Farm Manager - Sustainable and Organic Production

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 37,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Farm Manager to lead organic farming operations in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The role emphasizes sustainability, productivity, and compliance with organic standards while managing a team of farm workers and coordinating with certification processes.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field, with at least 5 years of progressive farm management experience, including organic systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive farm management experience.
• Experience with organic farming practices and certification standards.
• Strong leadership, planning and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and manage daily farm operations with organic methods.
• Oversee crop cultivation, soil health and harvest planning.
• Implement organic pest, disease and weed management strategies.
• Manage soil fertility via composting and cover crops.
• Supervise and train farm staff and ensure safety compliance.
• Oversee irrigation, equipment maintenance and record-keeping.
• Ensure compliance with organic certification standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Organic standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dedicated Farm Manager with a strong specialization in sustainable and organic farming practices to lead operations in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This role is ideal for a passionate individual committed to environmentally sound agriculture and maximizing the productivity and profitability of organic systems. You will be responsible for all aspects of farm management, from crop planning and execution to livestock management (if applicable), soil health, pest and disease control using organic methods, and efficient resource utilization. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of organic certification requirements, soil biology, and integrated farm management. You will manage a team of farm workers, ensuring high standards of work and safety. This is a hands‑on position that requires strong leadership, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to the principles of organic agriculture. We are looking for someone who can innovate and implement best practices to ensure the long‑term success and sustainability of our organic farm operations. The role demands a practical, problem‑solving approach and a keen eye for detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage all daily farm operations, focusing on organic and sustainable methods.
• Oversee crop cultivation, including soil preparation, planting, crop rotation, and harvesting.
• Implement organic pest, disease, and weed management strategies.
• Manage soil fertility and health through composting, cover cropping, and other organic inputs.
• Supervise and train farm staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
• Manage irrigation systems and water resources effectively.
• Maintain farm equipment and ensure its proper operation and maintenance.
• Oversee record-keeping for all farming activities, including inputs, yields, and organic compliance.
• Ensure compliance with organic certification standards and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of farm strategic plans for growth and sustainability.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field, with a specialization in organic or sustainable agriculture.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in farm management, with at least 3 years specifically in organic farming.
• Strong knowledge of organic farming principles, techniques, and certification standards.
• Proven experience in crop production, soil management, and pest/disease control within an organic system.
• Experience managing farm labor and supervising daily operations.
• Good understanding of farm machinery operation and maintenance.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication and leadership abilities.
• Must be willing to live or relocate to the Queenstown, Eastern Cape area.
• A commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, health insurance benefits, and a retirement fund. This role provides a rewarding opportunity to manage and grow an organic farm while contributing to sustainable food systems. Employees benefit from working in a beautiful rural setting, opportunities for professional development, and the satisfaction of producing high-quality organic products. We also offer paid time off and support for ongoing learning in organic agriculture techniques.