Job Title: Plant Health & Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Manager – Date Palm

Location: Abu Dhabi / Al Ain / Al Dhafra, UAE

Salary: AED 12,000 per month

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Plant Health & Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Manager to oversee the health and protection of date palm plantations. The role focuses on implementing effective pest control strategies, ensuring plant health, and maintaining high-quality date production that meets food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

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  Develop and implement annual preventive and curative pest management plans aligned with agricultural seasons and pest life cycles.

  
  
  

Field Monitoring & Diagnosis

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  Conduct regular field inspections for early detection of infestations, particularly Red Palm Weevil and other date fruit pests.

  
  
  

Chemical Operations Management

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  Select appropriate pesticides and calculate accurate dosages.

  
  
  


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  Supervise spraying, injection, and dusting operations to ensure effective treatment.

  
  
  

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

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  Implement and manage IPM programs including pheromone trapping systems, biological control methods, and preventive agricultural practices.

  
  
  

Quality & Compliance

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  Ensure strict adherence to pesticide Pre-Harvest Intervals (PHI) to maintain food safety and prevent harmful chemical residues in harvested dates.

  
  
  

Inventory & Safety

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  Oversee pesticide storage facilities and spraying equipment.

  
  
  


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  Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards.

  
  
  

Technical Reporting

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  Prepare regular technical reports covering infestation levels, treatment effectiveness, and recommendations for farm improvement.

  
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements

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  PhD in Agricultural Engineering, Plant Protection, Entomology, or a related field.

  
  
  


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  Minimum 10 years of hands-on experience managing date palm pests (preferably in the Gulf region or North Africa).

  
  
  


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  Strong knowledge of modern pesticides, hydraulic injection techniques, and acoustic pest detection technologies.

  
  
  


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  Valid UAE Driving License is required.

  
  
  


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  Must be willing to work in any location within Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain and Al Dhafra.

  
  
  

Key Competencies

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  Strong observational and analytical skills to detect early infestation symptoms.

  
  
  


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  Ability to work in field conditions under varying climates.

  
  
  


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  Proven leadership skills with the ability to train and supervise agricultural teams.

  
  
  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

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  Maintain Red Palm Weevil infestation below 1% annually.

  
  
  


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  Optimize pesticide usage and improve cost efficiency.

  
  
  


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  Ensure zero pesticide residues exceeding permissible limits in laboratory testing.