Plennegy Research : Tunnel Manager

Plennegy (Pty) Ltd.; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 25 000 - 45 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Junior Tunnel Manager to oversee protective cropping on a research farm. This role involves managing greenhouse structures, ensuring plant health, and collaborating with breeders to optimize seed production. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical and mechanical skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to supervise staff effectively. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to agricultural research and innovation in a supportive environment, making a significant impact on the future of crop management.

Qualifications

• Strong background in vegetable crop management.
• Experience in maintaining and repairing agricultural equipment.

Responsibilities

• Manage structures on the Research Farm for effective research activities.
• Monitor and maintain greenhouse structures and systems.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Technical abilities

Mechanical abilities

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Agriculture or Horticulture

Tools

Fertigation systems

Greenhouse structures

Spraying equipment

Weather station

Job description

Plennegy Research works closely with Starke Ayres, the main vegetable seed distributor, to ensure the highest standards in seed production and distribution.

Plennegy Research is the foremost African specialist and global supplier of premium vegetable, flower, and lawn seed varieties – both for commercial and home garden planting.

The following position has become available for a Junior Tunnel Manager, based in Kempton Park.

The purpose of this role is to manage all structures on the Research Farm for protective cropping to ensure effective and efficient research activities. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced candidate with a strong background in vegetable crop management.

The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and strong technical and mechanical abilities, particularly in maintaining and repairing equipment such as pumps.

Responsibilities

1. General Maintenance: Ensure hygiene, appearance, and tidiness around all tunnel structures, including roads, lawns, and fences.
2. Collaboration with Breeders: Work closely with breeders to determine ideal growing conditions for optimum pollination and seed production. Manipulate plants to meet breeding requirements and screen conditions representative of commercial practices.
3. Climate Control: Program and adjust seasonal and daily settings for day length, cooling, heating, ventilation, and radiation.
4. Monitoring and Maintenance: Monitor, maintain, and service greenhouse structures, pump room and fertigation systems, wet walls, water supply, spraying equipment, heating equipment, and weather station.
5. Plant Health Monitoring: Observe plant health throughout the day and apply corrective measures for issues like wilting, nutritional abnormalities, chemical burns, physiological abnormalities, and physical damage.
6. Fertigation Management: Program fertigation systems based on fertilizer recommendations, monitor EC, pH, and run-off, and adjust programs after consulting with experts.
7. Pest and Disease Control: Sanitize facilities regularly, scout for pests and diseases daily, and recommend spraying programs in consultation with experts.
8. Staff Supervision: Hire, assign work schedules, and train staff for spraying, fertigation, greenhouse activities, and safety protocols.
9. Administrative Duties: Manage greenhouse budget, order supplies, and maintain records.
10. Technology and Industry Engagement: Stay updated with industry technology through interactions, meetings, and courses.
11. Plant Management: Oversee planting activities, including sowing, transplanting, pruning, harvesting, and record keeping.
12. Weekend and Holiday Monitoring: Continue monitoring during weekends and public holidays, with overtime as needed.