Farm Manager (Sites 1 & 2) Job at Laj - Aquaculture & Farmacology

Laj - Aquaculture & Farmacology is a dynamic agricultural and aquaculture-focused organisation dedicated to advancing sustainable farming practices and innovations in farmaceutical (farming + pharmaceutical) solutions. Mission To create innovative farming systems that provide sustainable fish farming, crop production, and organic health products, contributing to food security and economic empowerment.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Farm Manager (Sites 1 & 2)

Job Location: Site 1: Shinge Road, Lafia - Nasarawa State and Site 2: Kwandere Road, Lafia - Nasarawa
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Managing Director
Employment Type: Full-time, Onsite Only
Working Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Standard working hours, with breaks for religious activities as per company policy)

Job Summary

• The Farm Manager will oversee daily operations at LAJ Aquaculture's farming sites (Site 1 and Site 2). This includes managing fish production, coordinating feed production, ensuring the smooth operation of farm activities, and maintaining high safety, quality, and efficiency standards.
• The ideal candidate will be experienced in farm management, with a strong background in aquaculture, and capable of leading a team to meet production targets and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities
Farm Operations Management

• Fish Production Management:
  • Oversee fish farming operations at both sites, ensuring optimal health, growth, and fish harvesting.
  • Monitor water quality, temperature, feeding schedules, and health protocols to ensure the well-being of fish.
  • Implement best practices for breeding, feeding, and stocking fish to maintain consistent and high-quality production.
• Feed Production Supervision:
  • Manage feed production, ensuring the efficient production of high-quality fish feed.
  • Monitor inventory levels and ensure the feed production process aligns with fish production needs.
• Operational Efficiency:
  • Manage daily farm operations, ensuring a seamless workflow between different departments.
  • Troubleshoot any issues on the farm, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
• Health & Safety Compliance:
  • Ensure that all activities on the farm comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
  • Implement and maintain health and safety protocols for farm staff, equipment, and operations.
  • Conduct regular checks for pest management and biosecurity.
• Sustainability and Environmental Practices:
  • Promote sustainable farming practices, including waste recycling, water conservation, and energy efficiency.
  • Ensure that all farm practices align with the company’s sustainability goals.

Staff Management & Development:

• Team Leadership:
  • Lead and manage farm staff, ensuring efficient and safe working practices.
  • Assign tasks and responsibilities, ensuring appropriate delegation and work distribution.
  • Conduct regular performance assessments and provide feedback to team members.
• Training & Development:
  • Provide training and guidance to staff on farm operations, safety, and environmental practices.
  • Identify opportunities for employee development and implement training programs to enhance staff skills.
• Staff Motivation:
  • Foster a positive work environment, motivating staff to achieve farm production goals.
  • Resolve conflicts and manage interpersonal issues within the team.

Reporting & Communication:

• Operational Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate records of farm activities, including fish production, feed inventory, staffing, and equipment maintenance.
  • Prepare and submit regular reports to the Managing Director regarding production, inventory, and staff performance.
• Collaboration:
  • Work closely with other departments, including HR, finance, and marketing, to ensure smooth farm-to-market operations.
  • Collaborate with the Sales and Marketing teams to align farm production with sales forecasts and market demands.
• Budgeting & Cost Management:
  • Manage farm budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources, including feed, equipment, and labour.
  • Identify areas to reduce costs while maintaining farm efficiency and productivity.

Qualifications and Skills

• A Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Farm Management, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in farm management, particularly in aquaculture.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of fish farming, aquaculture systems, and feed production.
• Experience with sustainable farming practices and environmental regulations.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in farm management software or related tools is a plus.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Working Hours & Breaks:

• Full-time Onsite: Standard working hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday (5 days a week).
• Breaks: Employees are allowed breaks for religious activities during the workday, integrated as part of the overall working schedule, as per the company’s policy. Break times will be mutually agreed upon with the Managing Director to ensure continuity of operations.

Salary and Benefits

• The salary will be benchmarked against the current minimum wage in Nigeria (NGN 70,000), with a 60% supplement added for the Farm Manager role.
  • Current Minimum Wage Benchmark: NGN 70,000 monthly
  • Supplement: 60% of the minimum wage, totalling NGN 42,000
  • Total Monthly Salary: NGN 112,000 (for full-time onsite)
• Onsite Accommodation Provided: Employees will be provided with comfortable, fully furnished accommodation on-site, including:
  • Kitchen: Fully equipped for meal preparation.
  • Electricity & Water: Reliable electricity and water supply included.
  • Entertainment: Enjoy access to Netflix and a television for personal relaxation.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Rsumes and a Cover Letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications to: drlajhouse@gmail.com and cc: kolamathew89@gmail.com using the Job Position as the subject of the email.

Important Information and Notice

• This job description indicates the primary duties and responsibilities associated with the position of Farm Manager. However, as directed by management, staff may be required to carry out other reasonable duties aligned with their skills, experience, and the company's business needs.
• No payment will be made for overtime unless it has been prior approved and authorised by the line manager and CEO. Any overtime worked without this authorisation will not be compensated.