About the Role
Delano Farms is in search of a seasoned, results-oriented Farm Manager to lead the cultivation of open-field habanero peppers. The ideal candidate will oversee the full spectrum of farm operations—from strategic planning and implementation to real-time monitoring and continuous optimization—ensuring peak productivity, superior quality, and sustainable profitability.
The Farm Manager is required to work weekends—Saturdays and Sundays—as these days are pivotal to farm operations. The role offers two weekday off-days, scheduled at management’s discretion based on operational needs.
Oversee and execute critical operational tasks, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and adherence to established protocols. Develop and implement strategies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality across all assigned functions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement, streamline processes, and mitigate potential risks. Monitor performance metrics rigorously, analyzing data to inform decision-making and drive continuous enhancement. Provide leadership and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and professional growth. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, internal policies, and best practices to maintain operational integrity and stakeholder trust. Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations to communicate progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations to senior management.
Farm Operations Management oversees daily agricultural activities to ensure efficient and productive farm operations. This role involves planning, coordinating, and supervising tasks such as planting, irrigation, harvesting, and livestock management. Key responsibilities include maintaining equipment, managing farm records, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The position requires strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make data-driven decisions. Candidates must have a degree in agriculture, agribusiness, or a related field, along with several years of hands-on farming experience and proficiency in farm management software.
Develop and oversee all field operations, from the initial establishment of the nursery through to the final stages of crop termination.
Create and execute seasonal production plans and associated work schedules to ensure operational efficiency and timely project completion.
Responsibilities include overseeing meticulous land preparation, transplanting, irrigation, destination, staking, pruning, and harvesting activities to ensure optimal crop development and productivity.
Observe crop development closely and verify compliance with established agronomic guidelines to maintain optimal growth conditions and yield potential.
Ensure meticulous documentation of field activities and generate comprehensive production reports.
Skilled in agronomy and crop production, you will oversee and manage all aspects of crop cultivation, ensuring optimal growth conditions and maximizing yield potential. Responsibilities include soil analysis, seed selection, planting strategies, pest and disease management, irrigation scheduling, and harvest planning. You will collaborate with agricultural teams to implement sustainable farming practices, monitor crop health, and apply data-driven techniques to enhance productivity and efficiency. A strong background in agronomic science, proficiency in agricultural software, and hands-on experience with modern farming equipment are essential. Additionally, you must possess excellent problem-solving skills, adaptability to changing conditions, and a commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Oversee open-field cultivation of habanero peppers to ensure the attainment of specified yield objectives and fruit quality standards.
Observe plant conditions to detect nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, diseases, and physiological disorders.
Design and execute comprehensive pest and disease management strategies that integrate multiple control methods for optimal effectiveness and sustainability.
Ensure that fertilization schedules and irrigation systems are managed appropriately to optimize plant growth and resource efficiency.
Assess meteorological conditions and initiate appropriate preventive actions as required.
Manages and oversees the performance and development of the team to ensure optimal productivity and engagement. Develops and implements staffing plans, including recruitment, training, and retention strategies. Conducts regular performance evaluations, provides constructive feedback, and identifies opportunities for professional growth. Ensures compliance with company policies, labor laws, and workplace safety regulations. Collaborates with other departments to align staffing needs with organizational goals. Addresses employee concerns and resolves conflicts in a timely and professional manner.
Oversee the performance and coordination of farm supervisors, farm attendants, and temporary laborers to ensure efficient daily operations and adherence to established protocols.
Daily responsibilities include assigning tasks and tracking staff performance to ensure efficient workflow and productivity.
Provide instruction to employees regarding correct agricultural techniques, adherence to safety protocols, and proper operation of farming machinery.
Perform periodic assessments of employee performance and provide actionable recommendations for enhancements.
Irrigation and destination systems require meticulous oversight to ensure optimal plant health and resource efficiency. This role involves monitoring water delivery and nutrient distribution schedules, troubleshooting system malfunctions, and maintaining equipment to prevent downtime. Candidates must possess a strong understanding of soil science, plant nutrition, and water management principles, along with proficiency in data analysis for performance tracking. Experience with automated irrigation controls and precision agriculture tools is highly valued. Responsibilities include adjusting application rates based on environmental conditions, conducting regular system inspections, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Collaboration with agronomists and field crews is essential to align irrigation strategies with crop-specific needs and seasonal demands.
Responsibilities include managing drip irrigation systems to optimize water delivery efficiency.
Oversee the implementation and management of irrigation schedules while monitoring water consumption levels to ensure efficient usage.
Oversee destination systems and maintain accurate records of fertilizer inventories.
Proper upkeep of pumps, filters, valves, and irrigation systems must be consistently maintained to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
We are seeking a skilled professional to oversee the critical phases of harvest and post-harvest management, ensuring optimal crop quality and minimizing losses. This role requires expertise in coordinating harvest activities, monitoring post-harvest processes, and implementing best practices for storage, handling, and transportation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in agricultural operations, with proficiency in quality control and regulatory compliance. Key responsibilities include supervising staff, maintaining equipment, and optimizing workflows to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail are essential for success in this position.
Develop and oversee harvesting schedules to align with market demands while ensuring operational efficiency and quality standards are maintained.
Proper handling, grading, sorting, packaging, and storage of fruit must be maintained to high standards.
Implement strategic management techniques to significantly reduce post-harvest losses and enhance overall efficiency in agricultural operations.
