AGRONOMY TECHNICAL ASSISTANT – Takura Packhouse 179 views

VACANCY 

Business Overview

Takura is an Enterprise focusing on uplifting communities through commercial horticulture and poultry production. The Takura packhouse is at the centre of all operations, being the interface with the international and local market as well as the farmers. Takura is building a world-class team which is offering dedicated extension services support to our farmers, helping them to comply with sustainable production practices, aggregating inputs, coordinating production and meeting yield targets for various crops. We conform with GLOBALGAP and social standards such as SMETA, hence holding highest levels of integrity in our production. We offer sustainable prices to our farmers. Our packhouse can manage average export volumes of 50 tons weekly.

We are seeking a dedicated Agronomy foot-soldier who will drive our mission. The candidate must have a passion and experience in the commercial production of passion fruit, peas, baby corn and chillies. He/she must be a community player, willing to live in rural Shurugwi and being part of Takura’s growing team.

Job Purpose Statement

Execution of extension services; supporting the production of passion fruit, peas, baby corn, chillies and other horticultural crops grown by Takura. The purpose is to maximize yields whilst reducing costs.

Main Responsibilities:

• Production plans for passion fruit and other crops. Regular crop monitoring and recommending timely interventions. Training of farmers. Crop walking and communicating yield predictions, in liaison with Field Technical Assistants and the Packhouse team.

• Production performance. Yield per ha; cost of production per ha.

• Crop nutrition planning and execution in liaison with the Production and Agronomy Coordinator.

• Integrated Pest Management Planning and execution in liaison with the Production and Agronomy Coordinator.

• Irrigation planning and execution in liaison with the Production and Agronomy Coordinator.

• General Crop Management planning and execution in liaison with the Production and Agronomy Coordinator.

• Pre and post-harvest planning and execution in liaison with the Production and Agronomy Coordinator.

• Records-keeping.

• GAP.

Qualification and Experience

• At least 5 years of hands-on extension and agronomy experience in the Horticultural sector.

• Hands-on experience in the production of passion fruit, peas and baby corn. Scouting and irrigation experience. Knowledge of standards including GLOBALGAP.

• Certificate, diploma or degree in Horticulture, with hand-on experience at a supervisory level

Skills required:

• Ability to demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills

• Demonstrated success in production planning, communication and/or other disciplines focused on driving operational efficiencies, waste reduction, and habitual excellence