Pidelta: Forestry Farm Manager

Starke Ayres (Pty) Ltd.

Greytown

On-site

ZAR 600,000 - 800,000

Full time

21 hours ago

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Job summary

Pidelta in Greytown seeks a Forestry Farm Manager with strong forestry experience and at least five years in farm management. You will lead farm operations, supervise staff, oversee budgets, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance across farming activities.

You will coordinate planning for planting and harvesting, maintain equipment, and drive improvements in production and environmental stewardship. Fluency in isiZulu is required for staff supervision.

Qualifications

Matric or Diploma in Agriculture.
Bachelor’s in Agriculture/Forestry preferred.
5 years farm manager experience; forestry experience essential.
Fluent in isiZulu or ability to communicate with staff in isiZulu.

Responsibilities

Oversee infrastructure maintenance and farm facilities.
Maintain farm and equipment appearance, safety, and company image.
Monitor environmental compliance, pest/disease knowledge, and chemical handling safety.
Lead staff management, performance, and wellbeing; enforce health & safety rules.
Plan, schedule, and budget planting/harvesting and optimize resource use.
Manage maintenance/repairs of farm property and machinery.
Foster clear communication with staff, management, suppliers and customers.

Skills

Farm management

Leadership

Communication

IsiZulu fluent

Education

Matric / Diploma in Agriculture

Bachelor’s in Agriculture/Forestry

Tools

Basic Computer Skills

Job description

Pidelta is a professional modern multi-faceted agri-business with a wide range of products and services. The go-to company for seed-growing services for a range of crops and climate types, Pidelta has a long history and an excellent track record in the areas of crop production, forestry and livestock products. Established in 1973 with the primary function of producing parent seed and seed maize for Africa's largest seed supplier, Pidelta has grown into an extensive agricultural concern with farming enterprises across South Africa.

The following position has become available at Pidelta, based in Greytown: Forestry Farm Manager.

Responsibilities

Attention to detail:

Infrastructure maintenance.
Farm and Equipment appearance, tidiness and presentation, company image.
Environmental awareness, invader species, protection of wildlife, soil erosion, safe and responsible handling of chemicals.
Building professional networks and keeping abreast of developments in agricultural science.
Ensuring compliance with government regulations and health and safety standards.
Keeping an up-to-date knowledge of pests and diseases.

Accountability

Management of performance and wellbeing of staff.
Protection and maintenance of company assets.
Taking responsibility for outcomes as per the annual operation plan.
Ensuring all staff adheres to health and safety regulations.
Organising maintenance/repair of farm property, equipment, and machinery.

Communication

Clear and consistent communication with colleagues and staff.
Clear and consistent communication with management.
Clear and consistent communication with suppliers and customers.
Broader community involvement.
Displaying willingness and engaging positively in a team environment.

Optimizing Inputs And Outputs

Analysis of outputs and results.
Measurement of outputs.
Monitoring the outcomes and effectiveness of the deployed resources.
Ensuring high quality of outputs.
Timeliness, of various processes during the season.
Careful management and control of input resources.
Analysing existing operations, crops, staff, and financial documents and recommending improvements.
Preparing plans and schedules for planting and harvesting and ensuring staff understands expectations.
Ensuring seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other supplies are regularly restocked.
Scheduling repairs, maintenance, and replacement of equipment and machinery.
Making sure that work is done safely and in time to meet targets and orders.
Responding to emergencies and solving problems effectively.

Financial Awareness

Understanding the budget.
Discipline to stick to the budget.
Awareness of progress during the year.
Budget management.
Collaborating with senior staff to prepare budgets and financial reports.
Ensuring that the farm is profitable and meets projected financial targets.
Budgeting and maintaining accurate records.

Planning Of Farming Operations

Accurate planning of schedules and harvesting to accommodate all facets of the business.
Plan the process flow and troubleshoot challenges.
Plan all farm operations and expansions as per seasonal requirements.
Prepare and Manage budget for approval and then manage the budget.
Implement solutions where problems occur.
Ensure accurate record keeping for future reference.

Operational Task Execution

Supervise farm production tasks.
Plan and implement planning to ensure tasks are completed on time and be of high Quality and within cost.
Devise effective spray and nutrition programmes.
Manage costs spent on task and operations.

Machinery And Equipment Maintenance

Inspect implements and equipment before they are used.
Repair any damage or potential problems.
Act in a preventative manner regarding implements and equipment.
Ensure that implements and equipment are operated correctly and that no abuse accidents occur.

Labour Supervision (Fluent In IsiZulu)

Ensure that all statutory and legal requirements are adhered to.
Allocate employees per task and requirements.
Manage and supervise employees to ensure optimum productivity.
Ensure quality of tasks executed.
Implement basic disciplinary processes as and when required.
Ensure that good relationships are developed and kept with both permanent and Fixed Term Workers.
Adhere to all aspects of the OHS act and BCEA.

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