Plant Research Assistant (SOG/ST 3)

Summary

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining is inviting suitably qualified persons to fill the post of Plant Research Assistant (SOG/ST 3) at Bodles, Old Harbour, St.Catherine. Under the supervision of the Plant Protection Officer (SOG/ST 5), the Plant Research Assistant (SOG/ST 3) assists with the execution, management and monitoring of research under laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions, as well as pest identification, diagnostic and advisory services Salary Range: 💰 $2,190,302 - $2,945,712 JMD per annum

Responsibilities

• Key Outputs:

  • • Field and laboratory experiments laid out.
  • • Experiments maintained and monitored.
  • • Experimental data recorded and compiled.
  • • Material and physical resources for projects mobilized.
  • • Pay bills for approval prepared and submitted.
  • • Samples submitted for diagnosis are received and recorded.
  • • Preliminary identification of pest/disease conducted.
  • • Specimens are prepared, preserved and cultured.
  • • Laboratory equipment maintained and serviced.
  • • Assisted with the transfer of technology to students, farmers and extension officers.

• Technical/Professional:

  • • Assists with the implementation of field laboratory trials by preparation of the necessary equipment and materials, monitoring, processing and recording of the experimental data.
  • • Ensures that all procedures and treatments are executed as required according to specifics of experimental designs.
  • • Assists with the processing and preliminary diagnosis of pest problems and where possible gives suggestions for their management.
  • • Prepares preservers, cultures or rears specimens for identification and research.
  • • Assists in the preparation of reagents (chemicals) and other materials, and equipment required for laboratory and field experiments.
  • • Assists with the routine maintenance and servicing of tools and equipment used for routine work.
  • • Assists with preparation and maintaining detailed inventories for controlling and monitoring the use of equipment, supplies and materials; giving timely notice of needs for replacement to supervisor.
  • • Assists with transfer of technology to extension officers, farmers, open day, field days.
  • • To accompany supervisors on farm visits and other holdings in relation to pest problems.
  • • Assists in the sourcing acquisition of materials, equipment and supplies for the assigned Plant Protection Unit.
  • • Helps in compiling and maintaining all relevant experimental, pest identification, diagnostic advisory and regulatory records where necessary.
  • • Attends workshops, seminars and training sessions.
  • • Performs other tasks assigned by or through his/her supervisor from time to time.

• Other:

  • • Performs a wide range of sundry tasks and activities assigned by or through supervisor.

• Performance Standards:

  • • Experiments laid out correctly, according to project specifications.
  • • Accurately collected data on a timely basis according to project specifications.
  • • Experiments carefully managed in order to maintain the integrity of the research projects.
  • • Accurate records kept of experimental, diagnostic, advisory and regulatory work records.
  • • Prepared, preserved and reared insect specimens according to specifications.
  • • Excellent maintenance of laboratory space materials and equipment.
  • • Experimental data recorded and compiled according to set standards.
  • • Material and physical resources for projects mobilized according to set standards.
  • • Pay bills for approval prepared and submitted within agreed timeframe.
  • • Samples submitted for diagnosis are received and recorded within agreed timeframe and according to set standards.
  • • Preliminary identification of pest/disease conducted according to set standards.
  • • Assisted with the transfer of technology to students, farmers and extension officers as required and within set timeframe.

Required Skills

• Core:

  • • Good interpersonal skills
  • • Good oral communication skills
  • • Good written communication skills
  • • Good problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • • Good teamwork and cooperation skills.
  • • Ability to use initiative
  • • Of good integrity
  • • Good planning and organising skills
  • • Good customer and quality focus skills
  • • Good analytical thinking skills

• Technical:

  • • Excellent knowledge of laboratory techniques
  • • Thorough knowledge of plant protection
  • • Knowledge of associated disciplines within and beyond Plant Protection
  • • Knowledge of the operations of Government / Knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures
  • • Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications

Qualifications

• • Associate degree in Agriculture from an accredited tertiary institution

Additional Information and Instructions

• Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

  • • Exposure to hazardous pesticides and harmful laboratory reagents
  • • Exposure to dust, bacterial and fungal spores
  • • Exposure to long hours of solar radiation in the field and also rain soak
  • • Exposure to steep hillside, woodlands, and other hazardous environment
  • • Risk associated with long distance road travel, often of – track in unfamiliar andhigh risks areas
  • • Occasional long working hours

Applications accompanied by resume should be submitted no later than March 21, 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: Plant Research Assistant (SOG/ST 3) 🔑 Please include the job title in the subject line of your email.

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