Syngenta is a Global Agribusiness Company with its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. We are a market leader in the breeding and production of Seeds and Cuttings of the high-quality pot and bedding plants. In Kenya, we have two production Sites; Kenya Cuttings Limited based in Thika, and Pollen Limited based in Ruiru.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow up the daily morning and evening 6 days a week, in order to avoid overtime worked and optimize utilization of labor hours.
• Before off duty, hand over proper written instructions to the Production Lead -Operation or the Production Managers.
• Follow up and ensure that the employees responsible for IPM activities work according to the outlined daily work schedule and rules.
• Address employee related matters as a line manager e.g staff absenteeism, performance management, disciplinary cases e.t.c.
• Oversee and manage the company provided transport for the crop protection team from work to their relevant drop off points.
• Co-ordinate and ensure the employees undergo regular medical check-ups in line with their roles.  Coordinate departmental transfers where need be.
• Ensure that all health, safety and security procedures set by the company for spraying and chemical handling are strictly implemented and followed by the IPM staff.
• a) Ensure that measuring and mixing of chemicals is done by authorized personnel only.
• b) Be responsible for accurate daily chemical measurements according to spraying plan.  
• c) Ensure that all measuring equipment’s used strictly do not leave the chemical mixing room (Spray Lounge)
• d) Follow the weekly rotation for the chemical mixing, according to the spraying plan and the shift program with the production Lead - operations and the Production Manager.
• Ensure daily that the spraying treatment plan (spray program) is strictly followed and notify the operations production Lead or production manager if any modification has occurred.
• Ensure proper organization of the chemical store and strictly follow safety procedures.
• Constantly control the proper operation of the chemical equipment in terms of supply, pressure, volume, and outflow.
• Ensure that electrical equipment and network are properly operating in the spraying unit room.
• Ensure proper maintenance of all the chemical outlets and chemical spraying pipes in the greenhouses. Coordinate with fertigation and/or maintenance departments in case of any maintenance needed.
• Give daily instructions to the sprayers and carry out daily training, highlighting the pest or disease to be sprayed, the specific techniques to be used and the characteristics of the chemicals used.
• Ensure and advocate for proper use of PPE’s and spray equipment.
• Ensure timely and accurate flushing and washing of spray equipment.
• Ensure that any chemical wash out is channeled to the chemical disposal tank/wetland.
• Ensure that the proper information including the date, time, product, pest or disease target/ re-entry period, is written on the sign board of each greenhouse before each spraying session.
• Ensure that the relevant sign boards systematically dispatched during spray session.
• Timely update of the chemical use report, so as to track any chemical mixing and spraying, efficiency of its application, its timing, the name/ID of sprayers, their location (Greenhouse), the Pest or Diseases treated and climate among other things.
• Be responsible for the routine calibration of all the measurement tools and spraying equipment. And the calibration certificates/report kept well.
• Prepare and issue on monthly basis the control forms for:
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Spraying Equipment.
• Nozzle calibration.
• Coordinate activities with all Production Coordinators when and if need be
• Preparation of the weekly material requisition
• Implement recommendations given by the company’s external consultants in liaison with the Production Manager.
• Enforce the HSE rules and regulations and champion the implementation of Syngenta HSE standards in your area of operation by integrating HSE consideration.
• Ensure that all crop protection activities are done in line with the GSPP standards.

DESIRED WORK EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture or related field
• Knowledge in Plants pathology (Pests and diseases) and Crop protection will be an added advantage.
• 5 years’ experience working in a similar environment
• Knowledge in disease and pest management.
• Data management and analysis 
• Farm production planning and execution
• Optimal resource allocation

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Keen to details.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Proactive and able to handle matters swiftly.
• Good communication skills 
• Strong analytical skills, action oriented and quick learner 
• Ability to interact with diverse stakeholders