Senior Horticultural Supervisor

Job Description

Our client, a well-established plantation with operations in Kenya and Tanzania is seeking to recruit a Senior Horticultural Supervisor to support the planning, coordination, and supervision of field operations.

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring all field and processing activities related to hybrid and open-pollinated production of baby corn, seed maize and cucurbit crops (such as watermelon, squash, pepper and tomato).

The role ensures high-quality seed production in compliance with company standards and certification guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement seasonal production programs, coordinate land selection, field layout, and crop scheduling, and ensure timely sowing, transplanting, pollination, harvesting, and post-harvest operations.
• Oversee hybrid seed activities including detasseling (seed maize), emasculation, and hand pollination (cucurbits).
• Monitor crop growth stages, conduct inspections for off-types, diseases, and pests, and maintain proper male-to-female ratios and pollination efficiency.
• Ensure seed quality parameters (genetic purity, germination, moisture, and physical purity) are met and maintain accurate field and production records.
• Supervise and train farm workers, providing technical guidance on crop management and hybrid seed production while ensuring labor efficiency and productivity.
• Manage harvesting, drying, shelling/extraction, cleaning, grading, packing, storage, and inventory of seeds.
• Ensure adherence to company SOPs, seed certification standards, and maintain documentation for audits and traceability.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and seasonal production reports and maintain accurate records for operational tracking and regulatory compliance.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture / Seed Technology / Horticulture.
• 5–8+ years of experience in hybrid seed production, preferably in cucurbits and seed maize.
• Knowledge of pest and disease management in corn and cucurbit crops.
• Strong knowledge of hybridization techniques and seed certification standards.
• Experience in managing large-scale field operations.
• You MUST have a valid driving license with a motorbike endorsement and be proficient in riding.