Senior Agriculture Engineer

Job Title: Chief Agriculture Engineer

Location: Dubai, UAE

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Chief Agriculture Engineer to oversee the management and operations of up to 8 retail centers and 2 farms in Dubai. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agricultural engineering and a passion for enhancing the aesthetic and health of plants for commercial sales. This role requires a strategic leader who can implement effective plant care solutions, optimize growth conditions, and drive revenue through the successful management of our plant inventory. As we plan to expand our operations with additional farms, we need a team member who can lead the way in executing solutions to overcome challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

Plant Aesthetics and Health:

Ensure all plants are visually appealing and healthy to enhance commercial sales and increase revenue.

Develop and implement care systems that promote the passive growth and optimal health of plants across all properties.

Plant Care Solutions:

Devise and execute tailored care solutions for unhealthy plants, guiding them back to optimal health for commercial sale.

Monitor plant conditions regularly and take proactive measures to address any issues that may arise.

Ownership and Management:

Take full ownership of the plant inventory in all retail centers and farms, ensuring consistent care and maintenance.

Reorganize plant displays to create an inviting retail environment that supports plant health and encourages sales.

Long-term Growth Planning:

Support the natural growth of plants by implementing repotting strategies and planning for their successful long-term growth.

Collaborate with the team to develop a comprehensive growth plan that aligns with commercial objectives.

Sustainable Irrigation and Layout:

Plan and execute a sustainable irrigation system that minimizes expenditure while maximizing plant health and growth.

Design effective plant layouts that optimize space and enhance the overall aesthetic of retail environments.

Farm Planning for Efficiency:

Plan the farms for optimal efficiency in terms of space utilization, watering systems, and plant health care.

Develop strategies to enhance productivity and resource management as we expand our farming operations.

Team Leadership and Training:

Lead and manage a team of agricultural engineers, technicians, and retail staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team skills in plant care and management.

Challenges:

Maintaining Plant Health: Ensuring all plants remain healthy and visually appealing in a retail environment can be challenging. The Chief Agriculture Engineer will implement robust care systems and regular assessments to address any health issues promptly.

Resource Management: Efficiently managing water and soil resources in a desert environment is critical. The engineer will develop sustainable irrigation practices that support plant health while minimizing costs.

Market Demand Fluctuations: Changes in market demand can impact sales. The Chief Agriculture Engineer will analyze trends and adjust plant care and inventory strategies to align with customer preferences.

Technological Integration: Adapting new technologies for plant care and management can be complex. The engineer will lead training initiatives to ensure the team is equipped to utilize these technologies effectively.

Expansion Challenges: As we plan to expand our farming operations, the Chief Agriculture Engineer will be responsible for identifying and resolving challenges associated with scaling operations, including resource allocation and team management.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Horticulture, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum of 7 years of experience in agricultural engineering, with a focus on plant care and retail management.

Strong knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices and plant health management.

Proven leadership and team management skills.

Excellent problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience in the UAE farming of ornamental plants.

Salary is negotiable, we are looking for the right people.