Trainee Planter Program - Estate Operations & Field Management

Role Overview

This role places you at the operational core of a plantation estate, where you will supervise day-to-day field activities, monitor crop health and yields, and coordinate work teams to meet production targets. Your ability to lead workers, maintain discipline, and apply agronomic best practices directly affects the estate’s profitability and sustainability. It is a hands-on, field-based position that demands both managerial instinct and practical problem-solving under changing weather and market conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and assign daily tasks to field supervisors and labour teams, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to harvest schedules.
• Conduct regular inspections of planted areas to assess crop condition, identify pest or disease outbreaks, and recommend timely corrective actions.
• Monitor the use of fertilisers, pesticides, and irrigation, keeping accurate records of inputs and their application rates.
• Prepare daily and weekly reports on field progress, labour attendance, and output volumes for estate management review.
• Coordinate with estate workshops and stores to ensure timely availability of tools, protective gear, and other supplies.
• Enforce safety protocols and occupational health standards across all fieldwork, conducting briefings and spot-checks.
• Assist in the training and performance evaluation of junior supervisors and skilled workers, building a reliable pipeline of local talent.
• Liaise with village headmen or community representatives to resolve labour disputes and maintain stable workforce relations.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A recognised degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field; advanced diploma holders with a successfully completed NIPM (National Institute of Plantation Management) Plantations Management Course will also be considered.
• At least one year of practical experience in plantation operations—either through an internship, supervised fieldwork, or a trainee management scheme.
• Strong leadership presence and proven ability to motivate teams, manage conflict, and enforce work discipline in a rural setting.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English for reporting, meetings, and communication with senior management.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability: you can diagnose field issues quickly and propose workable solutions under time pressure.
• High attention to detail when recording data, checking quality standards, and following estate procedures.
• Functional proficiency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is highly advantageous for direct interaction with the local labour force and community.