Farm Manager - Organic Produce & Biodiversity Focus

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Training in organic agriculture

Employee development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Farm Manager to lead operations on a peri-urban organic farm near Soweto, Gauteng. The role emphasizes producing high-quality organic produce, maintaining organic certifications, and promoting biodiversity on the farm.

You will oversee crop planning, soil health, IPM, team supervision, budgeting, and resource efficiency while upholding environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in farm management focused on organic production.
• Knowledge of organic farming principles, certifications (e.g., PGS, EU Organic).
• Experience in IPM and organic soil fertility management.
• Understanding biodiversity enhancement techniques in agricultural settings.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and people management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage diverse tasks.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work flexible hours near Soweto.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily farm operations including crop planning, planting, cultivation, pest and disease management, and harvesting for organic produce.
• Implement and maintain organic certification standards and sustainable farming practices.
• Develop and manage strategies to enhance farm biodiversity, including habitat creation and conservation efforts.
• Manage soil health through composting, cover cropping, and minimal tillage techniques.
• Supervise and train a team of farm workers, ensuring safety and adherence to organic protocols.
• Manage farm budgets, including operating expenses, labor, and inputs.
• Ensure efficient use of water and other resources.
• Monitor crop performance and yield, implementing necessary adjustments.
• Maintain records of all farm activities, inputs, yields, and biodiversity initiatives for reporting and certification.

Skills

IPM knowledge

Leadership

Soil health management

Biodiversity enhancement

Valid driver’s license

Education

Diploma or Degree in Agriculture / Horticulture / Environmental Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a pioneer in sustainable and organic agriculture, managing significant farmland near Soweto, Gauteng . We are seeking an experienced and passionate Farm Manager to lead operations with a strong emphasis on producing high-quality organic produce and promoting biodiversity on the farm. This role is central to our mission of environmentally responsible farming practices and delivering premium organic products. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in organic farming, a deep understanding of soil health, integrated pest management, and sustainable land use, as well as strong leadership and operational management skills. You will be responsible for all aspects of farm management, from crop planning to team supervision, operating in the peri-urban agricultural landscape near Soweto, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily farm operations, including crop planning, planting, cultivation, pest and disease management, and harvesting for organic produce.
• Implement and maintain strict organic certification standards and sustainable farming practices.
• Develop and manage strategies to enhance farm biodiversity, including habitat creation and conservation efforts.
• Manage soil health through composting, cover cropping, and minimal tillage techniques.
• Supervise and train a team of farm workers, ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to organic protocols.
• Manage farm budgets, including operational expenses, labor, and inputs.
• Ensure the efficient use of water and other resources.
• Monitor crop performance and yield, implementing necessary adjustments.
• Maintain records of all farm activities, inputs, yields, and biodiversity initiatives for reporting and certification.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in farm management, with a significant focus on organic production.
• Demonstrated knowledge of organic farming principles, certifications (e.g., PGS, EU Organic), and sustainable practices.
• Experience in integrated pest and disease management (IPM) and organic soil fertility management.
• Understanding of biodiversity enhancement techniques in agricultural settings.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and people management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage diverse tasks.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work flexible hours, particularly during planting and harvesting seasons, based near Soweto, Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. We are committed to employee development and provide opportunities for training in organic agriculture and sustainability. Be part of a meaningful agricultural project contributing to local food systems and ecological health in the Soweto, Gauteng area.