Farm Manager – Horticulturalist
Commercial Hydroponic Greenhouse
Farm Manager – Horticulturalist
Antigua, Antigua & Barbuda
Summary
Alquimi Greenhouse Organics Ltd. (“AGOL”) is seeking a Farm Manager/Horticulturalist with direct experience working in advanced commercial hydroponic greenhouse environments to join its expanding farming operations in the Caribbean region. This position will be based in Antigua. The position offers an excellent opportunity to join a company that represents the leading edge in CEA climate resilient farming technologies which would also lead to significant advancement opportunities. While open to all applicants, preference will be given to CARICOM Nationals to be part of the regional initiative toward building food security through advanced AgTech.
As our Farm Manager, you would be charged with managing all staff and operations of the farm, while leading all horticultural practices and SOPs. This position will report directly to ownership on all aspects of the operation including staff management, crop production, crop scheduling, budgeting, and production flow.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Management of a team of up to 6 including farm production, facilities maintenance, and packaging personnel.
- Responsible for the creation and operation of all irrigation and nutrient programs for a variety of leafy green, lettuce, herbs, and microgreen crops (in Phase 1).
- Plan and implement harvesting and planting schedules and educate all production staff on best practices.
- Manage the production yields and ensure that all production activities are aligned with production goals and sales requirements.
- Operational oversight of all critical input controls within the entire production area. A thorough knowledge of, and experience with SAEF bench based hydroponic systems and procedures will be considered a key asset.
- Monitor the health and safety of staff and ensure high worker satisfaction of dedicated operational staff under your direct management.
- Support the packaging, logistics, and sales and marketing
- Daily, weekly, and monthly reporting to ownership.
Key Requirements
- At least 2-4 years experience working in a senior role in a commercial hydroponic greenhouse facility as a senior horticulturalist, greenhouse manager, or senior greenhouse production lead.
- Varied experience in commercial greenhouse operations, hydroponic system operations, and horticultural knowledge.
- Cultivation knowledge of commercial-scale greenhouse operations including; seeding, propagation, transplantation, maintenance, and harvesting of various leafy green crops, lettuces, herbs, and microgreens.
- Available to start work on site by January 2024, however limited work in a virtual consulting capacity will start prior to that.
Qualifications
- BSc or similar Degree in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Agricultural Technology, Agribusiness
- Certification in Advanced Hydroponics from a recognized institution is an
- Holder of a CARICOM Certificate, or qualified for said Certificate as a CARICOM National a definite asset.
Skills and Abilities
- Solid people management skills – team builder – team
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking
- Independent thinker – highly resourceful.
- Team-oriented with a positive
- Strong Interpersonal Able to communicate clearly with all staff levels and other stakeholders.
- Accountability – Takes initiative and ownership of
- Time Management & Organization Skills - Able to prioritize and delegate
- Flexible work hours and Able to work on demand when required. It’s farming!
- Physical demands - Able to manage physical tasks such as loading and unloading, moving gardening supplies, medium to heavyweight tools and equipment, etc.
- Proficient in all MS Office applications with knowledge of plant recording
- Willing to do whatever it takes to keep the farm operating at its highest production level.
Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications and could include a company relocation package. We are an equal opportunity employer.
To apply, please email your resumes to [email protected] with the subject line “AGOL Farm Manager.” Please note that only suitable candidates would be contacted.