Production Agronomist – Kenya
Reporting to: Supply Chain Manager (SCM)
Direct Reports: 1
Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, the Production Agronomist is responsible for field production and inspection in Kenya.
Responsibilities include:
- Liaise with the SCOM/SCM on the recruitment of suitable seed growers.
- Ensure good land selection, sufficient isolation and preparation. Ensure availability of farm equipment and irrigation systems.
- Ensure field production is done in both a timely and effective manner, to make sure that the planned quantities of seed of specified QBS quality are produced and available as required
- Coordinate recruitment of growers and the implementation of the field production plan.
- Ensure phytosanitary, regulatory and quality requirements, including certification, are adhered to and all shipments of seed made do not contravene any country or international regulations or good practice. Work with the regulator to assure certification.
- Ensure the crops are registered with the regulator for inspection in good
- Perform good agronomic activities to ensure the seed produced is of high quality and no rejection by the regulator; good land preparation, recommended plant population, ensure implementation of the fertilization Programme, scout for diseases and pests and ensure implementation of the pesticide and herbicide control Programme.
- Carry out regular inspections on the seed production field to ensure quality seed is produced.
- Ensure roguing is timely and effectively done by use of descriptors to ensure high seed quality
- Deliver high quality production by ensuring timely and effective detassling of female plants.
- Collect production research data regarding flowering and silking timings, to be used in the production of single crosses.
- Ensure harvested foundation seeds are sampled and tested for all laboratory analysis parameters and results given to respective growers.
- Providing technical support to seed growers.
- Manage all field production staff (FTE and Seasonal).
- Ensure the companies HSEQ rules and procedures are established and fully implemented in the production field.
Qualifications and experience
- Degree in Agricultural related field
- Knowledge and experience in regulations and certification of seed production.
- Experience with seed production and inspection in a similar role
- A customer focused individual committed to building a reputation for trust and reliability.
- A highly proficient level of written / spoken English.
- Performance and results driven attitude.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Driving Licence & willingness to travel across the country to support growers.
Submission of Applications
- QBS is an equal opportunity employer; committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious and ethnic backgrounds and any other diversity groups to apply and become a part of our Company.
- Qualified candidates are invited to send their applications on or before 29 October 2024 to [email protected] and clearly indicate on the email subject Production Agronomist (Kenya) – Only short-listed candidates will be contacted
