Farm Maintenance Manager

Frank Consult; Montagu; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established working farm is seeking an experienced Farm Maintenance Manager to handle all aspects of farm upkeep and safety. This live-in role requires strong agricultural skills and the ability to manage teams and activities on a working farm. Responsibilities include overseeing maintenance operations, managing equipment and safety compliance, and providing daily updates to owners. Applicants must have extensive hands-on experience and be fluent in English and Afrikaans. This position offers a dynamic working environment, suited for a practical individual.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–10 years’ experience in farm maintenance or agricultural management.
• Proven background in agriculture with hands-on operational experience.
• Experience managing teams and coordinating maintenance activities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all general farm maintenance activities across the property.
• Manage vehicle servicing schedules and licensing.
• Operate tractors and related equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety practices.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Supervisory skills

Fluent in English and Afrikaans

Irrigation knowledge

Computer literacy (Microsoft Office)

Policy and compliance management

Job description

A well-established working farm is seeking an experienced, hands-on Farm Maintenance Manager to take full responsibility for the upkeep, functionality, and safety of all farm assets. This is a live-in role suited to a practical, self‑motivated individual with strong agricultural and technical experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute all general farm maintenance activities across the property.
• Maintain, repair, and service farm equipment, tools, and machinery.
• Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems.
• Manage and maintain all farm assets, including buildings, fencing, vehicles, and equipment.
• Ensure routine inspections and preventative maintenance of all farm buildings and infrastructure.
• Maintain, repair, and inspect game and farm fencing.
• Manage vehicle servicing schedules, licensing, logbooks, and maintenance records.
• Operate tractors and tractor equipment, including orchard spraying equipment.
• Assist orchard operations with irrigation, fertilisation, and spraying programmes when required.
• Plan and implement field preparation for various crops.
• Oversee health and safety practices on the farm and ensure compliance.
• Identify risk areas and implement procedures to mitigate operational and safety risks.
• Supervise and manage a farm maintenance team.
• Oversee the barn, equipment storage areas, and stock takes, ensuring cleanliness, order, and control.
• Provide daily updates to owners on farm activities and operational matters.
• Complete administrative tasks such as stock takes, checklists, logs, and reports.
• Assist with hospitality management and guest relations when required.
• Perform any additional ad hoc duties related to the maintenance manager role.

Requirements

• Fluent in both English and Afrikaans.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of tractors, equipment, and general machinery.
• Solid practical skills in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and irrigation work.
• Ability to supervise staff and manage improvement and maintenance projects.
• Computer literate, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Passion for farming, plants, and working with nature.
• Understanding of permaculture and organic farming principles.
• Open to innovation and evolving farming practices.
• Willing and able to live on the farm in shared accommodation.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–10 years’ experience in a similar farm maintenance or agricultural management role.
• Proven background in agriculture with hands‑on operational experience.
• Experience managing teams and coordinating farm maintenance activities.