walking, and standing for extended periods. The ability to lift up to 30 lbs may be required.
• Tools and Equipment: Greenhouse tools, watering systems, pruning shears, pest control equipment, personal protective gear (PPE).