GREENHOUSE FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE MANAGER

Farm Manager SA; East London; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Manager SA in East London seeks a skilled maintenance manager for greenhouse systems. This role involves overseeing preventive and reactive maintenance, managing repair schedules, and supervising a team, ensuring safety compliance in all operations.

The ideal candidate should have a diploma in a relevant field, over 5 years of hands-on experience in maintenance, and solid knowledge of climate control systems. Fluency in English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa or Zulu is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on maintenance experience, preferably in agriculture.
• Proven knowledge of greenhouse systems and automated controls.
• Valid driver’s license; forklift certification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance of greenhouse structures, ensuring compliance and safety.
• Manage repairs of climate control systems and irrigation systems.
• Supervise maintenance technicians and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Technical troubleshooting and problem-solving

Leadership and team supervision

Budgeting and inventory management

Safety-focused mindset

Good communication (Eng/Afr/Xhosa/Zulu)

Ability to work outdoors/in varying conditions

Education

Diploma or degree in mechanical/electrical/agricultural engineering, horticulture technology or related field

Tools

Preventive maintenance software

Climate control systems

Job description

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Diploma or degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, agricultural engineering, horticulture technology or related field (or equivalent vocational training/certification).
• 5+ years of hands‑on maintenance experience, preferably in greenhouses, protected agriculture, hydroponics, or intensive farming (tomato/vegetable experience highly advantageous).
• Proven knowledge of greenhouse climate control drip irrigation/fertigation systems, and automated controls (familiarity with brands common in SA like Netafim, Richel, or similar).
• Strong understanding of electrical, plumbing, welding/fabrication and basic HVAC principles.
• Experience with preventive maintenance software or record‑keeping systems.
• Valid driver’s license; forklift or similar certification advantageous.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Technical troubleshooting and problem‑solving under pressure.
• Leadership and team supervision.
• Budgeting and inventory management.
• Safety‑focused mindset.
• Good communication (Eng/Afr/Xhosa/Zulu)
• Ability to work outdoors/in varying conditions and to respond to emergencies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee preventive and reactive maintenance of all greenhouse structures, including frames (often polyethylene‑covered or net houses), cladding, vents, screening systems, and shading mechanisms to withstand Eastern Cape winds and UV exposure.
• Manage maintenance and repairs of climate control systems: ventilation, shading nets, and automated environmental controllers/computers. (with Growers help‑computer)
• Maintain irrigation and fertigation systems: drip lines (e.g., pressure‑compensated non‑leakage drippers), pumps, filters, valves, nutrients; dosing/mixing units, water storage tanks, and recirculation systems when upgraded.
• Service and repair mechanical and electrical equipment: dosing equipment, lighting, boom irrigators, and automation sensors (temperature, humidity, EC/pH)
• Coordinate maintenance of support infrastructure: drainage systems, pathways, packing/processing areas, water treatment (filtration, UV/ozone when implemented), backup generators/power systems (critical due to load shedding risks in EC, SA and vehicles/forklifts used on‑site).
• Develop and implement long‑term maintenance plans, schedules, and budgets; track spare parts inventory and order supplies to minimize downtime.
• Supervise and train a team of maintenance technicians, general workers, or contractors; assign tasks, ensure safety compliance (e.g., working at heights, electrical safety, PPE), and conduct performance monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with South African regulations (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety Act, environmental standards for water/chemical use)
• Troubleshoot issues quickly to avoid crop losses (e.g., pump failure affecting irrigation during critical growth stages or vent malfunction causing overheating.)
• Collaborate with production/growing teams to schedule maintenance during low‑impact periods and report on system performance impacting yields.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, costs, and equipment history.
• Inspecting facility in the areas of safety and maintenance requirements

ONLY short‑listed candidates will be contacted