Applications are invited to fill the following post in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries:
Senior Plant Protection Officer (SOG/ST 6) – (Vacant) in the Research and Development Division, salary range $1,592,427 - $1,892,895 per annum and any allowance(s) attached to the post.

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Plant Protection Officer (SOG/ST 7), the Senior Plant Protection Officer (SOG/ST 6) is responsible for planning and coordinating research, pest identification, diagnostic and advisory work in at least one of the major plant protection disciplines, Entomology, Nematology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science.

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional:

• Determines specialized research priority at the Unit discipline level in consultation with the
• Chief Plant Protection Officer or Senior Research Director, Plant Protection and in keeping with national priorities;
• Prepares and submits detailed project proposals for the conduct of research in keeping
  with the officer’s specialization;
• Plans, organizes and executes long term applied research projects (comprising several short and medium term studies) under laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions as is necessary;
• Collaborates (as discipline specialist) with other researchers to formulate and executes multi-disciplinary research projects of national significance;
• Conducts pest identification, problem diagnosis and advisory work, which involves field visits.
• Dispatches specimens abroad for identification or confirmation of identity;
• Supervises and trains less experienced Plant Protection Officers in the discipline of diagnostics and the achievement and maintenance of high quality laboratory standards;
• Keeps abreast of his/her area of specialization by reviewing scientific literature, attending and making presentations at local and overseas conferences, seminars, workshops and meetings;
• Serves as subject matter specialist contributor to various inter-agency projects and committees requiring plant protection input;
• Serves as technical resource person to the Senior Research Director, Plant Protection, the Deputy Director, Crop and
• Plant Protection Research Director, and the Principal Research Director Research and Development as is necessary;
• Gives technical guidance and supervision in the review of the Plant Protection Officer’s research projects;
• Serves as consultant/guest presenter at various training sessions convened by RADA at both the officer and farmer levels;
• Conducts Pest Risk Analyses (PRA) as it relates to endemic and exotics pests.
• Provides professional advice, guidance and training for Plant Quarantine Officers.

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 attaining 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;
  collaborates with the Human Resource Division to develops and implement a Succession Planning Programme for the
• Division/Unit to facilitate continuity and availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Division;
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching;
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Division/Unit are clearly identified and addressed;
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and Organization’s goals.

Other:

• Represents the Chief Plant Protection Officer and the Senior Research Director at meetings, which they are unable to attend;
• Oversees the work in other Plant Protection Units in the absence of the equivalent Officer;
• Represents Research and Development at technical conferences and meetings and at workshops, seminars and training sessions;
• Prepares exhibits for and participates in various agricultural shows and scientific expositions;
• Facilitates the work of consultants and contract workers in their area of responsibility;
• Performs other tasks assigned by the Chief Plant Protection Officer or Senior Research Director, Plant Protection from time to time.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core:

• Excellent presentation skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good leadership and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead and work in teams.
• Very good problem solving skills
• Integrity
• Initiative

Technical:

• Excellent knowledge of procedures used in the Plant Protection discipline - Entomology, Nematology, Plant Pathology or Weed Science
• Very Good knowledge of pest and disease management strategies as it relates to the Plant Protection discipline
• Very Good knowledge of pests and diseases affecting major crops grown in the island
• Competent in and possess the ability to educate others in laboratory techniques in the identification of pest and diseases
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Masters’ Degree in a Plant Protection discipline or Plant Protection overall; or
• Bachelor of Science Degree in General Agriculture / Biological Sciences and three (3) years’ in-service experience;
• Publications including at least one (1) research paper.

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Work environment is usually hot and humid and sometimes rainy;
• Exposure to harmful chemicals;
• Expose to ultraviolet radiation;
• Exposure to dust, bacteria and fungal spores;
• Risks associated with long distance road travel, often off – track in unfamiliar and high risk areas;
• Occasional long working hours.

Applications accompanied by résumés should be submitted no later than Thursday August 12, 2021 to:
Senior Director
Human Resource Management and Development Division
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Hope Gardens
Kingston 6
E-mail: hrm@moa.gov.jm
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.