Agronomist

Role Details

Reports to: The General Manager
Salary: US$450-500/month

Job Overview:
(Note – In addition to these functions, employees are required to carry out such duties as may reasonably be required)

•The agronomist will head our field teams to support our growing number of farmers/growers achieve exceptional yields and quality produce.
•Engage in sales and marketing activities that support the growth of the company.
•Participate in senior management meetings to develop sustainable development initiatives that enhance the operations of the business.

Location:

A flexible work schedule but mainly based at the company’s head office. May be required to work from other locations at the direction of the company.

Working Hours:

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday 8 am to 1 pm, or as directed by the manager.

Responsibilities and Duties of the Job

Role-specific Duties:

The Agronomist’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

1. Team Leadership and Management

Lead our agronomy team of extension officers to support our
growers in cultivating selected crops for international markets.

2. Crop Production and Planning

• Develop cost-effective crop production plans for in-house and external stakeholders use.
• Evaluate different input prices and farming practices to determine the most efficient production plan.
• Prepare fertilization programs that optimise the operations of our farms and farmers we support.
• Manage crop growth and address growth problems during different growth phases for our farms and farmers we support.
• Assist with disease, pest control, and weed control programs, ensuring compliance with market requirements on maximum residue levels (MRL).
• Research and innovate in relation to new practices and improved production techniques.

3. Irrigation and Infrastructure Management Schedule and control irrigation in accordance with irrigation at our farms.

• Install, set up, calibrate and manage irrigation infrastructure. Provide support with irrigation control systems and fertilizer dosing systems.

4. Data Analysis and Reporting

• Coordinate the sampling and processing of analysis data. Maintain detailed records of internal fields, external growers,
  crops and samples.
• Generate reports and present findings to senior management and field partners.

5. Field Visits and Research

• Regularly visit and consult on growers’ crops.
• Study plants and soil on-site to assess and improve planting. cultivation and harvesting techniques, aiming to enhance crop yield.
• Research, develop and promote farming practices or products that mitigate the effects of changes in soil, climate, weather, or prevent damage from pests.
• Visit fields to collect seed, plant, and soil samples, and test them for nutritional deficiencies, diseases, pests, or other changes.

6. Standard Operating Procedures and Education Implement Standard Operating Procedures as outlined by seniormanagement.

• Conduct educational presentations and workshops to demonstrate Standard Operating Procedures.

Working with Others:

• Work to minimise and resolve conflict within the team.
• Work to establish effective external relationships with growers.
• Develop effective working relationships with other stakeholders that include Agritex, Ministry of Agriculture and others.
• Other duties and responsibilities to be undertaken may include any (or all) of the items on the following list:

Other Duties:

• Support with the sales and marketing strategies of the company.
• Promote a positive image for the people and employees of the company.
• Lead in the implementation and evaluation of grower-oriented programmes with the company.

Personal and Professional Development:

Seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Person Specification

Specific Requirement for Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Agriculture or related subject qualification Have a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in horticulture
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Good computer skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Time Management
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Organisational Skills
• Maintain complete and accurate records of farming activities
• Manage and support junior members of staff
• Audit all farming functions of the company’s quality assurance systems to ensure the business is fully compliant with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Flexible, collaborative, team-oriented person with good communication skills

Specific Requirement for Previous Experience

Essential

Experience of working in a similar role

Desirable

Experience in supporting an export-oriented agri-business

TO APPLY

Please send your CVs to recruitment@whitneypaprika.co.zw