Farm Manager - FM001557 at Farm Managers SA

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Relevant qualification in Agriculture and Forestry (or a related field).
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in farm management, preferably in a similar role.
• Bi-lingual (Afrikaans and English)
• Mechanical certificate or qualification or experience in diagnosing repairing and maintaining farm machinery beneficial.
• Proven experience in successfully managing teams and supervising farm workers.
• Solid understanding of farming techniques, irrigation systems, and pest control methods.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions.
• A passion for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
• Good administration abilities including but not limited to record keeping, working on computers, telephonic communication, preparation for meetings, financial management, compliance and regulatory, risk management, and sustainability practices. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Farm Operations:

• Plan, organize, and supervise day-to-day farm activities to ensure smooth operations and maximize productivity.
• Oversee Nursery operations, including harvesting, sorting, weighing, cutting, seedling, trays, watering schedules, rooting schedules and decanting of trays.
• Oversee the planting process, including selection of plants, planting techniques, and spacing to optimize growth and yield.
• Implement effective agricultural systems and schedules, ensuring plants receive adequate water while minimizing wastage.
• Develop and execute fertilization plans based on soil analysis and plant nutrient requirements.
• Monitor and control pest and weed infestations, implementing appropriate control measures to safeguard plant health.
• Coordinate and oversee planting operations, ensuring timely and efficient planting. 

Team Management:

• Lead and manage a team of farm workers, providing clear instructions, training, and support.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to team members, ensuring work assignments are completed accurately and on time.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork and employee development.
• Conduct regular team meetings to communicate goals, provide feedback, and address any concerns or challenges.
• Identify training needs and organize relevant training programs to enhance team members' skills and knowledge.
• Ensuring the health and safety of team of farm workers while working on the farm.
• Transport of staff to and from the farm (PDP) required of staff to and from the planting sites. Discover ways in which efficiencies can be made in this space and minimise time/resources spent on transport. 

Machinery Maintenance:

• Utilize mechanical skills and expertise to diagnose, repair, and maintain farm machinery and equipment.
• Conduct regular inspections to identify issues and perform preventive maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate with external service providers for complex repairs and maintenance requirements.
• Keep accurate records of machinery maintenance activities, including service dates, repairs, and costs.
• Ensure all machinery and equipment are operated safely and in compliance with relevant regulations. 

Record-Keeping and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of farm activities, including planting schedules, irrigation logs, fertilization plans, and pest control measures.
• Track and record crop yields, documenting any variations and identifying potential areas for improvement.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels, ensuring an adequate supply of materials and equipment.
• Prepare regular reports on farm performance, including crop yields, expenses, and carbon credit generation.
• Analyze data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.