FARM MANAGER & HYDROPONICS

Job Description
Job Description – Farm Manager (Hydroponics & Dairy Operations)

Position: Farm Manager – Hydroponics & Dairy Operations
Department: Farm & Sustainability
Location: Mpalada & Gudalur
Employment Type: Full-Time
Language Requirement: Fluent in Tamil and English is preferred.
Experience Required: Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in hydroponic farming, commercial agriculture, and dairy farm management.
Reporting to : Management

Position Overview

Good Shepherd International School is seeking an experienced and dynamic Farm Manager to oversee and lead its Hydroponics, Agricultural, and Dairy Operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, supervising, and optimising year-round farm production while ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, efficient dairy management, and high standards of quality, productivity, and animal welfare.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, operational excellence, and the ability to lead a multilingual farm workforce while supporting the institution's sustainability initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Hydroponics & Crop Production

• Plan, implement, and manage hydroponic farming systems for year-round vegetable and herb production.
  
• Develop seasonal and annual crop production plans based on institutional requirements.
  
• Monitor nutrient management, irrigation systems, water quality, pH, EC levels, and environmental controls.
  
• Ensure optimum crop yield through preventive pest and disease management practices.
  
• Introduce innovative farming technologies and sustainable agricultural methods.
  
• Maintain production records, harvesting schedules, and inventory management.
  
• Ensure proper post-harvest handling, storage, and distribution of produce.
  

Farm Planning & Operations

• Develop annual operational plans, production targets, and farm budgets.
  
• Forecast production based on school consumption and operational requirements.
  
• Monitor productivity, cost efficiency, and resource utilization.
  
• Prepare periodic reports on production, expenses, and operational performance.
  
• Ensure efficient utilization of manpower, machinery, and farm equipment.
  
• Implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all farming activities.
  

Dairy Operations

• Supervise daily dairy operations, including feeding schedules, milking, hygiene, breeding coordination, and overall animal welfare.
  
• Monitor cattle health in coordination with veterinarians.
  
• Ensure quality control of milk production and storage.
  
• Maintain dairy records, including livestock health, milk yield, vaccinations, and breeding history.
  
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare and biosecurity standards.
  

People Management

• Lead, supervise, and train farm workers and dairy staff.
  
• Allocate daily responsibilities and monitor work quality.
  
• Conduct regular performance reviews and skill development initiatives.
  
• Foster a safe, disciplined, and productive work environment.
  

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations, food safety standards, and environmental guidelines.
  
• Maintain cleanliness and safety across farm and dairy facilities.
  
• Monitor the safe use and maintenance of agricultural machinery and equipment.
  
• Ensure adherence to workplace safety protocols.
  

Qualifications

• Diploma/Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, Dairy Science, or a related field.
  
• Specialized training or certification in Hydroponics will be highly preferred.
  
• Additional certification in dairy or livestock management is an advantage.
  

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in hydroponic farming and commercial agriculture.
  
• Proven experience managing dairy farm operations.
  
• Experience supervising farm teams and implementing production planning.
  
• Experience in educational institutions, estates, or commercial farms is desirable.
  

Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in hydroponic farming systems.
  
• Strong knowledge of crop planning, irrigation, and greenhouse management.
  
• Sound understanding of dairy farm operations and livestock management.
  
• Excellent planning, budgeting, and production management skills.
  
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
  
• Ability to analyse production data and improve operational efficiency.
  
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and farm record management.
  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  

Language Requirement

• Fluency in Tamil & English is mandatory.
  

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about sustainable agriculture and innovation.
  
• Strong work ethic and accountability.
  
• Hands-on leader with excellent organizational skills.
  
• Detail-oriented and quality-focused.
  
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
  
• Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  

Working Conditions

• Full-time position.
  
• Requires regular fieldwork and outdoor supervision.
  
• Flexibility to work during weekends, holidays, or emergencies as required.
  
• Ability to supervise early morning and seasonal farm activities.
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
  
• Accommodation and meals as per institutional policy.
  
• Medical insurance and statutory benefits.
  
• Professional development and training opportunities.
  
• Opportunity to lead an integrated hydroponics and dairy operation within one of India's leading international residential schools.
  
• A collaborative environment committed to sustainability, innovation, and excellence in agricultural practices.
  

Preferred Candidate Profile

We are looking for a Tamil-speaking Farm Manager with strong expertise in hydroponics, crop production planning, and dairy operations, who can lead farm teams, maximize productivity, implement sustainable farming practices, and contribute to the school's vision of environmental stewardship and self-sustaining agricultural excellence.

Resumes can be sent to hr-head@gsis.ac.in / call to HR Anish -744 8817857( 9am -5pm only)



Requirements
Agriculture ,Hydroponics , farm & dairy operations