Farm Manager - Commercial Citrus Orchards

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Presencial; ZAR 600 000 - 1 000 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Competitive pay

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Housing allowance

Professional development

Accommodation nearby

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 seeks a hands-on Farm Manager to oversee citrus orchards in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will lead horticultural operations, production planning, irrigation, pest control, harvest, and post-harvest activities, with a focus on safety and sustainability.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in citrus farm management, a horticulture qualification, strong leadership, record-keeping, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualificações

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and execute annual production plans for citrus orchards, optimizing for yield, quality, and market demand.
• Oversee all aspects of orchard management, including planting, pruning, fertilization, and pest/disease control programs.
• Implement and manage efficient irrigation systems to ensure optimal water use.
• Supervise harvesting operations, ensuring timely and careful fruit collection to minimize damage.
• Manage post-harvest handling, including grading, packing, and preparation for shipment.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of farm workers and foremen, ensuring productivity and adherence to standards.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations across all farm operations.
• Manage farm equipment and infrastructure, overseeing maintenance and repair schedules.
• Monitor input usage (fertilizers, pesticides, water) and control operational costs within budget.
• Maintain detailed records of all orchard activities, yields, input application, and expenses.
• Implement and promote sustainable farming practices, including soil health management and biodiversity conservation.
• Collaborate with the sales and export teams to meet quality specifications and delivery timelines.

Conhecimentos

Citrus cultivation

Leadership

Irrigation management

Pest and disease control

Record keeping

MS Office

Driver's license

Formação académica

BSc/Horticulture or Diploma

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client, a major producer of premium citrus fruits, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Farm Manager to oversee their extensive orchards in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This critical role involves the comprehensive management of all horticultural operations, ensuring the consistent production of high-quality citrus for both domestic and international markets. You will be responsible for crop planning, orchard maintenance, irrigation management, pest and disease control, harvesting, and post-harvest activities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in citrus cultivation, exceptional leadership skills, and a thorough understanding of modern orchard management techniques. You will lead a dedicated team of farm workers and supervisors, fostering a culture of efficiency, safety, and quality. This position requires a hands-on approach, excellent problem-solving capabilities, and a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. Your expertise in optimizing yield, managing resources effectively, and ensuring operational excellence will be key. You will work closely with management to implement strategic improvements and maintain the farm's competitive edge in the global market. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to manage significant agricultural assets in a prime growing region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual production plans for citrus orchards, optimizing for yield, quality, and market demand.
• Oversee all aspects of orchard management, including planting, pruning, fertilization, and pest/disease control programs.
• Implement and manage efficient irrigation systems to ensure optimal water use.
• Supervise harvesting operations, ensuring timely and careful fruit collection to minimize damage.
• Manage post-harvest handling, including grading, packing, and preparation for shipment.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of farm workers and foremen, ensuring productivity and adherence to standards.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations across all farm operations.
• Manage farm equipment and infrastructure, overseeing maintenance and repair schedules.
• Monitor input usage (fertilizers, pesticides, water) and control operational costs within budget.
• Maintain detailed records of all orchard activities, yields, input application, and expenses.
• Implement and promote sustainable farming practices, including soil health management and biodiversity conservation.
• Collaborate with the sales and export teams to meet quality specifications and delivery timelines.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in farm management, specifically with citrus cultivation.
• Proven expertise in citrus pest and disease management, irrigation techniques, and fertilization strategies.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with modern agricultural technology and equipment.
• Understanding of South African agricultural regulations and export requirements.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic computer applications (e.g., MS Office).
• Ability to work effectively outdoors in varying weather conditions and physically demanding tasks.
• Valid driver's license is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, benchmarked against industry standards, plus performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid benefits and a retirement fund are included.
• On-site or nearby accommodation may be provided, or a housing allowance, depending on circumstances.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training in citrus management and leadership skills, are actively supported.
• You will be part of a leading agricultural company with a strong reputation for quality and innovation in the heart of South Africa's citrus belt near Nelspruit .
• This role provides the opportunity to manage significant operations and contribute to the success of a vital agricultural sector.