When necessary, oversee and synchronize product delivery timelines to ensure alignment with project milestones and stakeholder expectations.
Managed the oversight and maintenance of farm assets and inventory, ensuring accurate tracking and efficient utilization of resources. Conducted regular audits to verify asset conditions and inventory levels, identifying discrepancies and implementing corrective measures. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align asset allocation with operational needs, optimizing productivity and cost-effectiveness. Maintained detailed records and reports to support decision-making and compliance with regulatory standards.
Responsibilities include the oversight and maintenance of farm equipment, tools, machinery, and infrastructure to ensure operational efficiency and longevity.
Accurately manage inventory records for fertilizers, agrochemicals, seeds, and consumables to ensure precise tracking and documentation.
Ensure that procurement requests are submitted promptly and that farm resources are utilized efficiently and effectively.
Develop and execute routine maintenance plans for agricultural machinery to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Ensures adherence to regulatory standards and internal policies through meticulous reporting and compliance oversight. Develops and maintains comprehensive documentation to meet legal and organizational requirements. Identifies potential risks and implements corrective measures to mitigate compliance breaches. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to align practices with industry regulations and corporate governance frameworks. Conducts regular audits and assessments to evaluate compliance effectiveness and recommend improvements.
Compile comprehensive reports on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to document farm operations and activities.
Monitor expenditures related to production, labor, and input resources, as well as track quantities to ensure accurate cost management and efficiency assessments.
Ensure adherence to established farm policies, health and safety protocols, and environmental compliance standards to maintain operational integrity and regulatory alignment.
Identify operational issues and propose effective remedies to address them.
Requirements
Holds a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as education, curriculum development, or instructional design.
A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), or an equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Production, Agricultural Engineering, or a closely related discipline is required.
Experience
With a minimum of five years of hands-on experience in overseeing open-field habanero pepper cultivation, you bring practical expertise to our agricultural operations.
Proficiency in designing, implementing, and managing drip irrigation and destination systems is required.
Proficient in pepper cultivation techniques, including nutrient management, pest control strategies, disease prevention methods, and strategies to maximize yield.
Accomplished leadership in managing expansive agricultural teams with proven expertise in workforce supervision.
Competency in developing production budgets and compiling farm reports is required.
Demonstrates proficiency in relevant technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills essential for the role, including exceptional problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong communication capabilities. Exhibits competencies in project management, team collaboration, and adaptability to evolving priorities. Must possess a proven track record of delivering results under tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, methodologies, and best practices is required, along with the capacity to learn and apply new concepts rapidly.
Exceptional leadership capabilities and expertise in managing teams effectively.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in strategic planning and systematic organization, ensuring efficient execution of tasks and projects.
Must demonstrate proficiency in making well-informed agronomic decisions efficiently, even in high-pressure situations.
Maintaining accurate records and producing comprehensive reports are essential competencies for this role.
Proven ability to analyze complex situations and develop effective solutions through critical thinking and methodical evaluation.
Demonstrates strong competency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and fundamental farm reporting systems.
Demonstrates strong self-motivation and the capacity to manage tasks with minimal oversight.
Organizes and maintains a structured work schedule to ensure efficient operations within the department. Coordinates with team members to distribute tasks evenly and adjusts assignments as needed to meet project deadlines. Monitors attendance, tracks time off requests, and ensures compliance with company policies regarding work hours and scheduling requirements. Collaborates with supervisors to align schedules with organizational goals and operational needs.
Availability to work weekends (Saturday and Sunday) is required.
Two paid weekdays off are granted, with schedules determined by operational needs.
Willingness to work extended hours is essential during peak farming operations, transplanting periods, and harvest seasons.
Track and measure performance through clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with organizational objectives and drive continuous improvement. These metrics provide actionable insights into operational efficiency, productivity levels, and overall business health, enabling informed decision-making and strategic adjustments. Regular evaluation against established KPIs ensures accountability, identifies areas for enhancement, and supports long-term growth by fostering a data-driven culture of excellence.
Crop establishment and post-transplant survival rates are critical metrics for assessing planting success and overall crop viability.
The expected of crops per unit of land, measured in either hectares or acres, serves as a critical performance indicator for agricultural operations.
Fruit quality and the proportion of marketable yield are critical metrics for this role.
Irrigation and fertilizer use efficiency involve optimizing the application of water and nutrients to enhance crop productivity while minimizing waste and environmental impact. This requires a thorough understanding of soil conditions, crop water needs, and nutrient cycling, as well as the ability to implement advanced technologies such as precision irrigation systems and soil sensors. Professionals in this field must analyze data to determine the most effective irrigation schedules and fertilizer application rates, ensuring that resources are used sustainably and economically. Additionally, they should monitor environmental factors to prevent runoff and leaching, which can lead to pollution and reduced efficiency.
Enhancing labor productivity and optimizing workforce management are critical operational priorities. This involves strategically aligning employee performance with organizational goals, implementing efficient scheduling practices, and leveraging data-driven insights to maximize while maintaining workforce satisfaction and compliance with labor regulations.
Effectiveness in managing pests and diseases is essential.
Diligent oversight of expenditure to ensure alignment with established budgets and cost control measures is essential.
We prioritize the precision and timely delivery of farm reports to ensure stakeholders receive reliable and up-to-date information.
Qualified applicants are invited to submit their CV via email to engineering@aldelano.com, with the position title included in the subject line.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
2 - 5 years
