Job Description
The Siaya National Polytechnic is seeking to recruit a dedicated, hardworking, and reliable Farm Hand to support the daily operations of the Agriculture & Environmental Science Department. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to practical agricultural education by maintaining demonstration farms, supporting student training activities, and ensuring that agricultural projects operate efficiently throughout the academic year. The successful candidate will become an important member of the department by assisting lecturers, instructors, researchers, and students during practical lessons while ensuring that farm facilities remain productive, safe, and well organized.
The Farm Hand will participate in crop production, livestock care, land preparation, irrigation, harvesting, compost preparation, greenhouse maintenance, and general environmental conservation activities carried out within the institution. The role also involves operating basic agricultural equipment, maintaining farm tools, preparing planting materials, controlling weeds, assisting with pest and disease management, and ensuring that all farming activities comply with recommended agricultural practices. The successful applicant will help maintain healthy crops, improve farm productivity, and support demonstrations that enhance practical learning for students pursuing agriculture-related programs.
Working closely with departmental staff, the Farm Hand will assist in implementing seasonal farming schedules, maintaining farm records, organizing agricultural inputs, and ensuring that farming resources are utilized responsibly. The position requires a person who values teamwork, punctuality, integrity, and continuous learning while demonstrating a genuine passion for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
The successful candidate will also contribute to environmental conservation initiatives including tree planting, waste management, soil conservation, water harvesting, and landscape maintenance across designated farming areas. Attention to detail, willingness to perform physically demanding duties, and commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety are essential for success in this position.
This opportunity is ideal for an individual who enjoys practical agricultural work, appreciates modern farming techniques, and is committed to supporting quality technical education. The Siaya National Polytechnic provides a professional working environment where employees contribute directly to developing future agricultural professionals through practical, hands-on learning experiences. The institution values innovation, accountability, teamwork, and excellence while promoting environmentally responsible farming practices that benefit both students and the surrounding community.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare land for planting using appropriate cultivation methods and recommended agricultural practices.
- Plant crops according to approved seasonal production schedules.
- Water crops using suitable irrigation techniques while conserving available water resources.
- Weed crop fields regularly to promote healthy plant growth.
- Apply fertilizers, manure, and soil conditioners according to established farm guidelines.
- Assist in integrated pest and disease monitoring and report unusual crop conditions promptly.
- Harvest crops carefully while minimizing post-harvest losses.
- Sort, clean, package, and store harvested produce appropriately.
- Maintain greenhouses, nurseries, and demonstration gardens in excellent condition.
- Care for livestock by feeding, watering, cleaning shelters, and monitoring animal health.
- Assist during livestock breeding, vaccination, and routine veterinary activities.
- Clean animal housing units and maintain proper hygiene standards.
- Prepare animal feeds and ensure adequate feed storage.
- Operate basic farm machinery and equipment safely.
- Clean, inspect, and maintain agricultural tools after daily use.
- Report damaged equipment requiring repair or replacement.
- Assist lecturers during practical lessons and field demonstrations.
- Support students during agricultural practical sessions and field experiments.
- Establish and maintain composting sites using environmentally sustainable methods.
- Participate in tree planting and environmental conservation programmes.
- Help maintain irrigation systems and drainage structures.
- Monitor farm security and report unauthorized access or unusual activities.
- Keep accurate records of farm inputs, harvests, livestock activities, and daily operations.
- Organize agricultural supplies and maintain orderly storage facilities.
- Assist in seed selection, seedling propagation, and transplanting activities.
- Participate in soil sampling and basic field data collection exercises.
- Maintain cleanliness throughout farm compounds and work areas.
- Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety procedures.
- Wear protective equipment whenever assigned agricultural duties require it.
- Support waste segregation and environmentally responsible disposal practices.
- Assist with departmental research projects when requested.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing farm productivity.
- Work collaboratively with instructors, technicians, and fellow support staff.
- Complete assigned duties within agreed timelines while maintaining quality standards.
- Perform any other agriculture-related responsibilities assigned by the Head of Department or authorized supervisors.
Qualifications & Requirements
- The ideal candidate should possess a Certificate, Artisan Certificate, or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, General Agriculture, Crop Production, Animal Production, Environmental Conservation, Agricultural Technology, or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution. Demonstrated practical knowledge of crop husbandry, livestock management, irrigation methods, greenhouse operations, soil management, compost preparation, and sustainable farming practices will be an added advantage. Applicants should understand safe handling of farm equipment, fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural tools while observing established health and safety procedures.
- The successful candidate should demonstrate physical fitness and the ability to perform outdoor duties under varying weather conditions. Strong organizational abilities, reliability, honesty, discipline, and excellent time management skills are essential. Good interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with lecturers, students, technicians, and other support staff are highly desirable. Basic record
- keeping skills, willingness to learn modern agricultural technologies, problem
- solving abilities, and commitment to environmental conservation will contribute significantly to success in this role. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, adaptability, and a positive attitude towards supporting practical agricultural education and institutional farming activities.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application in accordance with the application guidelines, requirements, and deadline specified by The Siaya National Polytechnic in the official vacancy announcement. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all submitted information is accurate, complete, and up to date before submission.