Farm manager manage crops plan strategies for maximum yield organize farm administration work machinery organize associated businesses and manage staff. He needs to have technical and practical competence as well as the ability to make sound business decisions. Monitoring palm dates trees from insect infestations and disease are part of the farm manager work as is deciding on treatments to eliminate these problems. Finding the best methods for pruning and fertilizing trees is also part of his daily work. He should have good knowledge of biology and plant physiology pathogens organic cropping techniques practices and materials terminology uses operation and maintenance of tools parts and equipment used in horticulture farming and agriculture weed control plant and crop diseases and insect pests irrigation and propagation methods.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Farm manager is responsible for planning organizing and managing the activities of a farm to meet the objectives of the Company. Tasks include
Preparing and implementing annual budget for Farms
Planning finances and production to maintain farm progress versus budget plan
Keeping financial records up to date
Maintaining and monitoring the quality of yield
Understanding the implications of the weather and making contingency plans
Ensuring that farm activities comply with Organic practices regulations
Maintaining a knowledge of pests and diseases and an understanding of how they spread and how to prevent and treat them
Applying healthy and safety standards across the farm estate
Protecting the environment and maintaining biodiversity
Planning coordinating and executing farm activities by work assignments setting priorities and directing the work of subordinate employees as per set priorities by management.
Supervising and providing technical assistance to farm workers.
Advising management on better and improved farming techniques and new innovations
Practical activities e.g. driving tractors operating machinery spraying fields etc
Arranging the maintenance and repair of farm buildings machinery and equipment
Overseeing the farm’s equipments and tools and ensuring their best up keep
Procuring the required supplies such as fertilizers pesticides and other items on time
Ensure all farm inputs fertilizers pesticides and other basic requirements are maintained in properstandard storage
Prepare and submit regular reports to management on farm operations and activities
Any other duties assigned to you by management from time to time
Performing any other job related duties as assigned from time to time
Ability to adapt and succeed in a challenging environment.
Skills
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Technician Degree or relevant qualification in Agriculture
10 years’ working experience in a related function with at least 5 years at a managerial level
Experience in palm dates is a must farm containing at least 20000 date palms
Knowledge of date varieties
Knowledge of plant protection Red Palm Weevil
Knowledge of latest irrigation techniques
An experience in organic agriculture and fertilization
Experience is establishing date farm
Good computer skills.
Relevant qualification in Agronomy
PREFERRED SKILLS
A good knowledge on organic agriculture is desirable
Excellent knowledge of farm management and agricultural methods and understanding conditions with regards to crop management
Strong team management supervisory and motivational skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Innovative and creative
Results oriented
Strong project management skills
Flexible to work weekends some holidays
Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Excellent observation skills
Good English skills.