Agronomist & Aquaponics Systems Operator

Agronomist & Aquaponics Systems Operator – Agronomist Aquaponics Jobs in Lusaka

Hrvst invites applications for the position of Agronomist & Aquaponics Systems Operator based in Lusaka, Zambia. This opportunity is ideal for professionals seeking agronomist aquaponics jobs in Lusaka who are passionate about advancing controlled-environment agriculture through innovative, data-driven methods.

About SimuPod and the Role

SimuPod is a state-of-the-art controlled-environment aquaponics and vertical farming platform focused on producing premium crops using a scalable, repeatable, and data-centric operating model. Our vision transcends traditional plant cultivation; we are creating an integrated agricultural operating system where biology, engineering, operations, and data converge to deliver consistent, predictable results.

We seek two highly disciplined Agronomists & Systems Operators to join our team. This full-time role blends expertise in agronomy, aquaponics, operations, data management, and continuous process improvement. You will oversee the daily health and productivity of both crop and fish systems, maintain detailed operational records, and contribute to the ongoing optimization and scaling of the SimuPod platform.

Key Responsibilities for Agronomist Aquaponics Jobs in Lusaka

• Daily System Operations: Conduct thorough inspections of crops, fish, water systems, pumps, filters, and infrastructure; manage germination, transplanting, harvesting, and crop maintenance; ensure fish health and feeding protocols; uphold facility cleanliness and biosecurity standards.
• Data Collection & Record Keeping: Accurately log operational data, including crop yields, mortality rates, growth metrics, water quality, and system performance; validate and audit data records; investigate anomalies.
• Water Quality & Aquaponics Management: Monitor critical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate levels, fish feeding rates, and health indicators; identify trends and implement corrective actions proactively.
• Crop Planning & Yield Management: Implement production schedules; maintain staggered planting cycles; support harvest forecasting; track and analyze productivity and yield; recommend quality and output improvements.
• Problem Solving & Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve plant nutrient deficiencies, fish health challenges, water quality issues, equipment failures, disease outbreaks, and production bottlenecks using data-driven methods.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to refining operating procedures, data collection processes, crop selection, yield optimization, labor efficiency, and system reliability with a mindset focused on enhancing performance daily.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

To excel in this role, candidates must demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, strong observational skills, and a commitment to data accuracy. The ideal applicant will possess:

• A Degree or Diploma in Agronomy, Agriculture, Horticulture, Crop Science, Aquaculture, Agricultural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A solid understanding of plant production systems and the ability to analyze operational data effectively.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and digital record-keeping tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills coupled with a high level of personal accountability.

Preferred qualifications include experience with hydroponics or aquaponics, controlled-environment agriculture systems, commercial crop production, operational record maintenance, and familiarity with sensors and agricultural technologies.

Critical Competencies and Success Indicators

• Attention to Detail: Identifies minor issues before they escalate.
• Data Integrity: Treats operational data as a vital asset, ensuring accuracy to support sound decision-making.
• Systems Thinking: Understands the interactions among crops, fish, water chemistry, equipment, and operational processes.
• Discipline & Consistency: Executes processes reliably and precisely every day.
• Curiosity & Learning Mindset: Pursues continuous improvement beyond maintaining the status quo.
• Ownership Mentality: Takes personal responsibility as if the system were their own.

Within the first 90 days, successful candidates will independently operate the SimuPod system, maintain accurate daily records, detect emerging issues early, adhere to standard procedures consistently, and propose practical improvements. Over the first year, they will contribute to enhanced production consistency, yield predictability, error reduction, and the establishment of scalable operational standards.

Compensation and Application Process

Hrvst offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. Candidates will be evaluated on operational thinking, agronomic knowledge, aquaponics expertise, data accuracy, problem-solving skills, commercial awareness, and a continuous improvement mindset. The selection process includes a practical take-home assessment and a system walkthrough.

Interested applicants for this full-time opportunity in Lusaka are encouraged to submit their applications via email to openings@thezig.io.

Job Category

Agriculture