Pidelta: Forestry Farm Manager

Plennegy (Pty) Ltd.; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Pidelta in Greytown is seeking a Forestry Farm Manager to oversee plantation operations, infrastructure and safety, while maintaining environmental standards and good farm image.

You will supervise staff, manage budgets, plan planting and harvesting, ensure timely maintenance of equipment, and drive cost-efficient farming practices in line with the annual plan.

Responsibilities

• Oversee farm operations and ensure timely planting and harvesting.
• Supervise staff performance and safety compliance.
• Maintain infrastructure, equipment and farm assets.
• Ensure adherence to government regulations and environmental standards.

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.

Develop & maintain Avocado orchard:

• Establish new orchards and maintain existing orchards.
• Stay up to date with industry developments in the Avocado space.
• Develop supply chain and offtakes for productions.