Farm Manager

Job description

Preferred Hours:

6 days/week

Salary:

TBD

Benefit in kind:

The Company is providing accommodation at Chimfunshi, water from boreholes, electricity from solar panels, and ensuring mobility (company car or motorcycle).

Role:

As a farm manager, you’ll be responsible for the staff in your department, purchase of all necessary raw and auxiliary materials. Monitoring the market for cattle to optimise sales as well as managing and implementing sales. Creation of a cultivation plan for vegetables, hay etc… Preparing quarter reports, yearly business plan, maintaining professional networks and keeping abreast of developments in livestock management, see also the following task description

Supervisors:

Executive Director

Key Relationship:

Agriculture officers, Vet, Finance Manager

Time commitment:

Minimum 1 year, to start as soon as possible.

Stephan Louis Chimpanzee Orphanage Support Trust (SLCOST)

SLCOST supports the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust (CWOT), a small charity in Zambia. SLCOST has over 650 cattle (Tuli, Boran, Brahman) on 10,000 hectares of Miombo and Dumbos forests. Since 2022, SLCOST has been developing conservation agriculture.

CWOT is one of the world’s largest and oldest chimpanzee sanctuaries, with 155 chimpanzees rescued from the illegal bushmeat and pet trade worldwide.

As well as rescuing chimpanzees in need and caring for livestock, CWOT and SLCOST work to protect local Zambian wildlife and the Miombo Forest.

The two foundations support 70 families, or more than 400 people, including 150 children. That’s why CWOT and SLCOST are looking to recruit a highly committed livestock manager to join the farming team.

The duties and responsibilities of the Farm Manager may include, but are not limited to, the following:

– Overseeing daily operations: Manage and coordinate all activities related to the breeding, raising, and maintenance of cattle on the farm. This includes overseeing feeding, watering, health monitoring, and housing of livestock.

– Animal health management: Implement and oversee animal health programs, including vaccination protocols, parasite control, and disease prevention. Coordinate with veterinarians as needed for routine check-ups and treatment of sick animals.

– Breeding and reproduction management: Develop and maintain a breeding program to ensure optimal genetics and herd productivity. Monitor and manage reproduction activities such as artificial insemination, heat detection, and calving.

– Grazing and pasture management: Plan and implement grazing strategies, rotational grazing, and pasture improvement programs to optimize forage availability and ensure proper nutrition for the cattle. Monitor pasture condition and take necessary steps for soil conservation and erosion control.

– Feeding and nutrition management: Develop and implement a balanced feeding program to meet the nutritional requirements of the cattle at different stages of growth and production. Ensure availability of quality and sufficient feed resources throughout the year.

– Financial management: Prepare and manage budgets with the Finance Manager, accounting records, and financial reports related to the farm’s cattle operations. Monitor costs, analyse financial data, and implement measures to enhance profitability and cost-effectiveness.

– Staff management and training: Participating in the staff recruitment process. Train and supervise farm staff, ensuring proper work allocation, safety procedures, and adherence to farm policies. Provide guidance, coaching, and performance evaluations to ensure a productive and motivated workforce.

– Equipment and infrastructure maintenance: Ensure proper maintenance, repair, and operation of farm machinery, equipment, and infrastructure. This includes cattle handling facilities, fencing, water supply systems, and other essential infrastructure.

– Record-keeping and data management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records related to herd management, production data, health records, breeding records, and sales records. Use appropriate software or systems to manage and analyse data for efficient decision-making.

– Market research and sales: Identify market opportunities for cattle sales, marketing, and product diversification. Develop relationships with buyers, negotiate prices, and manage sales transactions. Stay updated with market trends, pricing, and regulatory requirements.

– Environmental stewardship: Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and implement sustainable farming practices. Implement waste management plans, water conservation measures, and other environmentally friendly practices.

Other qualifications:

– Excellent documentation skills

– Alert and attentive to details

– Must demonstrate a high level of maturity

Qualifications

– A full Grade 12 school certificate

– Degree or diploma in animal science

– Minimum of 5 years of experience

– Must have a valid driver’s license

– Must have good communication skills in the English language

– Additional courses in business management and administration are an added advantage

– Candidates with a motorbike or car, whose fuel and maintenance costs will be covered by SLCOST, are an asset.

Application Requirements

Candidates who meet the above-stated requirements are invited to submit their CVs and a cover letter with their background, along with 2 references to chimfunshi@chimfunshiwildlife.org