Role Summary:
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The Farm Manager will oversee the full agricultural lifecycle of Corps & Medjool date palms and ensure the smooth operation of all farm activities in Baharia Oasis. This role is responsible for leading the farm team, enhancing productivity, maintaining high-quality crop standards, ensuring sustainable resource use, and delivering export-grade yields.
- You will ensure optimal palm tree health, manage the workforce, plan seasonal operations, supervise irrigation systems, monitor crop performance, and coordinate with technical, quality, and post-harvest teams. The ideal candidate is a hands-on agricultural leader with deep experience in palm cultivation and the ability to thrive in a desert farming environment.
Key Responsibilities
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Farm Operations & Crop Management
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the palm farm, ensuring optimal health and productivity of Medjool palm trees.
- Develop and implement cultivation plans including irrigation schedules, pruning programs, pollination cycles, fertilization, pest and disease control, and harvesting processes.
- Monitor soil conditions and work closely with agronomists to maximize yield quality and farm sustainability.
- Ensure all palm orchards are properly maintained and compliant with industry best practices.
- Team Leadership & Workforce Management
- Lead, train, and supervise field workers, supervisors, and technical teams.
- Build a strong farm culture based on safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor labor productivity and ensure proper workflow, task assignment, and performance management.
- Production Planning & Reporting
- Set annual and monthly production targets for yield, quality, and cost efficiency.
- Oversee farm inventory including tools, fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery.
- Track operational KPIs and submit regular performance, crop health, and resource utilization reports.
- Irrigation & Equipment Management
- Supervise irrigation systems—including drip irrigation—ensuring consistent and water-efficient performance.
- Oversee maintenance of farm equipment such as tractors, pumps, and harvest tools.
- Coordinate with engineering teams on system upgrades and troubleshooting.
- Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Ensure all stages of date production meet export-grade standards.
- Monitor compliance with agricultural safety regulations, food safety protocols, and sustainable farming guidelines.
- Collaborate with quality and post-harvest teams to guarantee consistent product excellence.
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- Prepare annual farm budgets covering inputs, labor, maintenance, and capital investments.
- Manage operational costs wisely without compromising crop health or productivity.
Requirements
Job Requirements
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Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience managing palm tree farms, with strong expertise specifically indates.
- Experience working in desert/oasis environments; Baharia Oasis experience is a plus.
- Proven track record in managing medium to large agricultural teams.
- Technical Skills
- Deep understanding of Medjool palm cultivation: pollination, pruning, fruit thinning, fertilization, and harvesting.
- Strong knowledge of irrigation management, especially drip systems in desert conditions.
- Hands-on experience with IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and palm-specific disease control.
- Familiarity with soil improvement techniques, nutrient management, and sustainable farming practices.
- Ability to operate and supervise maintenance of farm equipment and machinery.
- Soft Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and communication abilities.
- High problem-solving capability and decision-making under pressure.
- Excellent organizational and planning skills.
- Strong integrity, accountability, and ability to motivate decentralized teams.
- Comfortable working long hours in outdoor desert environments.
- Other Conditions
- Willingness to frequently travel to Baharia Oasis.
Key Success Factors
To excel in this role, the Farm Manager must consistently demonstrate:
1. Deep Technical Mastery
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Strong command of Medjool palm tree agronomy.
- Ability to diagnose plant health issues early and respond with effective solutions.
- Skilled in maximizing yield quality and quantity using scientific and practical methods.
2. Effective Team Leadership
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Ability to build a disciplined, cooperative, and well-trained workforce.
- Fair and structured management style that boosts morale and productivity.
- Talent for developing local labor into highly capable farm operators.
3. Operational Excellence
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Strong planning and coordination across cultivation cycles.
- Efficient use of resources including water, fertilizers, and labor.
- Maintaining consistent farm output despite environmental challenges.
4. Strong Quality & Compliance Mindset
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Commitment to producing export-grade Medjool dates.
- Strict adherence to food safety and agricultural regulations.
- A proactive approach to implementing global best practices.
5. Financial Acumen:
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Ability to control costs while increasing farm productivity.
- Accurate forecasting and budgeting.
- Ensuring that all operations align with profitability and sustainability goals.
6. Adaptability to Desert Farming
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Ability to work under remote conditions.
- Quick thinking in handling unexpected climate or irrigation issues.
Benefits
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Annual Bonus
- Car provided
- Family medical insurance
- Mobile & MiFi
- Learning & Development Programs
- Career progression and growth opportunities