Regional Land Capability Planner (SOG/ST 7)

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Senior Director, Agricultural Land Management (SOG/ST 9), the Regional Land Capability Planner (SOG/ST 7) undertakes land use surveys and land evaluation assessments, which contribute to recommendations which form a critical component of agricultural development plans and or policies related to soil and land use at the local, national, or regional level. 

The incumbent also exercises responsibility for the examination of mined-out lands which have been reclaimed to verify that the required reclamation standards have been met. The Regional Land Capability Planner also provides authoritative and technical advice to farmers and agricultural stakeholders on crop suitability, soil fertility status and to local authority personnel on land management and development issues. 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Geo-referenced soil samples collected 
• Soil database updated 
• Site-specific capability studies conducted 
• Special projects for agricultural development prepared 
• Land capability recommendations prepared 
• Soil and land use maps updated 
• Staff needs identified and addressed 
• Staff trained and evaluated 
• Crop suitability, land use, subdivision, and mining reports produced 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Participates in committees, Divisional meetings and seminars 
• Provides guidance on methodology and technique etc. 
• Manages the flow of work in Drawing Offices as well as maintenance of cartographic standards 
• Monitors the supplies and conducts inventory as required 
• Participates in the development of the work, corporate and operational plans

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Conducts site visits to collect soil, water and plant samples for analysis
• Participates in soil surveys and rural land evaluation assessments to determine crop suitability and verification of land use interpretation 
• Assess bauxite mined out lands which have been reclaimed to verify that the required reclamation standards have been met 
• Assesses sites for limestone quarries and or sand mining to determine possible impact on lands suitable for agriculture
• Verifies that the lines and polygons are created accurately and the attributes are developed correctly on a national level for soils, land use and land capability database
• Determines the crops that are suitable for specific land parcels in terms of soils and land related constraints for crop production 
• Conducts special purpose studies on land that are contemplated for agricultural development
• Liaises with laboratory staff on issues pertaining to the analyses of soil, plant and water samples 
• Liaise with Local Planning Authority on proposed subdivision applications
• Conducts site visits to verify information from aerial photo interpretation
• Provides assistance to students in the area of soils, land use/land cover, remote sensing technique for land evaluation assessment and other related areas 

OTHER RESPONSIBILITY 

• Performs any other related duties which may be assigned from time to time

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Geo-referenced soil samples collected according to set standards 
• Work plans completed in GOJ format and within agreed timeline 
• Staff need identified and addressed in a timely manner 
• Accurate and comprehensive technical reports produced and submitted within established time frame according to guidelines 
• Maps standardized according to local and international standards 
• Land Capability recommendations prepared based on the Division’s Guidelines
• Special purpose studies done in agreed format and within prescribed timelines
• Updated land use surveys developed using international guidelines 
• Site specific capability studies conducted according to required standard
• Soil database updated within agreed timeframe 
• Soil and land use maps updated according to set standards and within the agreed timeframe

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core 

• Good Oral Communication skills 
• Good Written Communication skills 
• Good Time Management skills 
• Good Customer and Quality Focus skills 
• Teamwork and Cooperation 
• Good Interpersonal skills 
• Good Analytical skills 
• Initiative 

Technical 

• Good Cartographic (Map Reading) skills 
• Good knowledge of GIS and related applications and Remote Sensing Techniques
• Good knowledge of the Principles and Practices of Agricultural Resource Protection and Agricultural Land Use Planning 
• Good knowledge of Land use development review techniques and development approval process, Agricultural Land Resource Management, Development Planning models and the social factors impacting on Agricultural Lands 
• Knowledge of relevant Computer Applications 
• Good Soil Sampling Techniques and Fertility Management

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• BSc in Agriculture, specialized training in GIS and four (4) years related experience 

OR 

• BSc in Rural Planning with specialization in Agriculture, Land Use Planning and Development and GIS, and three (3) years’ experience 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Extensive traveling to rural areas accessible only with all-terrain vehicles
• Officer required to work outside normal working hours 
• Exposure to insects and man-made hazards 

AUTHORITY

• Signs off on the recommendation of Sub-Division approval/disapproval

Please note that we thank all for responding, but only short-listed applicants will be contacted.