Horticulturist

VACANCY: HORTICULTURIST Makeni Institute Trust is seeking a knowledgeable, practical, and passionate Horticulturist to manage the institution’s horticultural activities while imparting practical agricultural knowledge and skills to learners . The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining the institution’s gardens and agricultural projects, as well as teaching learners through practical, hands-on agricultural activities. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Plan, establish and maintain vegetable, fruit, ornamental and other horticultural crops. Develop and manage nurseries, including seed selection, propagation and seedling production. Plan planting, crop management and harvesting schedules. Manage irrigation, fertilisation, pruning, weeding and general crop maintenance. Identify and manage pests, diseases and other crop-related problems. Maintain accurate records of crops, inputs, production activities and yields. Manage the proper use and storage of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, tools and other agricultural inputs. Supervise garden workers and organise daily agricultural activities. Teach learners basic and practical agricultural and horticultural skills through classroom and hands-on activities. Develop practical lessons suitable for young learners, including crop production, nursery management, soil preparation, composting, irrigation and environmental conservation. Guide learners in establishing and maintaining school gardens and agricultural projects. Encourage learners to develop an interest in agriculture, food production, and entrepreneurship. Assess learners’ practical agricultural activities and provide guidance and feedback. Organise demonstrations, field activities and practical agricultural projects. Ensure that agricultural activities involving learners are conducted in a safe and supervised environment. Advise management on suitable agricultural projects that can contribute to the institution’s food supply. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Grade 12 School Certificate. Diploma in Horticulture, or a related field . At least 4 years’ practical experience in horticulture production. Previous experience working in a school or educational institution will be highly advantageous. Demonstrated ability to teach and impart practical agricultural knowledge and skills to young learners . Good understanding of horticultural production, nursery management, irrigation, soil management and pest and disease control. Experience developing and managing school gardens or agricultural projects will be an advantage. Good communication and interpersonal skills, particularly when working with children and young people. Ability to develop simple, engaging and practical lessons for learners of different ages and abilities. Ability to supervise learners during practical agricultural activities. Good organisational, record-keeping and leadership skills. Must be patient, responsible, disciplined, innovative and passionate about working with young people . Must be able to work independently and demonstrate practical, hands-on agricultural skills. DESIRED PERSONAL QUALITIES The ideal candidate should be: Passionate about agriculture and education. Patient and able to work effectively with young learners. Practical and innovative in developing agricultural projects. A good communicator and role model. Responsible and safety-conscious. Honest, hardworking and committed to the development of learners.

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