Avocado Out-Grower Field Assistant

Job Purpose

To support avocado out grower farmers through field-level extension services while coordinating harvesting quality control and logistics to ensure timely and efficient delivery of avocados from farms to the company packhouse in line with quality food safety and traceability standards.

Key Responsibilities

Farmer Support & Extension

Provide technical guidance to out grower farmers on avocado production and good agricultural practices (GAP)

Train farmers on orchard establishment pruning irrigation nutrition and crop husbandry

Promote sustainable farming and safe use of agrochemicals

Field Monitoring & Crop Assessment

Conduct regular farm visits to assess tree health fruit development and readiness for harvest

Estimate yields and prepare harvest forecasts

Monitor pest and disease pressure and recommend control measures

Harvesting Operations

Coordinate and supervise avocado harvesting activities at out grower farms

Ensure harvesting is done at correct maturity levels as per company standards

Train and supervise harvest crews on proper picking handling and field hygiene

Ensure correct use of harvesting tools and avoidance of fruit damage

Quality Control & Post-Harvest Handling

Conduct first-level quality checks at farm level (size maturity defects)

Ensure proper sorting grading and field packing where applicable

Monitor use of crates bins and packaging materials to prevent damage

Enforce food safety and traceability requirements at harvest

Logistics & Transport Coordination

Plan and coordinate fruit collection schedules with farmers and transport teams

Ensure harvested avocados are transported promptly from field to the company packhouse

Supervise loading of fruit onto trucks to maintain quality and traceability

Ensure accurate documentation (delivery notes farmer IDs weights lot numbers)

Compliance Traceability & Documentation

Maintain harvest records delivery logs and farmer traceability data

Ensure compliance with company policies and certification standards (e.g. GlobalG.A.P. organic where applicable)

Support packhouse intake processes and resolve discrepancies

Reporting & Communication

Prepare daily and weekly harvest and field activity reports

Communicate harvest plans challenges and farmer feedback to supervisors

Act as the link between farmers transporters and packhouse teams

Education

Degree or Diploma in Agriculture Horticulture Agronomy or related field

Experience

13 years of experience in field agriculture fresh produce handling or out grower programs

Practical experience in avocado harvesting and post-harvest handling is an advantage

Skills & Competencies

Strong understanding of avocado maturity harvesting and quality standards

Good organizational and logistics coordination skills

Ability to supervise field Labor and interact with smallholder farmers

Basic record-keeping and reporting skills

Willingness to work long or flexible hours during harvest seasons

Other Requirements

Valid motorcycle or driving license (preferred)

Ability to work extensively in the field and rural environments

Basic smartphone/computer literacy

Fluency in local language(s); working knowledge of English

Working Conditions

Predominantly field-based with frequent travel to farms and packhouse

Physically demanding during peak harvest periods

Exposure to varying weather conditions