Research And Development Specialist (Level 8)

Summary

We seek to engage a qualified and experienced individual for the following position: Research And Development Specialist (Level 8) 💰Salary: $5,198,035 - $6,990,779 JMD per annum

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director- Bauxite Lands, the Research and Development Specialist will be required to do the following:

• • To design and undertake a scientific agricultural research programme to determine the capacity of bauxite lands. This includes carrying out investigations on unmined, mined-out and reclaimed lands to determine their current productivity; assessing the potential productive capacity and making recommendations regarding the suitability of unmined and reclaimed lands for agricultural and other purposes.
• • To prepare and make available maps of bauxite bearing lands indicating soil and crop suitability.
• • To develop and implement appropriate policies and management strategies for unmined and reclaimed bauxite lands in order to ensure optimum utilization of these lands.
• • To liaise with the bauxite companies and assist in guiding the planning for alternative and optimum uses of mined-out lands and in particular to assist in carrying out the appropriate pre and post mining site evaluations and to identify the appropriate reclamation strategies to facilitate the post-mining land use plans.
• • To act in an advisory capacity to the Bauxite Land Utilization Committee (BLUC) and to assess applications and proposals submitted to the JBI and the BLUC regarding the use of bauxite lands.
• • To work with, advise and guide the Reclamation Committee of the Office of the Commissioner of Mines on appropriate reclamation techniques, and to ensure that the reclamation practices carried out by the bauxite companies are in accordance with the established technical standards and procedures set out by the Committee.
• • To act in an advisory capacity to the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (J.B.I.) and the Bauxite Community Development Programme (BCDP) on all agricultural and land related matters.
• • To advise farmers on bauxite lands on best farming practices to ensure maximum yields.
• • To prepare and submit regular field reports, special reports and monthly progress reports on the work of the Reclamation Committee and the progress of crop research on mined-out lands.
• • To prepare technical papers for publication in local and international journals and for presentation at technical seminars, workshop and conferences.
• • To perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.
• • To provide technical and managerial support.
• • Liaise with communities, community council, Members of Parliament, Councilors and bauxite companies for smooth running of the Bauxite Community Development Programme.
• • Assist in preparing suitable projects for community councils.
• • Co-ordinate with the Research and Development Specialist on agricultural related/BCDP projects being undertaken by the Research and Development arm of the JBI.

• RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (REDI):

  • • Assist in the coordination and management all activities associated with the operations of the Greenhouse Clusters.
  • • Organize small farmers into functional farmers' groups as is needed from time to time.
  • • Establish procedures for identification, quantification, procurement and delivery of inputs to farmers including technical support.
  • • Arrange for timely delivery of material and technical inputs as is needed.
  • • Assist in ensuring production of high quality pepper and other condiments using environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.
  • • Assist greenhouse cluster with market penetration and securing buyers for greenhouse produce.
  • • Establish and maintain farmer database for each green house cluster.
  • • Prepare frequent reports on progress of the project to include any issues and recommended course of action.

Qualifications

• EDUCATION:

  • • Post-Graduate Degree in Agriculture and Soil Sciences or related discipline.

• EXPERIENCE:

  • • Interested applicants must possess at least 5 years working experience in a related field for consideration.
  • • Experience in field research and knowledge of mining operations and methods of reclaiming mined-out lands would be an asset.

Additional Information and Instructions

Please reply no later than Friday, April 25th, 2025 to: The Human Resource Manager Jamaica Bauxite Institute Hope Gardens Complex P.O. Box 355, Kingston 6. OR 📧 Email us at: hrd@jbi.org.jm We thank all applicants for their expression of interest. However, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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