Assistant Farm Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client in the Agriculture industry is currently looking to employ an Assistant Farm Manager based in the Eastern Cape.

A wonderful career opportunity awaits you!

POSITION INFO:
Duties:

• Plan, organise, and perform all citrus and horticultural operations on the farm, from development and soil preparations to harvesting, marketing, and sales.
• Full responsibility for the development, planting, and grafting of citrus trees.
• Ensure newly developed orchards are tended to maintain optimal growing conditions to ensure the best possible production is obtained.
• Responsible for ensuring all legal and market access requirements, including adherence to environmental, social, and ethical audits.
• Assist Oversight and management of farm operations systems including recordkeeping, spray recordkeeping, pest control, scouting, water management records, and maximum residue levels as per local and export market requirements – to ensure compliance and accreditations.
• Assist Overseeing the management of crop production with best production practices including pruning, crop manipulations, fertilizing, pest control, and weed control.
• Ensuring optimal irrigation scheduling is adhered to.
• Assist Oversight and management of maintenance of farm buildings, water infrastructure, and farm equipment.
• Preparation of harvest estimates and implementation of picking and packing plans for local and export markets.
• Assist with setup and management of OPEX budgets, CAPEX, and monitoring expenditures against budget.
• Direct, coordinate, and motivate operational staff and contractors, providing necessary training, supervision, performance management, and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Ensure all Health & Safety policies & procedures are adhered to by all subordinates and contractors.
• Actively manage and expand on existing and new technologies.
• Inventory and stock control and management thereof.

• Grade 12 with a tertiary qualification in Agricultural Management or equivalent experience.
• AVCASA / BASOS or equivalent, is highly advantageous.
• 3+ years’ experience in a similar role.
• Proven knowledge and experience in crop production, irrigation systems, spray programs, and general farm management practices.
• Proficient in budget management, cost control, and financial management.
• Mechanical knowledge specific to the agricultural sector.
• Working knowledge of Labour legislation (BCEA, LRA, COIDA, EE, UIF, etc.)
• Advanced computer literacy.
• Drivers’ License.
• Health & Safety knowledge specific to the agricultural sector.
• Must believe and have experience in the development of human capital.
• Strong management, planning, prioritizing, and organisational skills.
• Must be a team player and a leader.
• Ability to mentor, and coach leaders/managers.
• Focused on timeous and complete execution of actions.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to motivate and develop subordinates.
• Maintenance orientated.
• Ability to work under pressure, deadline driven, and work independently.
• Ability to be assertive while at the same time maintaining a high level of respect.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage a diverse team.
• Ability to speak/understand Xhosa, is highly advantageous.