Job Purpose
Under the direction of the Director of the Aquaculture Extension Services Branch, the Regional Aquaculture Extension Officer is responsible for coordinating and managing the regional aquaculture extension services to ensure that policies, plans and programmes to facilitate aquaculture development and management are implemented at the regional level.
Accordingly, the incumbent implements programmes to ensure technology transfer, training, capacity building and the facilitation of interventions to support the development and efficient operation of the aquaculture production value chain within the region. The incumbent coordinates the implementation of projects to facilitate socio-economic development, ensures that feasibility studies are conducted to determine the viability of aquaculture businesses in the Region and that cost return analyses are conducted. He/she also monitors the impact of the extension policies at the regional level and provides feedback, thereby creating linkages between the needs of the sector and research activities.
Additionally, the incumbent is required to develop the regional operational plan, work programme and budget and to participate in and contribute to the development of the Branch’s plan and budget.
Key Responsibilities
Management/Administrative
- Coordinates the development of the plans and programmes for the Regional Aquaculture Extension Services in accordance with the established policies, laws and regulations of the Authority.
- Monitors implementation of the plans and programmes to ensure that work is carried out as planned and within budget;
- Participates in the preparation of the plans and budget for the Aquaculture Extension Services Branch;
- Coordinates the preparation of farm plans for the development of viable fish farms based on the findings of direct reports regarding water source, soil survey, cost/return estimates etc.
- Represents the Aquaculture Extension Services Branch at conferences, seminars and workshops on aquaculture and related matters;
- Prepares monthly, quarterly, annual and ad-hoc reports, papers, briefs and other documents for submission to the Branch Director;
- Develops regional training programmes as well as programmes for cluster development;
- Ensures that the required permits are obtained for the introduction of live aquatic organisms into the Region;
- Organizes relevant meetings and conferences within the region.
Technical/Professional
- Ensures that site evaluations are conducted and that soil is sampled to determine the suitability of the clay content of the proposed site for fish farming;
- Reviews information submitted by subordinates to confirm the availability and suitability of water sources; assesses flow rate/speed and quality based on the physical and chemical properties;
- Ensures that feasibility studies are conducted to establish capital and operational costs (equipment and labour) and that cost return estimates are prepared;
- Evaluates data on siltation levels, growth of vegetation, erosion of dykes, inlet and outlet facilities in order to determine the necessity for pond renovation;
- Facilitates the processing of requests for the importation of fish by ensuring that the following are established;
- Origin and disease status of species
- Environmental impact of the introduction
- Suitability of site in terms of its technical and physical capacity including the availability of quarantine facilities;
- Approves the assignment of the region’s personnel to the Ports of Entry to support the inspections of imports of new fish stock and other aquatic organisms;
- Determines the region’s participation in agricultural expositions and shows, e.g. the Denbigh Show, World Food Day, Eat Jamaican Campaign, Career Expos and the JAS St. Mary Show, by scrutinizing work programmes and budgets to establish what can be accommodated;
- Collaborates with local governmental agencies such as STATIN and HEART Trust NTA and international bodies such as FAO to share technical data and to provide input into training curriculum;
- Facilitates linkages along the aquaculture value chain through the formation of farm / farmer clusters, capacity building and other social and economic interventions;
- Provides technical advice and guidance on aquaculture and related issues and disseminates information to fish farmers, fishing associations and members of the public;
- Collaborates with the Fisheries Statistics and Data Management Branch to collect and share aquaculture data;
- Collaborates with the Aquaculture Research Branch to facilitate the implementation of research and technology transfer;
- Prepares and makes presentations at training seminars; Assists in lecturing at workshops/seminars on Aquaculture as arranged periodically for participants from CARICOM;
- Represents the Aquaculture Extension Services Division at international conferences, seminars and workshops related to aquaculture extension services and related issues;
Human Resource
- Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching;
- Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Region and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established Human Resource policies and procedures;
- 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 attaining established personal and/or organizational goals;
- Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Branch are clearly identified and addressed;
- Recommends/administers disciplinary actions in keeping with established human resource policies and guidelines;
- Ensures that staff are aware of and adhere to the policies, procedures and guidelines governing the operations of the Authority and the Public Service;
- Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and organization’s goals;
- Performs any other related duties, which may be assigned from time to time by the Senior Director, Extension Services.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Core
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Good customer & quality focus
- Good interpersonal skills
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Integrity
- Good planning & organizing skills
- Initiative
- Managing external relationships
- Analytical thinking
- Managing partners
- Good leadership skills
Technical
- Knowledge of the operations of the Government and the NFA and its projects, programmes, organizational policies and procedures, (Local and International, Fisheries act, Staff Orders,)
- Good programme development and project management skills
- Excellent knowledge of local and international aquaculture production systems
- Working knowledge of local and international standards for fish disease and invasive species management
- Good understanding of nature and properties of soil and water quality
- General awareness of environmental factors that impact or are affected by aquaculture
- Use of technology – Proficiency in relevant computer applications (Microsoft office suite, and other relevant software)
Minimum Required Qualification and Experience
- BSc. Degree in Aquaculture, Agriculture, a related discipline OR equivalent qualifications
- Three (3) years experience in Fish Production and Extension Methodology
Special Conditions Associated with the Job
- Exposure to challenges and crises which require response at very short notice
- Required to work in ponds, brackish, riverine, coastal and offshore marine environment
- Some exposure to long hours in the sun, dust and water
- May be necessary to wear protective clothing at times, e.g. rubber boots.
- Required to travel locally, including travelling to remote locations
- Required to travel overseas
- Exposure to working in volatile communities
-
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
