Field Surveyor – Varaha IGP Project

Varaha a leading sustainabilityfocused organization is expanding its Integrated Greenhouse Project (IGP) to promote climatesmart agriculture in the northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. The IGP aims to increase the adoption of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) a watersaving and carbonreduction technique by working directly with smallholder farmers. To achieve this Varaha needs reliable field personnel who can gather highquality data build trust with farming communities and ensure that project activities are executed according to plan.

The Field Surveyor will serve as the primary point of contact between Varahas project team and the farmers in the targeted clusters. Each day the Surveyor will travel to multiple villages meet with landowners and record detailed information about land parcels cropping patterns and DSR implementation. Using a smartphone equipped with GPS and specialized survey applications the Surveyor will generate KML files that map each surveyed field allowing Varahas analysts to visualize progress and identify gaps.

Accurate data collection is critical for measuring the environmental impact of the IGP. The Surveyor must verify the information provided by farmers crosscheck it against satellite imagery when possible and flag any inconsistencies for further review. Daily field reports submitted through Varahas digital platform should include quantitative metrics (e.g. area under DSR seed rates) as well as qualitative observations (e.g. farmer concerns local challenges). These reports feed directly into the projects monitoring and evaluation framework influencing decisions on resource allocation and technical support.

Beyond data entry the Surveyor will play an educational role. By explaining the benefits of DSR and addressing misconceptions the Surveyor helps build farmer confidence in the new practice. This requires strong communication skills in both Punjabi and Hindi cultural sensitivity and the ability to adapt messaging to diverse literacy levels. The Surveyor will also coordinate with Varahas agronomists and extension officers ensuring that any technical assistance requested by farmers is promptly delivered.

The role demands a high degree of independence and selfmotivation. Surveyors must plan their daily routes efficiently manage time across widely dispersed sites and maintain personal safety while traveling in remote areas. They are expected to keep their mobile devices charged maintain data backups and adhere to Varahas datasecurity protocols. Regular participation in training workshops will keep Surveyors uptodate on the latest DSR techniques dataquality standards and software updates.

Varaha offers a competitive compensation package that reflects both experience level and performance. Fresh graduates can expect a monthly salary ranging from 15000 to 20000 while candidates with prior field surveying experience may earn between 20000 and 25000. In addition to the base pay the organization provides performancebased bonuses tied to data accuracy timeliness and overall project outcomes. Surveyors also receive a travel allowance to cover transportation costs incurred during field visits.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a genuine interest in sustainable agriculture possess a basic understanding of DSR practices and be comfortable using mobile technology for geospatial data collection. Prior experience in agricultural surveys carbonoffset projects or rural development initiatives is advantageous but not mandatory. A bachelors degree in agriculture environmental science geography or a related discipline is preferred though relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Varaha is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity and local expertise. The Field Surveyor role is open to all qualified individuals regardless of gender age or background. The organization provides a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth mentorship and the chance to make a tangible impact on climatefriendly farming practices across India.

Required Skills:

Data collection and entryFarmer engagement and communicationGeospatial mapping (KML creation)Use of mobile survey applicationsFluency in Punjabi and HindiAbility to travel extensively in rural areasAttention to detail and accuracyIndependent problem solving