We, Balaton Agro Investment plc, are building up an integrated dairy farm located 160 km south-west of Addis Ababa close to Welkite. We are starting our own forage production on a current 141 ha, which we intend to increase to 500 ha in phase 1. For the cattle beside some hay and ‘cut & carry’ feeding main focus is silage conservation.

We search for a Farm Forage Agronomist

We expect

• University degree (PhD or Master) in agronomy, agricultural science, plant production with a very strong focus on forage and grassland management
• We want to encourage multiple applications, a minimum of 2 years relevant experience for PhDs and over 5 years for Masters is necessary.
• Proven track-record of work field experiences and management skills
• Any international work and study experience abroad would be an asset
• Choosing suitable species and cultivars, rotation design, seed density and spacing, growth and development monitoring, proper weed, pest and disease control, timing of harvest
• Background in soil tillage, mitigate soil erosion, soil water issues, i.e. drainage/irrigation
• Impact of fertilization on soil nutrient level, crop need, pH, and soil organic matter linked with applying certain fertilizer, lime and manure
• Support domestic sourcing of these quality crop-field input needed
• Set up and maintain fencing, guarding and prevent stealing of crops; planting hedgerows
• Ensure all paperwork, computerized records and daily reporting of field work, harvest data, cost plan and control to management by clear communication and listings using Excel
• Fulfil, implement, insist (particular work safety) and follow all legal requirement and obligation of the state authorities of field-farm operations
• Medium term we intend to develop up to a vocational training location in cooperation with Universities also as an opportunity for you to be involved

Personal skills

• Pro-active, self-motivated, hands-on approach problem solving and highly organized
• Being willing to learn and to develop further as part of an international team setting
• You would work closely and report to a German farm manager permanently on-site
• We support any meaningful further formal professional qualification and training
• International consultants will provide guidelines, training and production controlling tools
• Direct, highly respectful but clearly instruct and motivate staff for field work
• Maintain a clean and tidy work environment, fulfil any hygiene measure set for a dairy farm
• Language skills must be excellent English and Amharic
• Driving license and clean driving record
• Pay will be determined by skills, experience and references