Our client is looking for a Farm Manager to join the team in Wellington Area – Western Cape
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Experience as farm manager of a commercial farm or management experience in managing people/projects/division in an agricultural farming environment.
- Relevant agricultural qualification with horticulture an advantage.
- At least 5 years stone fruit or citrus experience.
- Proven experience in people management and development.
- Administrative skills with good computer fluency.
- Extensive knowledge of modern farming practices which should include orchard establishment, pruning, tree manipulation, irrigation etc.
- Fluent in English and Afrikaans.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE
- Grow and manage the farm orchards in terms of irrigation, Fertigation, herbicides and pesticides. Objectives include increasing tree health and yield.
- Manage the Nguni stud and all aspects related to cattle such as pastures for high intensity grazing, cattle health and commerce, which includes transport of cattle at point of sale.
- Farm security such as maintenance of perimeter fences, road infrastructure and accountability for security company duties and liaison.
- Managing farm irrigation and water structure such as pipes, pumps and filters.
- The farm is digitised – must be able to keep detailed digital records, schedule irrigation and monitor trends. Must be comfortable using technology and doing reporting.
- Monitoring and maintenance of equipment and infrastructure.
- Financial and cost management – operate within a defined budget and targets.
- Manage and develop relationship with key farm partners, such as irrigation, electrical, crop, scientists, fertilization, chemical, plumbing etc.
- Manage the live-in on farm workers as well as able to plan, contract and manage contract labour teams in line with best practice for seasonal work as and when required e.g. picking, pruning etc.
- Able to manage the olive oil production for olive oil pressing, as well as the oil factory storage, oil and fruit sales.
- Vehicle will be available for on-farm work. Must have a valid driver’s permit for car, code 10 truck and be able and willing to drive the farm tractor/equipment when needed.
- Excellent project management and people skills, able to work across diverse cultures and expertise.
- Effective management of the total human resources component. All relevant labour legislation & best labour practices.
- Accountable for Health and Safety specific to farming environment.
- Self-starter that is able to work independently and without supervision. Must be able to work proactively and autonomous. Farm manager will be required to set the daily/weekly/monthly work schedules for the farm, as well as manage its outcomes.
- Strong attention to detail, and proven track record of record keeping and make data informed decisions.
- Must be passionate about farming, willing and able to learn and not be afraid to “get hands dirty” in ensuring successful outcomes.
- Nonsmoker, in good health without medical restrictions.
- No criminal record.
- Adherence to and management in line with farm rules, policies and procedures.
- Must have contactable references.
- This is a live-in farm job with oversight of the farm 24/7 – accommodation will be provided accordingly for duration of employment on the farm.
ONLY short-listed candidates will be contacted
