Farm Manager - Organic Produce

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation assistance

Health benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Farm Manager for its organic operation near George in the Western Cape. The role oversees all day-to-day farm activities, from crop planning to team management, with a focus on organic certification and sustainable practices.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in Agriculture/Horticulture and at least 5 years in farm management within organic farming, with strong leadership and budgeting skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Horticulture or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven farm management experience in organic farming.
• In-depth knowledge of organic certification processes and best practices.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent understanding of crop science, soil management, and IPM within an organic framework.
• Proficiency in farm planning, budgeting, and record-keeping.
• Ability to operate and maintain various farm machinery.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.
• Willingness to work outdoors in George region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual crop plans for organic produce.
• Supervise and manage farm staff including hiring, training, and evaluations.
• Oversee cultivation, soil prep, irrigation, and organic pest control, including harvests.
• Ensure compliance with organic standards and maintain audit records.
• Manage farm equipment, machinery and infrastructure and their maintenance.
• Monitor weather patterns and mitigate impacts on crops.
• Control farm budget and related expenses.
• Enforce health and safety protocols for all staff.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Horticulture

5+ years farm management experience

IPM and organic farming knowledge

Budgeting and record-keeping

Team leadership and staff development

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a rapidly growing agricultural enterprise seeking a dedicated and experienced Farm Manager to oversee operations at their state-of-the-art facility near George . This role is critical to ensuring the efficient and sustainable production of high-quality organic produce. The Farm Manager will be responsible for all day-to-day activities on the farm, from crop planning and cultivation to team management and resource allocation. We are looking for a hands-on leader with a strong understanding of organic farming principles, excellent organizational skills, and a proven track record of successful farm management. This position requires a deep commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and a passion for producing healthy, nutritious food. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the farm's productivity and profitability while adhering to strict organic certification standards. This is an on-site position, offering the opportunity to directly impact the success of a vital agricultural operation in the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual crop plans, including selection of seeds, crop rotation schedules, and planting calendars for organic produce.
• Supervise and manage all farm staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and daily task assignments.
• Oversee all aspects of crop cultivation, including soil preparation, irrigation, pest and disease control using organic methods, and harvesting.
• Ensure compliance with all organic certification standards and regulations, maintaining meticulous records for audits.
• Manage farm equipment, machinery, and infrastructure, ensuring they are in good working order and properly maintained.
• Monitor weather patterns and their potential impact on crops, implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Control farm budget, managing expenses related to labor, supplies, equipment, and operational costs.
• Implement and enforce strict health and safety protocols for all farm personnel and activities.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment for the entire farm team.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in farm management, with specific experience in organic farming.
• In-depth knowledge of organic certification processes and best practices.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and direct staff effectively.
• Excellent understanding of crop science, soil management, and integrated pest management (IPM) within an organic framework.
• Proficiency in farm planning, budgeting, and record-keeping.
• Ability to operate and maintain various farm machinery and equipment.
• Good problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions typical of the George region.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, accommodation assistance, and comprehensive health benefits. You will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team and make a tangible impact on the production of high-quality organic food. The role provides ample scope for professional growth within a supportive and environmentally conscious organization. Join us in contributing to sustainable agriculture and healthy food systems. This is a chance to be at the forefront of organic farming innovation in the beautiful Western Cape region, working in a key agricultural hub.