FARM MANAGER

SUMMARY:
Wellington Area – Western Cape: Our client is looking for a Farm Manager to join the team.

POSITION INFO:
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.

• 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.