About the job Farm Agronomist- Kinangop
About the Company
Our client is a commercial floriculture company specializing in the production and export of high-quality flowers to international markets. The farm is committed to sustainable crop production, efficient resource utilization, and consistently achieving high yields and exportable flower quality while meeting stringent international market requirements.
Job Summary
The Farm Agronomist will be responsible for overseeing crop nutrition, irrigation, pest and disease management, and overall agronomic practices to optimize flower yields and quality. The role will develop and monitor crop feeding and irrigation programs, supervise crop scouting activities, implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, and ensure compliance with export market requirements.
The position requires strong practical knowledge of commercial flower production and the ability to make timely agronomic decisions based on crop performance, climatic conditions, soil and water analysis, and pest and disease trends.
Key Responsibilities
Crop Nutrition & Fertigation
Develop and monitor fertigation and crop feeding programs based on crop requirements and growth stages.
Adjust fertilizer and nutrient programs in response to crop performance, soil, water, and tissue analysis.
Monitor nutrient uptake and identify signs of deficiencies, toxicities, or imbalances.
Ensure accurate preparation, application, and monitoring of fertilizers and crop inputs.
Maintain accurate records of feeding programs, applications, and crop performance.
Irrigation & Water Management
Develop and monitor irrigation programs suited to crop requirements and prevailing climatic conditions.
Monitor irrigation schedules, application rates, water usage, and system performance.
Interpret water analysis results and recommend appropriate adjustments to irrigation and nutrition programs.
Work with farm teams to identify and address irrigation inefficiencies and system challenges.
Promote efficient water use while maintaining optimal crop performance.
Pest & Disease Management
Supervise crop scouting teams and ensure systematic monitoring of crops for pests and diseases.
Ensure early identification and reporting of pests including spider mites, thrips, and other economically significant pests.
Monitor diseases such as downy mildew and other relevant flower crop diseases.
Develop and implement effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.
Recommend appropriate biological control agents and approved chemical interventions based on pest and disease pressure.
Monitor the effectiveness of pest and disease control programs and recommend adjustments where necessary.
Crop Protection & Export Compliance
Ensure all crop protection practices comply with applicable legislation, farm procedures, and export market requirements.
Monitor and enforce Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) requirements to safeguard export eligibility.
Maintain accurate records of chemical applications, biological controls, scouting results, and crop protection activities.
Ensure correct handling, application, storage, and documentation of crop protection products.
Work closely with Quality Assurance and other farm teams to maintain compliance with international customer requirements.
Soil & Crop Monitoring
Coordinate soil and water sampling and interpret laboratory results to guide crop nutrition strategies.
Conduct regular crop assessments and monitor plant health, growth, yield, and quality.
Analyse agronomic data and identify trends affecting crop performance.
Recommend corrective measures to improve crop productivity and quality.
Support trials and evaluations of new crop nutrition, irrigation, and crop protection practices.
Team Supervision & Technical Support
Supervise and guide crop scouts and other relevant farm teams.
Train farm employees on proper scouting, crop protection, irrigation, and agronomic practices.
Provide technical guidance to farm supervisors and production teams.
Promote adherence to farm SOPs and safe working practices.
Collaborate with Farm Management, Quality Assurance, and Packhouse teams to achieve production and quality targets.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Crop Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
Minimum 3 years of practical agronomy experience in commercial flower production, preferably roses or summer flowers.
Hands-on experience in greenhouse and/or open-field flower production.
Strong knowledge of crop nutrition, fertigation, irrigation, and crop protection.
Practical experience developing and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.
Good understanding of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and export market requirements.
Experience interpreting soil and water analysis results.
Strong understanding of pest and disease identification and management.
Knowledge of relevant crop protection legislation and safe use of agricultural chemicals.
Familiarity with high-altitude growing conditions, particularly in the Kinangop region, will be an advantage.
Key Skills & Competencies
Commercial Flower Agronomy
Crop Nutrition & Fertigation
Irrigation & Water Management
Pest & Disease Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Soil & Water Analysis
Crop Protection & MRL Compliance
Crop Monitoring & Scouting
Data Analysis & Agronomic Decision-Making
Team Supervision & Training
Problem-Solving & Attention to Detail
Strong Communication & Collaboration
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Flower yield and productivity
Exportable flower quality
Effectiveness of pest and disease control programs
Compliance with MRL requirements
Crop nutrition and irrigation efficiency
Reduction in pest- and disease-related crop losses
Timely implementation of agronomic interventions
Efficient water and fertilizer utilization
Accuracy of agronomic records and reports
Compliance with crop protection and farm safety standards