Research Assistant- Apiculture (SOG/ST 4)

Summary

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining is inviting suitably qualified persons to fill the post of Research Assistant- Apiculture (SOG/ST 4) at Bodles, Old Harbour, St.Catherine. Under the supervision of the Senior Plant Protection Officer (SOG/ST 6), the Research Assistant (SOG/ST 4), is responsible for conducting research and diagnostic work under laboratory and field conditions. Salary Range: 💰 $2,803,771 - $3,770,761 JMD per annum

Responsibilities

• Key Outputs:

  • • Apiary registration information recorded
  • • Experimental data recorded and compiled
  • • Diagnostic samples received and recorded
  • • Preliminary identification of bee pest/disease conducted and specimens prepared, preserved, and cultured
  • • Laboratory equipment maintained and serviced
  • • Apiculture technology information transferred upon request

• Key Responsibility Areas:

  • • Records all apiary registration information
  • • Records date on samples (honey, brood, and bees) collected
  • • Records results of samples analyzed in the laboratory
  • • Prepares reagents (Chemicals) and other materials and equipment required for laboratory work
  • • Prepares, preserves, cultures, or rears specimens for identification and diagnostic work
  • • Assists in laying out, demarcating, labeling, and organizing experimental designs (plots)
  • • Assists officers in preparing, organizing, and implementing training seminars, field days, and agricultural shows
  • • Assists officers in the implementation of research projects
  • • Assists officers in conducting field inspection of apiaries as directed
  • • Assists in the insemination of honeybees
  • • Mobilizes where necessary the material and physical resources required for the timely and effective execution of projects
  • • Updates extension visitation records
  • • Compiles case reports on request
  • • Disseminates beekeeping information to visiting students, teachers and interested organizations and individuals
  • • Maintains research apiaries

• Other:

  • • Performs any other related functions assigned from time to time

• Performance Standards:

  • • Accurate recording of apiary registration information for beekeepers
  • • Accurate preparation of reagents, materials and equipment required for laboratory analysis and testing done within the agreed timeframe
  • • Apiculture Laboratory maintained based on required standard
  • • Competent and accurate analysis of honey and bee samples done according to agreed standards and timeframe
  • • Accurate collection and recording of bee and honey data

Required Skills

• Core:

  • • Good written communication skills
  • • Good oral communication skills
  • • Good interpersonal skills
  • • Strong customer and quality focus skills
  • • Good analytical thinking skills
  • • Good teamwork and cooperation skills
  • • Good planning and organizing skills
  • • Good problem solving and decision making skills
  • • Good conflict management skills
  • • Good time management skills
  • • Good people management skills

• Technical:

  • • Good research skills, and techniques and methodologies
  • • Good knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices
  • • Good knowledge of beekeeping
  • • Knowledge of the operations of Government / Knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures
  • • Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications

Qualifications

• • Associate of Science Degree in Agriculture from an accredited Tertiary Institution
• • Six (6) months on the job experience

Additional Information and Instructions

• Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

  • • Exposure to hazardous and harmful laboratory reagents
  • • Exposure to smoke and ultra-violet light
  • • Daily exposure to bee stings and aggressive honeybees
  • • Occasionally working in volatile communities
  • • Working environment is usually very hot and humid

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: Research Assistant- Apiculture (SOG/ST 4) 🔑 Please include the job title in the subject line of your email.

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