Farm Sustainability Manager - Eco-friendly Practices

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Farm Sustainability Manager near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on developing and implementing strategies to improve environmental, social, and economic sustainability across farm operations.

You will lead water conservation, soil health, biodiversity, waste reduction, and responsible resource use, working hands-on with farm management to ensure long-term viability and ecological integrity.

Qualifications

• Degree or master’s in Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of sustainability program experience in agriculture.
• Strong knowledge of environmental management, soil, water, and biodiversity.
• Experience with auditing, impact assessments, and reporting frameworks.
• Ability to work on-site at Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive farm sustainability plan.
• Manage water resources and irrigation efficiency.
• Improve soil health through cover crops, reduced tillage, and organic matter.
• Promote biodiversity conservation on farm lands.
• Develop waste reduction and recycling programs across farm operations.
• Assess and report farm environmental footprint and emissions.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and certifications.
• Educate staff on sustainable practices and monitor metrics.
• Collaborate with communities and stakeholders on environmental stewardship initiatives.

Skills

Env Mgmt

Soil Science

Water Conservation

Biodiversity

Project Management

Stakeholder comms

Communication Skills

Fieldwork

Education

Masters in Environmental Science

Degree in Sustainable Agriculture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking agricultural enterprise operating near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an experienced Farm Sustainability Manager. This crucial role focuses on developing and implementing innovative strategies to enhance the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of the farm's operations. You will be responsible for overseeing initiatives related to water conservation, soil health improvement, biodiversity enhancement, waste reduction, and responsible resource management. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in environmental science, sustainable agriculture, or a related field, coupled with a practical understanding of farm operations. This position requires a hands-on approach, working directly with farm management and staff to integrate sustainable practices into daily activities, ensuring the long-term viability and ecological integrity of the farm.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive farm sustainability plan aligned with environmental goals and company objectives.
• Implement and monitor programs for water resource management, including efficient irrigation and water conservation techniques.
• Oversee initiatives to improve soil health, such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic matter enhancement.
• Promote and manage biodiversity conservation efforts on farm lands.
• Develop and manage waste reduction and recycling programs across farm operations.
• Assess and mitigate the farm's environmental footprint, including greenhouse gas emissions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations and certifications.
• Educate and train farm staff on sustainable practices and their importance.
• Monitor and report on key sustainability metrics and performance indicators.
• Collaborate with local communities and stakeholders on environmental stewardship initiatives.

Requirements

• A degree or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in developing and implementing sustainability programs, preferably within the agricultural sector.
• Strong knowledge of environmental management principles, soil science, water conservation, and biodiversity.
• Experience with environmental auditing, impact assessments, and sustainability reporting frameworks.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• A practical understanding of farming operations and challenges.
• Ability to work effectively on-site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, and conduct fieldwork.
• Passion for environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid and a retirement fund.

Opportunities for professional development and training in sustainability best practices are provided.

You will be joining a company committed to responsible agriculture and environmental preservation.

The position requires dedicated on-site work at the farm located near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.