Farm Manager post level 9) 1 position) Contract appointment: 1 year)

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Medical aid scheme

Group life insurance

Housing allowance

Leave and sick leave

Service bonus

Study benefits

Job summary

The University of the Free State is seeking a Farm Manager (Contract, 1 year) to oversee day-to-day operations at Kenilworth and Paradys Experimental Farm and to support crop production projects with the Kgodiso Development Fund. The role involves supervising staff, coordinating equipment, and assisting with budgets and safety compliance.

Requirements include a relevant agricultural degree and several years of practical farming experience, including supervision and machinery coordination.

Qualifications

• A relevant post-school qualification in Agriculture or closely related field.
• Minimum three years’ practical farming experience with staff supervision.
• Experience maintaining and coordinating farm machinery and irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and manage day-to-day farm operations at Kenilworth and Paradys farms.
• Implement crop production activities and maintenance for development projects.
• Prepare seasonal work plans covering land prep, planting, irrigation, fertilisation and harvest.
• Supervise staff, coordinate contractors and monitor performance.
• Prepare budgets, monitor inputs, and maintain stock records.
• Support research trials and student demonstrations.

Skills

Staff supervision

Operational planning

Budget monitoring

Crop production knowledge

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture

Advanced Diploma in Farm Management

Postgraduate Certificate (NQF Level 7)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Farm Manager (post level 9) (1 position) (Contract appointment: 1 year) (Job ID: 6683) - (2364)

Farm Manager (post level 9) (1 position) (Contract appointment: 1 year) (Job ID: 6683)

Organizational Unit

University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences

Contract Type

Contract

Occupational Level

Temporary

Location

Closing Date

18/11/2026

Description

Duties and responsibilities:

• • Plan, coordinate and manage day-to-day farm operations at Kenilworth and the crop production areas at Paradys Experimental Farm.
• • Implement the crop production and farm infrastructure maintenance activities of the Kgodiso Development Fund project, supporting the development of demonstration farms for upcoming crop farmers.
• • Prepare seasonal and weekly work plans and coordinate land preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilisation, crop protection, harvesting and post-harvest handling.
• • Operate farm machinery and associated implements as required, coordinate equipment use, and arrange servicing, preventative maintenance and repairs to farm equipment and infrastructure.
• • Supervise farm staff, allocate daily work, monitor performance, identify training needs and coordinate contractors within approved arrangements.
• • Facilitate research trials in coordination with academic staff, maintain treatment separation and accurate field records, and report deviations to the responsible researcher.
• • Support student practicals and demonstrations and contribute to practical demonstrations of crop production practices to upcoming farmers.
• • Prepare operational budget estimates, monitor expenditure and inputs, initiate procurement requests, verify deliveries and maintain stock, fuel, service and asset records.
• • Implement approved safety procedures, coordinate safe chemical storage and handling, monitor environmental and security risks, and report incidents and corrective actions.

Inherent requirements:

• • A relevant post-school qualification in Agriculture, Agricultural Management, Farm Management, Crop Production or a closely related agricultural field, namely a Bachelor's degree, Advanced Diploma, BTech or Postgraduate Certificate at NQF Level 7, a three-year National Diploma at NQF Level 6, or a two-year National Diploma at NQF Level 5.
• • Minimum of three (3) years’ relevant practical farming experience, including staff supervision and operational planning.
• • Extensive practical experience in operating, maintaining and coordinating the servicing and repair of agricultural machinery, implements, irrigation systems and farm infrastructure.
• • Knowledge of common crop production practices relevant to central South Africa, including tillage, fertiliser and irrigation strategies.
• • A valid Code EC (Code 14) driver’s licence appropriate for driving heavy vehicles with trailers on public roads (attach a copy).

Recommendations:

• • At least five (5) years’ relevant practical farming experience, including staff supervision and operational planning.
• • Experience in managing agricultural development projects.
• • Experience in coordinating agricultural research trials, student practicals or farmer training.
• • Experience in budget monitoring, procurement and management of agricultural resources.
• • Knowledge of sustainable farming practices, soil management and water-efficient irrigation.

Required competencies:

• Results Orientated:

• - The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• - The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

• Strategic Thinking:

• - The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• - The ability to plan work and to follow plans.

• Business Acumen:

• - The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• - Proficient in using MS Office.

• Leading:

• - The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• - The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

• Building Coalitions:

• - The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
• - The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.

Salary:
The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact me at 051 401 7659 or email [e-mail] or [e-mail] . Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979/9813 for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

Inspiring excellence, transforming lives
through quality, impact, and care.