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Horticultural Gardener – Organic & Regenerative Agriculture

Job Category

Managerial

Department

Agriculture

Reporting to

General Manager

Job Purpose

The Horticultural Gardener is responsible for developing, managing, and running all horticultural activities at Heenat Salma Farm in accordance with organic and regenerative principles. This includes planning, cultivation, maintenance, harvesting, and post-harvest handling of diverse crops (vegetables, fruits, herbs, grains, legumes, and medicinal plants), as well as contributing to research, education, and community engagement. The role demands deep horticultural knowledge, practical skill, and a commitment to soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability.

Responsibilities

Crop Production & Land Management:

  • Plan, plant, cultivate, and harvest crops year-round using organic and regenerative farming methods.
  • Maintain soil health through composting, mulching, green manures, cover cropping, and crop rotation.
  • Implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) without synthetic chemicals.
  • Ensure optimal irrigation practices, including water conservation and efficiency.
  • Select and propagate seeds, prioritising heirloom and locally adapted varieties.
  • Maintain accurate planting, growth, and yield records.


Farm Development & Infrastructure:

  • Develop planting schedules aligned with seasonal and market needs.
  • Design and maintain diverse cropping systems that promote biodiversity and resilience.
  • Oversee greenhouse, nursery, and open-field horticulture operations.
  • Collaborate with the Animal Husbandry unit for integrated farming benefits (e.g., manure composting, rotational grazing).


Research, Education & Community Engagement:

  • Participate in farm-based experiments and trials for improving regenerative techniques.
  • Document processes and outcomes for internal knowledge and public outreach.
  • Engage visitors, students, and volunteers in horticultural activities, workshops, and farm tours.
  • Support Caravane Earth Academy’s training and vocational programs.


Quality, Compliance & Safety:

  • Ensure compliance with organic certification standards and regenerative farming best practices.
  • Monitor quality standards from planting to post-harvest handling.
  • Follow health, safety, and environmental protocols.


Leadership and Team Collaboration:

  • Work closely with the agriculture and architecture departments, ensuring interdisciplinary collaboration in the development of sustainable systems and structures.
  • Foster a culture of sustainability within the team by leading discussions, ideation sessions, and collaborative workshops focused on innovative ecological solutions.
  • Act as a key liaison between Heenat Salma Farm and external partners, including universities, governmental bodies, and ecological organizations.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong plant identification and cultivation skills across multiple crop types.
  • Capacity to plan and execute seasonal production cycles.
  • Problem-solving skills in pest, disease, and climatic challenges.
  • Good record-keeping and organisational skills.
  • Strong communication skills for team coordination and visitor engagement.
  • Adaptability to work in diverse weather conditions and physical endurance.

Experience

  • Minimum 5 years’ hands-on horticultural experience, preferably in organic/regenerative systems.
  • Proven track record in planning and managing diverse crop production.
  • Knowledge of soil biology, composting, and ecological farming methods.
  • Experience with irrigation systems and water management in arid climates (preferred).
  • Familiarity with seed saving and plant propagation techniques.
  • Ability to operate small-scale farm tools and equipment.

Personal Attributes

  • Deep commitment to sustainability and stewardship of the land.
  • Passion for plants, soil health, and biodiversity.
  • Collaborative spirit and willingness to teach and learn.
  • Respect for traditional agricultural knowledge and craft.
  • Self-motivated and proactive

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Soil health metrics (organic matter %, biodiversity indices).
  • Crop yield and quality consistency.
  • Successful implementation of organic/regenerative methods.
  • Contribution to educational programs and community engagement.
  • Reduction of farm’s ecological footprint (water, energy, waste).

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