Agronomist (SOG/ST 5)

Summary

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining is inviting suitably qualified persons to fill the post of Agronomist (SOG/ST 5) – (Montpelier Research Station, St. James) Under the direct supervision of the Senior Agronomist, the Agronomist is responsible for undertaking research leading to improved and new crop varieties and production practices. The incumbent is also a team member in carrying out major phases of complex projects. Salary Range: 💰 $3,501,526 - $4,709,163 JMD per annum

Responsibilities

• Management/Administrative:

  • • Supervises staff;
  • • Produces monthly, quarterly and annual reports;
  • • Manages stocks and equipment;
  • • Participates in and presents research findings at seminars, meetings and conferences;
  • • Represents the Ministry at meetings, conferences and other functions.

• Technical/Professional:

  • • Prepares work programme;
  • • Prepares and monitors activities of the work programme;
  • • Implements research activities by;
  • • Sowing seeds;
  • • Establishing research plots;
  • • Supervising and carrying out crop care activities.
  • • Supervises the execution of experiments;
  • • Collects and tabulates data for analysis;
  • • Writes reports;
  • • Develops production practices and methods for different ecological zones;
  • • Presents research findings;
  • • Practices phytosanitary guidelines;
  • • Establishes and follows Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

• 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;
  • • Develops and implements a succession planning programme for the Division/Unit to in collaboration with the Human Resource Division facilitate continuity and the availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Division;
  • • Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching;
  • • Ensures that the welfare and development needs of the staff in the Unit are clearly identified and addressed;
  • • Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and committment to the Division’s and organization’s goals;
  • • Any other duties assigned by the Senior Agronomist, Chief Agronomist or Senior Research Director, Crop Research.

Required Skills

• Core:

  • • Good interpersonal skills
  • • Good people management skills
  • • Strong leadership and management skills
  • • Ability to work in a team
  • • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • • Strong customer and quality focus skills
  • • Good problem solving and decision-making skills
  • • Good conflict management skills
  • • Good analytical skills

• Technical:

  • • Knowledge of research procedures
  • • Sound knowledge of Agronomy principles and practices
  • • Excellent knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
  • • Sound knowledge of crop production principles
  • • Proficient in the use of relevant computer applications and software
  • • Excellent knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures

Qualifications

• • B.Sc. in Agriculture, Agronomy or related discipline with three (3) years relevant experience.
OR
• • Graduate of the College of Agriculture Science and Education (CASE)
• • Five (5) years’ experience in related field

Additional Information and Instructions

• Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

  • • May be required to work on weekends, public holidays and beyond the eight-hour duty
  • • Exposure to sun, rain and frost
  • • Exposure to hazardous chemicals
  • • Rough terrain
  • • Ability to lift 22kg

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: Agronomist (SOG/ST 5) 🔑 Please include the job title in the subject line of your email.

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