Agroforestry Estate Manager - Uganda

Location: Nakaseke, Uganda

Position Overview

The Agroforestry Estate Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end management of a 500-acre agroforestry estate. This includes leading afforestation efforts, managing commercial seedling production (fruit and timber trees), and overseeing the operational, administrative, and infrastructure aspects of the estate.

The role combines technical agroforestry expertise with operational leadership, ensuring the estate is productive, sustainable, secure, and commercially viable.

Key Responsibilities

1. Estate Development & Agroforestry Implementation

Lead the planning and execution of afforestation activities across the acre estate.

Oversee the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of a diverse range of tree species, including fruit trees and timber/wood species.

Design and implement sustainable agroforestry systems suited to the local environment and market demand.

Ensure proper land use planning, including zoning for nurseries, plantations, and conservation areas.

2. Nursery & Commercial Seedling Production

Establish and manage tree nurseries for large-scale seedling production.

Oversee the propagation and growth of high-quality seedlings (fruit and wood trees).

Develop and execute strategies for the sale and distribution of seedlings.

Ensure quality control standards and optimise production for commercial success.

3. Estate Operations & Administration

Manage the day-to-day operations of the estate, ensuring efficiency and productivity.

Oversee administrative functions including staffing, budgeting, procurement, and reporting.

Develop operational plans and ensure alignment with overall estate goals.

4. Infrastructure & Resource Management

Supervise the development and maintenance of estate infrastructure, including access roads, water systems, and storage facilities.

Ensure proper utilisation and maintenance of tools, equipment, and resources.

Support long-term planning for estate expansion and infrastructure improvement.

5. Security & Risk Management

Oversee estate security operations to safeguard land, assets, and produce.

Implement and monitor systems to prevent theft, encroachment, and damage.

Manage security personnel and ensure compliance with safety protocols.

6. Team Leadership & Workforce Management

Recruit, train, and supervise estate staff, including field workers, nursery attendants, and security personnel.

Build a high-performance team culture focused on productivity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Provide ongoing training on agroforestry best practices and operational standards.

7. Financial & Commercial Performance

Drive the commercial viability of the estate through efficient operations and revenue generation.

Monitor costs, budgets, and profitability of nursery and forestry activities.

Identify market opportunities for seedlings, timber, and fruit products.

Minimum Requirements

● Recognised Diploma in Agroforestry, Forestry, Agriculture, or a related field.

● Minimum of 5–7 years’ experience in agroforestry, forestry, or estate/farm management.

● Proven experience managing large-scale agricultural or forestry operations.

● Experience in nursery establishment and commercial seedling production is highly preferred.

● Experience working in rural or field-based environments.

● Experience in administration - managing teams

Key Skills & Expertise

● Strong technical knowledge of agroforestry systems and tree crop management.

● Practical experience in nursery management and plant propagation.

● Solid operational and administrative management skills.

● Financial and commercial acumen with the ability to drive revenue.

● Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

● Problem-solving and decision-making in dynamic field environments.

Core Competencies

● Ownership and accountability

● Results-driven and commercially focused

● Strong leadership and people management

● Operational excellence

● Strategic thinking with hands-on execution

● Hardworking

Success Profile (What Good Looks Like)

● A well-managed, productive, and secure estate

● Successful establishment and growth of diverse tree plantations

● Profitable nursery operations with strong seedling sales

● Efficient infrastructure and smooth day-to-day operations

● A motivated, high-performing on-site team

● Kenyans preferred