Farm Supervisor - Smallholder Support

Placements24; Soweto; Vor Ort; ZAR 230.000 - 360.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Travel cost contribution

Basic medical cover

Professional development opportunities

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng seeks a hands-on Farm Supervisor to guide smallholder farming groups, implement improved cultivation techniques, and support resource management. The role focuses on boosting productivity and sustainability through field-based mentoring and practical advice.

The ideal candidate has a Diploma or Certificate in Agriculture, at least 3 years direct experience with smallholder farmers, and strong communication and mentoring skills.

Qualifikationen

• Diploma or certificate in Agriculture, Agronomy, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree is advantageous.
• Minimum 3 years direct experience with smallholder farmers or in agricultural extension services.
• Understanding of crop production techniques for small-scale farming in the region.
• Knowledge of pest and disease identification and management.
• Experience in training sessions and group discussions.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a caseload of farmers.
• Knowledge of Soweto and Gauteng agricultural context and challenges.
• Patience, empathy, and a passion for community development.

Aufgaben

• Supervise and provide technical assistance to a group of smallholder farmers in implementing best agricultural practices.
• Conduct regular farm visits to assess crop health, soil conditions, and resource management.
• Train farmers on improved planting techniques, water conservation, pest and disease management, and post-harvest handling.
• Assist farmers in accessing essential inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and appropriate tools.
• Facilitate farmer group formation and cooperative development to improve market access and bargaining power.
• Monitor project activities and collect data on farm performance, yields, and income levels.
• Identify challenges faced by smallholder farmers and propose practical solutions.
• Promote the adoption of sustainable and climate-resilient farming methods.
• Liaise with community leaders and local stakeholders to foster strong working relationships.
• Prepare reports on farm activities, progress, and challenges encountered.

Kenntnisse

Smallholder farming

Farm extension

Mentoring

Communication

Ausbildung

Diploma/Certificate in Agriculture or Agronomy

Bachelor’s degree (advantage)

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, an agricultural development organization focused on empowering smallholder farmers in the Soweto, Gauteng region, is seeking a dedicated and hands‑on Farm Supervisor. This role involves providing direct guidance and support to small‑scale farming operations, assisting them in adopting improved cultivation techniques, resource management, and market access strategies. The Farm Supervisor will work closely with individual farmers, offering practical advice and overseeing the implementation of projects aimed at increasing productivity and sustainability. This position is crucial for enhancing the livelihoods of the farming community in the area and requires a deep understanding of smallholder farming challenges and opportunities in Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and provide technical assistance to a group of smallholder farmers in implementing best agricultural practices.
• Conduct regular farm visits to assess crop health, soil conditions, and resource management.
• Train farmers on improved planting techniques, water conservation, pest and disease management, and post-harvest handling.
• Assist farmers in accessing essential inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and appropriate tools.
• Facilitate farmer group formation and cooperative development to improve market access and bargaining power.
• Monitor project activities and collect data on farm performance, yields, and income levels.
• Identify challenges faced by smallholder farmers and propose practical solutions.
• Promote the adoption of sustainable and climate-resilient farming methods.
• Liaise with community leaders and local stakeholders to foster strong working relationships.
• Prepare reports on farm activities, progress, and challenges encountered.

Requirements

• A Diploma or Certificate in Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A Bachelor's degree is an advantage.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience working directly with smallholder farmers or in agricultural extension services.
• Good understanding of common crop production techniques relevant to small-scale farming in the region.
• Practical knowledge of pest and disease identification and management.
• Experience in facilitating farmer training sessions and group discussions.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a caseload of farmers.
• Knowledge of local agricultural context and challenges in Soweto and surrounding areas.
• Patience, empathy, and a passion for community development.
• Valid driver's license and access to own transport is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary for the role, along with benefits that may include (mention plausible benefits like a contribution towards travel costs, basic medical cover, or professional development opportunities). This role provides a highly rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of smallholder farmers within the Gauteng community, contributing directly to food security and rural development.