Farm Manager

SUMMARY:

A former royal residence and farming complex in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Farm Manager to oversee its farm operations. The farms include citrus, mango, apple, cucumber, tomatoes, and potatoes, among others. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of the farm, including crop management, equipment maintenance, and staff supervision. The ideal candidate should have a passion for horticulture, strong leadership skills, and the ability to make sound decisions.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in agriculture; certification in greenhouse management, such as the Greenhouse Management Professional (GMP) certification is highly advantageous
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in farm management or a related field
• Experience in managing greenhouse operations and/or fruit production is preferred
• Knowledge of farm equipment, including irrigation systems, tractors, and harvesters commonly used in the UAE
• Knowledge of greenhouse equipment, fertigation especially hydroponics, lighting, cooling and irrigation systems is essential
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Must have knowledge of crop production and protection practices (IPM)
• Experience with budget management and financial analysis
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements related to agriculture
• Proficient in the use of technology and farm management software
• Must have a valid passport and be willing to relocate

• Managing crop production, especially fruit, in greenhouse, net-house, and open-field environments.
• Managing crop scheduling.
• Managing land preparation.
• Managing planting, growing, and harvesting.
• Managing the processing and packaging of all produce.
• Managing the delivery of all produce from the farm.
• Managing budgeting and costing of produce-related activities.
• Managing fertigation, including hydroponics, and monitoring crops produced in protected environments and open fields to ensure the efficient production of crops.
• Implementing pest control measures, including IPM.
• Managing irrigation systems.
• Overseeing product quality control and post-harvest product management.
• Conducting field scouting, crop rotation, and cover cropping.
• Supervising day-to-day time management and labour requirements.
• Planning and executing farm operations to ensure the efficient and profitable production of crops.
• Supervising and managing staff, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Developing and managing budgets for farm operations, including expenses related to labour, equipment, and supplies.
• Managing equipment maintenance and repairs, ensuring that all machinery is in good working order.
• Overseeing the purchase of supplies, including plant material, fertilisers, pesticides, and other inputs, and managing inventory to ensure adequate supply levels.
• Monitoring market conditions and making recommendations for crop rotation and other operational decisions.
• Coordinating with the Sales Department to ensure that crops are marketed and sold effectively.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements related to food safety, environmental regulations, and labour laws.
• Maintaining accurate records of farm operations, including crop yields, expenses, and revenues.
• Collaborating with other Farm Managers for development and experience sharing.
• Managing fruit tree crops, including papaya, banana, mango, and citrus, grown in greenhouses, net houses, and open fields.
• Staying up to date on best practices and emerging technologies in agriculture, such as new varieties, horticultural practices, and fertigation, and reporting on these developments.