Avocado Irrigation Manager
- Department: Farm Operations
- Job Location: Laikipia County
- Reporting to: Avocado Production Manager
Job Description
The Avocado Irrigation Manager at Mutara Orchards Limited will be responsible for ensuring all trees and seedlings planted in the field and nursery have adequate water for optimal growth and maintenance of the irrigation system.
Main Responsibilities
- Monitoring the quality of water entering and leaving the irrigation system to ensure that it meets health and safety standards.
- Manage irrigation and scheduling of irrigation-based crop requirements and stages of production.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of the irrigation systems to determine if they need repair or replacement.
- Analyzing soil conditions and making recommendations for improving the crop’s yield potential.
- Monitoring water levels in the Avocado service dam and other sources of water to ensure an adequate supply during periods of high demand.
- Working with engineers and contractors to design new irrigation systems or modify existing ones.
- Supervising the construction of new irrigation systems or repairing existing ones.
- Manage Avocado nursery irrigation system.
- Ensure management of seedling health in the nursery.
- Ensure that all labor in the Avocado section is effective and efficient and that they meet their allocated daily tasks.
- Ensure that the Orchard’s Avocado operations adhere to local and international standards.
- Train staff in best practices for Avocado Irrigation Management from time to time.
- Ensure safe working conditions.
- Preparing reports on the irrigation progress.
Monitoring and surveying sections
- Conduct daily or weekly moisture content tests.
- Identify and report on moisture status.
- Collect data using photos and on forms.
- Collect water samples as recommended and follow up on chemical and pathology testing.
- Notify security of any crop theft or distraction.
- Monitoring the efficiency of pumps, drips, etc.
Recording and Reporting
- Collect and record irrigation data.
- Make recommendations based on field status.
- Communicate any irregular field situation to the Line Manager.
- Maintaining up-to-date records and reports.
Qualification, Experience, and Knowledge
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or Irrigation Science.
- 3-5 years of experience on a large-scale farm.
- Knowledge of Avocado fruit management.
- Ability to manage budgets and make financial decisions.
- Result-oriented, quality-oriented individual with a high level of integrity.
- Able to collaborate with all teams at the farm.
- Open to change and willing to learn new farming systems.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
How to Apply Qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover letter via email to hr@mo.co.ke, clearly indicating the position they are applying for in the email subject as “Avocado Irrigation Manager” by COB 5th January 2024.
NB: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If not contacted five (5) days from the closure of this job Ad, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.
