Horticultural Junior Labour Supervisor

Farm Manager SA; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading horticultural farm in the Eastern Cape is seeking a Junior Labour Supervisor for their production team. The position requires at least 3 years of supervisory experience in horticulture, effective communication skills, and the ability to work under hot conditions. Responsibilities include directing labour activities, ensuring quality work, and managing timekeeping. The farm provides transport from East London, and the successful candidate will need to live locally. This is a live-out position with on-call responsibilities.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience supervising a team of 8-10 people.
• Ability to train and use Priva software within 3 months.

Responsibilities

• Directs and schedules activities of labour with the Head Grower.
• Ensures crop workers adhere to minimum work standards.
• Captures labour time sheets and records wages.

Skills

Supervising a team

Knowledge of horticultural methods

Communication skills

Ability to work in hot conditions

Flexibility and creativity

Education

Diploma or degree in Agriculture

Tools

Priva fertigation software

Job description

East London Area – Eastern Cape: This is a leading horticultural farm dedicated to sustainable agriculture and high-quality plant production. They are seeking a Junior Labour Supervisor in their production team.

This is a ‘LIVE OUT’ position.

The successful candidate would have to reside in the East London area.

Transport from East London is provided to the farm.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A diploma or degree in Agriculture is preferable but not essential.
• At least 3 years of experience, supervising a team of at least 8-10 people.
• Knowledge of methods, machinery, tools and equipment used in the farm and horticulture field.
• Knowledge of Priva fertigation software (within 3 months of employment in this position).
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Reporting.
• Ability to remain at work under hot climate conditions.
• Ability to use Priva software within 3-month probationary period (training to be implemented).
• Follow and give verbal and written instructions.
• Prepare and maintain records and reports when necessary.
• Perform duties effectively, timely and without supervision.
• Exercise good judgement, flexibility, creativity and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with others.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs and schedules the activities of labour with the Head Grower/Operations Manager.
• In conjunction with the HG/OM ensures consistent quality of work is maintained by labour team under his/her supervision.
• Correctly captures labour time sheets and records wages in line with company policy and procedure.
• Ensures that crop workers adhere to the minimum work standards.
• Daily issue of tools for House Keepers/Crop workers and control thereof.
• Supervision of labour in crop work activities such as twisting and pruning, deleafing, lowering and harvesting.
• Weekly plant count record keeping.
• Communicates with the Agricultural Technicians regarding the correct timing of pollination.
• Weekly report on labour performance vs budget with the HG/OM.
• Ensures that workers are at the relevant work areas on time.
• Manages timekeeping and disciplinary matters of the team under his/her supervision.
• Communicates and advises the HG/OM on current labour attendances and disciplinaries.
• Scouting and recording pests and diseases in crops.
• Assists with problem solving activities.
• Responsible for forecasting crop production, in conjunction with the SG/OM.
• Ensures that the equipment functions effectively.
• Weekly physical inspection of trolleys and tools for defect.
• Communicate maintenance needs to the HG/OM.
• Regular on the job training of staff and record keeping of training.
• Performs other duties as required by the Head Grower/Operations Manager (OM).
• Maintains facilities in a sound working condition and free of weeds and plastic.
• Ensures the farm is neat and operating as an efficient and profitable unit.
• One of the designated staff sharing 24/7 on call responsibility, including assigned weekend duties to manage irrigations systems.