Field Operator job at Rootical Business Builder

Vacancy title:
Field Operator

Jobs at:
Rootical Business Builder

Deadline of this Job:
Monday, June 23 2025

Duty Station:
Soroti | Soroti | Uganda

Summary
Date Posted: Saturday, May 31 2025, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:

Rootical business builder is a startup studio that powers purpose-driven entrepreneurs in Uganda to build and own their regenerative agri-food companies. Bringing together talent, capital and ideas — a startup studio is a structured endeavor around a repeatable process to build businesses.

We are frontrunners. We aim to regenerate and reinvent how food is produced and consumed in Uganda, with highly innovative thinking and breakthrough business building methods. With our participatory studio approach to regenerative business development, we are unique in East Africa.

Are you ready to join our mission to build food system shaking businesses?

As part of our In-House Venture Building efforts, we are looking for a Field Operator to supercharge our efforts in building a regenerative business in Soroti; which aims to restore degraded landscapes in Uganda by leveraging syntropic agroforestry, community water harvesting systems, renewable energy solutions and market access. Our model empowers smallholder farmers with pay-as-you-use water and energy services while improving soil health and market access to power the transition to regenerative agriculture.

Job description
The Field Operator will play a key role in piloting a regenerative food-water-energy business model. (S)he will support business development and market access for smallholder farmers in Soroti by implementing and maintaining water harvesting and irrigation structures, syntropic agroforestry and solar energy systems. This role ensures smooth functionality of irrigation, solar pumps, and energy systems while supporting farmers in adopting regenerative practices. The role is ideal for a motivated self driven individual passionate about regenerative agriculture, community development, and social entrepreneurship.

→ Key Responsibilities
Farmer Support & Training

Train farmers on syntropic agroforestry and proper water usage, irrigation scheduling, and system maintenance.

Assist in implementing syntropic agroforestry plots (e.g., planting, pruning, mulching).

Educate communities on greywater recycling and sustainable water management.

Gather farmer feedback to adapt and improve farming models and service offerings.

System Operation & Maintenance

Operate and maintain solar-powered water pumps, swales, ponds, and irrigation systems.

Implement and maintain syntropic agroforestry systems to enhance biodiversity, soil health, and crop productivity.

Apply keyline permaculture principles for landscape-scale water and soil management.

Conduct routine checks and repairs on solar microgrids, and water storage infrastructure.

Troubleshoot technical issues and coordinate with suppliers for major repairs.

Market Access & Business Development Support

Lead business pilot implementation activities like testing out different components of the model with the pilot cluster of farmers.

Assist in developing market linkages for food forest products (vegetables, fruits, timber, nuts, etc.) and staples.

Support farmer cooperatives in value addition, branding, and sales strategies.

Help document and report on farm productivity and economic impact for investors and partners.

Data Collection & Reporting

Monitor water levels, energy usage, and system performance.

Monitor and improve agroecological practices, including mulching, composting, and natural pest management.

Conduct regular field assessments to track soil health, plant growth, and water efficiency.

Track farmer adoption rates and challenges for business improvement.

Submit weekly reports on system functionality and farmer feedback.

Community Engagement

Work closely with "Water Mayors" (community agents) to ensure fee collection and service compliance.

Mobilize farmers for feedback sessions, training sessions, field days, and maintenance activities.

Promote pay-as-you-use model and troubleshoot payment issues (mobile money transactions).

→ Skills and Qualifications
Must-Have:

✅ Hands-on experience in agroforestry, irrigation, solar, or water systems

✅ Diploma/Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Environmental Science, or related field.

✅ Ability to conduct basic repairs (plumbing, solar, etc.)

✅ Proficient in English and Ateso

Nice-to-Have:

✅ Permaculture or agroecology exposure

✅ Motorcycle license or riding experience

✅ Familiarity with Soroti farming communities

✅ 1+ years of hands-on experience in water/energy systems or agroecology.

We provide a stipend to cover basic expenses (transport, communication and meals).

→ Mission & Mindset
In every new team member, we look for a strong alignment on values and shared vision.

You are able to demonstrate how you embody Rootical’s values and share the vision of how our future food systems should look like.

You are always thinking of creative solutions to challenges.

You are a self-starter, able to tackle projects without much guidance.

You don’t fear trying something new and experimenting.

You are not easily overwhelmed.

You believe in the power of entrepreneurship to solve some of the greatest challenges that we face and will jump for an opportunity to play a small part in a grand journey as we seek to make our food systems more fair and regenerative.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 12

Level of Education: bachelor degree

Job application procedure
Interested in applying for this job? rootical.org&form%5Bvalid-to%5D=Monday,%20June%2023%202025">Click here to submit your application now.