Chief Agronomist (SOG/ST 7)

Summary

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining is inviting suitably qualified persons to fill the post of Chief Agronomist (SOG/ST 7) at Bodles, Old Harbour, St. Catherine. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Research Director, the Chief Agronomist is responsible for all aspects of the Ministry’s Crop Research Agronomy programmes. The incumbent is also responsible for planning, organizing and executing all programmes for testing, verifying and/or adaptation of results obtained from investigations conducted on experimental stations and/or actual farm conditions. Salary Range: 💰 $5,198,035 – $6,990,779 JMD per annum

Responsibilities

• Key Outputs:

  • • Research projects prepared.
  • • Research projects implemented.
  • • Reports coordinated and produced.
  • • Data collected.
  • • Research plans produced.
  • • Training and field days conducted.
  • • Individual work plans produced.
  • • Technical information and technologies developed and transferred.
  • • Operational plans developed.
  • • Staff needs identified and addressed.
  • • Staff performance evaluated and assessed.

• Management/Administrative:

  • • Assists in the development and implementation of Operational Plans.
  • • Assists the Director, Crop Research in preparation of annual budgets.
  • • Collaborates with the Extension Agency in implementing strategies for dissemination of research findings to farmers.
  • • Represents the Division/Ministry at meetings, conferences and seminars.
  • • Ensures timely preparation and submission of reports (monthly, quarterly and annually).

• Technical/Professional:

  • • Assists in the planning of weekly work programmes for Crop Research.
  • • Assists the Director, Crop Research in the development of program goals.
  • • Participates in training and field days on and off station.
  • • Writes proposals, research papers and fact sheets.
  • • Liaises with Agricultural Agencies such as CARDI, RADA, UWI and farmers groups.
  • • Keeps abreast of local and international development in various aspects of agriculture.

• Human Resource:

  • • Monitors and evaluates the performance of Direct Reports, prepares Performance Appraisals and recommends and/or initiates corrective action where necessary to improve performance and/or attain established personal and/or organizational goals.
  • • Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Division/Unit and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established Human Resource policies and procedures.
  • • Collaborates with the Human Resource Division, in developing a Succession Planning programme for the Division/Unit to facilitate continuity and availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Unit.
  • • Provides leadership and guidance to Direct Reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching.
  • • Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Division/Unit are clearly identified and addressed.
  • • Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and organization’s goals.

• Other:

  • • Performs any other related duties assigned by senior managers from time to time.

• Performance Standards:

  • • Annual budget prepared in accordance with required format and submitted within the specified timeframe.
  • • Operational plans prepared in accordance with required guidelines, submitted and presented within the specified timeframe.
  • • Weekly work programmes and training schedules prepared and presented within the specified timeframe.
  • • Agronomy programmes in the Crop Research Unit implemented within the specified timeframe.
  • • Reports are accurate and comprehensive and submitted within the specified timeframe.
  • • Training conducted in accordance with the Ministry’s policies.
  • • Information disseminated is accurate and provided upon request.
  • • Staff needs are identified and addressed on a timely basis.
  • • Staff performance meets or exceeds set targets.

• Authority:

  • • Recommend leave application.
  • • Participate in interviews.
  • • Prepare bi-weekly pay bill.
  • • Implement research projects on and off stations.

Required Skills

• Core:

  • • Good oral communication skills.
  • • Good written communication skills
  • • Good human resource management skills.
  • • Ability to work in teams.
  • • Good interpersonal, people management and human relations skills
  • • Good problem solving and conflict management skills

• Technical:

  • • Knowledge of agronomy methods.
  • • Good knowledge of plant and soil methodologies.
  • • Good knowledge of research procedures
  • • Sound knowledge of agricultural practices
  • • Good analytical skills
  • • Proficiency in the relevant computer applications.
  • • Knowledge of the operations of Government/knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures

Qualifications

• • Masters of Science in Agronomy with at least two (2) years experience in the field
OR
• • Bachelor of Science Degree in General Agriculture with at least five (5-10) years experience in Crop Research Management

Additional Information and Instructions

• Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

  • • Exposure to pesticides

Applications accompanied by résumés should be submitted no later than Thursday 31st July, 2025 to: Senior Director Human Resource Management and Development Division Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Hope Gardens Kingston 6 📧 Email: jobopportunities@moa.gov.jm ℹ️ Subject: Chief Agronomist (SOG/ST 7) 🔑 Please include the job title in the subject line of your email.

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