Horticulture Supervisor

A farm in Wedza urgently requires a Horticulture Supervisor with expertise in pea production who should possess a combination of relevant qualifications, practical experience, and strong leadership skills. Ideally, they would have a Diploma or Degree in Horticulture or Agriculture, with specific experience in managing pea cultivation. This includes knowledge of pea varieties, planting techniques, fertilization, pest and disease management, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are also essential for effectively supervising a team and ensuring efficient pea production.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Educational Background:
Diploma or Degree in Horticulture or Agriculture:
A formal qualification provides a strong foundation in horticultural principles and practices.

Specialized Knowledge in Pea Production:
This includes understanding different pea varieties (e.g., snow peas, sugar snaps), optimal growing conditions, and best practices for cultivation.

Practical Experience:
Experience in Managing Pea Crops:
Proven experience in all stages of pea production, from planting to harvesting, is crucial.

Knowledge of Pea Varieties and Cultivation Techniques:
This encompasses selecting appropriate varieties for the specific location and climate, understanding planting densities, and implementing effective irrigation and fertilization strategies.

Pest and Disease Management:
Experience in identifying and managing common pea diseases and pests is essential for maintaining healthy crops.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling:
Knowing when and how to harvest peas to ensure optimal quality and implementing proper post-harvest techniques for storage and transport.

Essential Skills:

• Supervisory Skills: The ability to lead, motivate, and guide a team of horticultural workers.
• Organizational Skills: The capacity to plan and schedule work, manage resources effectively, and ensure efficient workflow.
• Communication Skills: The ability to clearly communicate instructions, provide feedback, and collaborate with other team members.
• Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to identify and resolve issues that may arise during the production process.
• Knowledge of Safety Procedures: Ensuring a safe working environment for all team members.
• Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing conditions and priorities.

In addition to these core requirements, experience with the following would be beneficial:

Export Market Trends:
Understanding quality standards and requirements for exporting peas.

Farm Certifications:
Experience with certifications like Global GAP or SMETA.
By possessing these qualifications and skills, a Horticulture Supervisor can effectively manage pea production and contribute to the success of a horticultural operation.

Diverse Crop Knowledge:
Experience with a wide range of crops, like potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, and cabbage, demonstrates the ability to manage different growing conditions, pest and disease pressures, and harvest cycles.

Local and Export Markets:
Understanding the specific requirements of both local and export markets is crucial. This includes knowledge of quality standards, packaging, and logistical considerations.

Market Demands:
Being aware of seasonal variations in crop yields and market prices is essential for planning planting schedules and optimizing income.

Pest and Disease Management:
Experience in preventing and managing pests and diseases for a variety of crops is a key skill.

Overall Farm Management:
Experience with a range of crops suggests a broad understanding of farm operations, including soil management, irrigation, and harvesting.

TO APPLY
To apply please send CV in PDF format with all relevant qualifications to [email protected]