Agronomist (SOG/ST 5) – Montpelier Research Station

Key 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 Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

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 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• 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 

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

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.