About the Role
Aldelano Farms is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Farm Manager to oversee the production of open-field habanero peppers. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, executing, monitoring, and optimizing all farm operations to ensure maximum productivity, quality, and profitability.
The Farm Manager must be willing to work on Saturdays and Sundays, as these are critical operational days on the farm. The position includes two scheduled off-days during weekdays, to be determined by management based on operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Farm Operations Management
Plan, coordinate, and supervise all field activities from nursery establishment to crop termination.
Develop and implement seasonal production plans and work schedules.
Ensure proper land preparation, transplanting, irrigation, fertigation, staking, pruning, and harvesting operations.
Monitor crop growth and ensure adherence to recommended agronomic practices.
Maintain accurate field records and production reports.
Crop Production & Agronomy
Manage open-field habanero pepper production to achieve target yields and fruit quality.
Monitor plant health and identify nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, diseases, and physiological disorders.
Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management programs.
Ensure proper fertilizer application schedules and irrigation management.
Monitor weather conditions and implement mitigation measures when necessary.
Staff Management
Supervise farm supervisors, farm attendants, and casual workers.
Assign daily tasks and monitor staff productivity.
Train workers on proper farming practices, safety procedures, and equipment usage.
Conduct regular performance evaluations and recommend improvements.
Irrigation & Fertigation Management
Oversee drip irrigation systems and ensure efficient water distribution.
Monitor irrigation schedules and water usage.
Manage fertigation programs and fertilizer inventories.
Ensure proper maintenance of pumps, filters, valves, and irrigation infrastructure.
Harvest & Post-Harvest Management
Plan and supervise harvesting operations to meet market requirements.
Ensure proper fruit handling, grading, sorting, packaging, and storage.
Minimize post-harvest losses through effective management practices.
Coordinate product delivery schedules when required.
Farm Assets & Inventory Management
Manage farm equipment, tools, machinery, and infrastructure.
Maintain accurate inventory records of fertilizers, agrochemicals, seeds, and consumables.
Ensure timely procurement requests and proper utilization of farm resources.
Implement preventive maintenance schedules for farm equipment.
Reporting & Compliance
Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly farm reports.
Track production costs, labor costs, input usage, and yields.
Ensure compliance with farm policies, health and safety standards, and environmental regulations.
Report operational challenges and recommend practical solutions.
Requirements
Education
Bachelor\'s Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Production, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of practical experience managing open-field habanero pepper production.
Proven experience in drip irrigation and fertigation systems.
Strong knowledge of pepper nutrition, pest management, disease control, and yield optimization.
Experience supervising large agricultural workforces.
Experience preparing production budgets and farm reports.
Skills & Competencies
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Excellent planning and organizational abilities.
Ability to make sound agronomic decisions under pressure.
Good record-keeping and reporting skills.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and basic farm reporting systems.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Work Schedule
Must be available to work Saturdays and Sundays.
Entitled to two off-days during weekdays, scheduled based on operational requirements.
Must be willing to work extended hours during peak farming operations, transplanting periods, and harvest seasons.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Crop establishment and survival rate after transplanting.
Yield per hectare/acre.
Fruit quality and marketable yield percentage.
Irrigation and fertilizer use efficiency.
Labor productivity and workforce management.
Pest and disease control effectiveness.
Input cost management and budget adherence.
Accuracy and timeliness of farm reports.