Background

Northrise University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental disability, or gender in its hiring practices.

Northrise University is a privately owned University. The University is based in Ndola and offers locally and internationally accredited professional and academic programs. Northrise is a Christ-centered university creating an environment for intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth. Northrise University supports the educational, spiritual, and economic transformation of Zambia by raising up educated and empowered leaders. At Northrise students are empowered to become future leaders through rigorous academic training and high-performance standards.

We are looking for dedicated and innovative professionals who are passionate about making a significant and positive contribution to the education sector in Zambia. If you are such an individual possessing the necessary qualifications and competencies, you are encouraged to apply for the available positions.

Job Purpose

The Agronomist is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring all crop production activities at Northrise University Farm. The role focuses on improving productivity, ensuring sustainable farming practices, supporting research integration, and contributing to the farm’s commercial and educational objectives.

Roles and responsibilities

Crop Production Planning and Management

• Develop and implement seasonal and annual crop production plans aligned with the farm’s strategic objectives.
• Select suitable crop varieties (e.g., sweet peppers and other high-value crops) based on climate, soil conditions, and market demand.
• Oversee land preparation, planting schedules, crop rotation, and harvesting activities.

Soil and Nutrient Management

• Conduct soil analysis and recommend appropriate fertilization programs.
• Develop and implement soil fertility management plans to optimize yields.
• Promote sustainable practices such as composting and integrated nutrient management.

Irrigation and Water Management

• Design and oversee efficient irrigation systems, including drip irrigation and greenhouse watering systems.
• Monitor water usage and ensure optimal distribution across fields and greenhouses.
• Provide recommendations to improve water efficiency and address existing system weaknesses.

Pest and Disease Management

• Monitor crops for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Develop and implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Ensure safe and effective use of pesticides and compliance with agricultural standards.

Greenhouse and Controlled Environment Production

• Manage greenhouse operations, ensuring optimal conditions for crop growth (temperature, humidity, irrigation).
• Introduce and monitor high-value crops such as bell peppers under controlled environments.
• Ensure consistency in production throughout the year.

Research and Innovation Integration

• Collaborate with university faculty and students to implement research trials and innovative farming techniques.
• Collect and analyze data to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Participate in research projects and contribute to publications or reports where necessary.

Farm Records and Data Management

• Maintain accurate records of crop performance, inputs and yields.
• Develop and implement farm management tools such as technological maps.
• Use data to evaluate performance and improve efficiency.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure all crops meet required quality standards for both internal consumption and external markets.
• Promote food safety and adherence to agricultural regulations.
• Support implementation of farm policies, including SHE and quality management systems.

Collaboration and Reporting

• Work closely with the Farm Business Manager and other section leads (e.g., poultry) to ensure integrated farm operations.
• Prepare regular reports on crop performance, challenges, and recommendations.
• Participate in planning meetings and contribute to strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

• Diploma in an Agriculture related field
• Grade 12 Certificate
• Minimum of 3 years field experience. Not sales.

• Develop and implement seasonal and annual crop production plans aligned with the farm’s strategic objectives.
• Select suitable crop varieties (e.g., sweet peppers and other high-value crops) based on climate, soil conditions, and market demand.
• Oversee land preparation, planting schedules, crop rotation, and harvesting activities.
• Conduct soil analysis and recommend appropriate fertilization programs.
• Develop and implement soil fertility management plans to optimize yields.
• Promote sustainable practices such as composting and integrated nutrient management.
• Design and oversee efficient irrigation systems, including drip irrigation and greenhouse watering systems.
• Monitor water usage and ensure optimal distribution across fields and greenhouses.
• Provide recommendations to improve water efficiency and address existing system weaknesses.
• Monitor crops for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Develop and implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Ensure safe and effective use of pesticides and compliance with agricultural standards.
• Manage greenhouse operations, ensuring optimal conditions for crop growth (temperature, humidity, irrigation).
• Introduce and monitor high-value crops such as bell peppers under controlled environments.
• Ensure consistency in production throughout the year.
• Collaborate with university faculty and students to implement research trials and innovative farming techniques.
• Collect and analyze data to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Participate in research projects and contribute to publications or reports where necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of crop performance, inputs and yields.
• Develop and implement farm management tools such as technological maps.
• Use data to evaluate performance and improve efficiency.
• Ensure all crops meet required quality standards for both internal consumption and external markets.
• Promote food safety and adherence to agricultural regulations.
• Support implementation of farm policies, including SHE and quality management systems.
• Work closely with the Farm Business Manager and other section leads (e.g., poultry) to ensure integrated farm operations.
• Prepare regular reports on crop performance, challenges, and recommendations.
• Participate in planning meetings and contribute to strategic decision-making.

• Diploma in an Agriculture related field
• Grade 12 Certificate
• Minimum of 3 years field experience. Not sales.