JOB DETAILS:
Description
• Manage day-to-day operations of all IITA research farms in Uganda.
• Ensure that casual farm workers are available at key times, confirm completion of work/task daily and ensure the equipment needed for work is available and in good working order.
• Supervise, train and mentor farm support staff.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations and ensure health and safety standards in operating farm machinery and equipment on IITA farms in Uganda.
• Respond to emergencies and solve problems that may arise on the farm effectively.

• In liaison with the station manager, coordinate and schedule maintenance /repair of farm infrastructure, property, equipment, mowers, tractor, water pump, and other machinery are serviced timely and kept in good working condition.

• Maintain effective communication with research staff and station management, ensuring that farm activities align with research objectives.
• Preparing plans and schedules for crop production, including garden preparation, planting, irrigation, pest and disease management and harvesting and ensuring that all responsible staff understand expectations.

• Sustainably manage fields, including practices that improve soil fertility and minimise soil degradation.

• Keeping up to date records and inventories of farm operations
• Prepare annual workplans and submit to the Station Manager
• Support station manager in the recruiting, training of farm workers.
• Manage the farm store, ensuring that farm supplies requested for and supplied on time.

• Work with the Station Manager to schedule drivers and vehicles based on demand for field activity, airport pickup and drops.
• Support research staff in organizing teams for data collection exercises, field trials and other research activities.
• Prepare and manage the research farm’s annual budget and cost recovery system, ensuring effective and efficient use of resources.
• Prepare monthly reports and share with the Station Manager.

Requirements
• Master’s degree in agriculture, plant science, agronomy or any other related field.
• A minimum of 7 years’ experience in farm management, preferably in a research setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of agricultural research methods and best practices.
• Proficiency in use of farm machinery and equipment.
• Experience in budget development and financial management is an added advantage.
• Ability to use Ms Office and other computer-based tools.
• Should be passionate about agriculture research and development.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Good interactive communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good understanding of government regulations and conversant with safety measures required in a research farm.
• Experience working in a multicultural setting.
• Willingness to extend beyond working hours when need arises.