Vacancy: FIELD ASSISTANT-AVOCADO

Agricultural Employers Association commonly known as AEA was started in 1962 and registered in 1966 as an Association representing the collective interests of Employers in the Agricultural industry in matters connected with Employment of Labour. The AEA is an affiliate member of FKE, KEPSA, KAM and ASNET.

Our client in Kericho seeks to fill the following vacancy that has arisen in their company:

Vacancy: FIELD ASSISTANT-AVOCADO

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the functions of Avocado section  mainly    Orchard establishment, crop production, crop protection, planning, reporting, staff management and adherence to standards and policies. Participate effectively as part of the larger management team to attain business goals.

The role will report to the Farm Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the farm manager in supervision of labour and implementation of routine farm management practices.
• Create a weekly work plan in consultation with the farm manager clearly indicating the tasks to be done and their timelines.
• Plan and supervise the application of plant protection products for all crops as directed by the farm manager.
• Plan and supervise nutritional application as per the planned programs
• Conduct weekly scouting for pests and diseases, implement IPM, data collection and report on findings.
• Calculate or conduct yield estimation, supervise harvesting and keep a record for the farm production.
• With the direction of the Farm  manager, schedule ,coordinate, and conduct internal self-inspection for audits in the farm and properly maintain records on the same.
• Maintain the farm up to standard as required by the company, and the market.
• Maintain labour records and conduct routine staff training to keep them at par with production requirements.
• Supervise and train all the farm staff working under.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Crop production

• Ensure that the land is prepared, and the Avocado is grown as per the specific crop requirement and to the highest standard.
• Maintain nutritional plans and records for all the orchards.
• Plan the irrigation and fertilizers schedules according to the crop requirements to ensure maximum productivity.
• Maintain harvesting plans and records for all the Avocados to ensure that the activity is carried out as per the guidelines
• Check that the post-harvest activities, sorting and storage are at the required environmental and hygiene conditions.
• Arrange for transport, freight and export/sale of produce

2.Crop Protection

• Keep crops and produce free from pests and diseases
• Effectively control the growth of the weeds, prevent soil erosion and water loss
• Practice Integrated Pest Control and maintain a pest and disease control program

3.Planning & Reporting

• Effectively budget and plan for the department’s operations throughout the year and control operational expenditure
• Ensure that records of all operations carried out in the section are accurately kept
• Regularly report on the activities on the and performance of the department
• Check that the stock levels of material requirements are in place
• Update the farm management systems in accurate and timely manner.
• Plan for maintenance and calibration of tools and equipment in the section, including the irrigation system.

4.Management of staff

• Ensure that all labor in the section is effective and efficient and that all staff achieve recommended productivity.
• Maintain staff discipline and welfare in accordance with the company policy.
• Ensure that staff are continuously trained on operational procedures.

5.Standards and Policies

• Ensure that the department adheres to all the required standards such as Global GAP, SMETA ,KS1758 , Rain Forest Alliance and keep up with developments in the industry
• Enforce safety standards and adherence to all company policies and procedures
• Maintain the highest possible standards in all departmental activities

6.Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by immediate manager or senior management

Desired Qualifications, skills and experience;

• Degree/Diploma in general agriculture, horticulture, or any other relevant agricultural course
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Avocado Farming mainly commercial large scale Farming.
• Knowledge of certification standards such as Global gap, smeta , Ks1758,RA and others.
• Knowledge of managing a large Avocado Orchard is a key requirement.
• Knowledge of using current avocado management apps is  an added advantage.

Only QUALIFIED candidates should apply attaching detailed curriculum vitae and supporting documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  by 6^th September 2024 quoting the job title on the email subject (FIELD ASSISTANT-AVOCADO). Please indicate expected salary for this position (mandatory requirement).

*Please note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, if you do not hear from us please consider your application unsuccessful. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. *

Our contact information:

CEO, AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATION                          Tel:        +254512216744

P.O. BOX 17783-20100,                                                                                  Cell:       0722/36 557039

NAKURU, KENYA.                          www.agriemp.co.ke