JOB PURPOSE
Under the direction of the Senior Director (SOG/ST 9), the Soil Scientist (SOG/ST 5) investigates chemical, physical, biological and mineralogical composition of soil relevant to Agriculture, conducts research and develop methods that will improve the use of soil, and increase productivity of the land with emphasis placed on sustainability.
The incumbent is required to establish and maintain strong linkages with institutions and professionals (local and international) in order to collaborate and provide technical advice, policy direction as well as best practices in sustainable soil management. As the focal point on soil science within the Ministry/Division, the Soil Scientist will also be responsible for the dissemination of information, to develop technical documents and reports, develop and maintain a comprehensive soil database and conduct training for technical staff, farmers and other stakeholders in the Sector.
KEY OUTPUTS
- Specialized research undertaken in the Soil Science field
- Soils of Jamaica identified, analyzed and classified based on local and international standards
- Technical advice and information on issues related to soil management provided
- Soil Surveys conducted
- Detailed soil survey reports produced and submitted
- Policies, guidelines and procedures developed and implemented.
- Soil database maintained
- Technical papers and reports produced
- Investigations on issues related to soil fertility management, tillage, soil degradation, and plant nutrition conducted
- Soil management and conservation methods recommended
- Trainings programmes developed
- Workshops /seminars conducted
- Work plans and schedules prepared
- Ministry represented at local and international fora
- Strategic Operational Plan and budget supported
- Staff needs identified and addressed
- Staff evaluated and assessed
KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS
Management/Administrative Responsibilities
- Participates in the strategic planning process of the Division
- Provides guidance and information to the Director, staff and clients on new developments in policy and international best practices
- Represents the Division at meetings, workshop and seminars
- Collaborates with team members on projects related to crop production, land management and other related issues
- Provides guidance and training to interns.
Technical/Professional Responsibilities
- Undertakes specialized research projects and findings and utilizes data for policy development.
- Plans, organizes and conducts surveys and investigations and determines methodology to be used
- Initiates schedules and conducts investigations
- Analyses results to determine measures needed to maintain and/or restore proper soil management
- Collects soil samples for soil fertility analyses or special purpose studies
- Formulates work plans for soil and land use projects
- Plans and implements soil surveys and land capability classification
- Analyses soil pits and auger boring in order to classify soils in Jamaica
- Determines remedial actions to sustain crop production and soil heath
- Acts as a resource person, develops data and conducts training
- programmes for ministry staff, farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.
- Participates on work teams to plan, develop and implement land management programmes and policies.
- Develops, conducts and/or participates in studies on various land uses, gathering information for use in developing corrective action plans
- Responds to complaints and questions on soil matters and provides information and clarification
- Inspects sites for issuance of license to operate quarry or reclamation of mined out bauxite lands
- Prepares and participates in training activities for soil fertility and fertilizer recommendations
- Performs quality control checks and samples data to ensure accuracy and consistency with local and international standards
Human Resource Management Responsibilities
- Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports,
- Conducts performance evaluation 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, promotions, termination and leave in accordance with the established human resource policies and procedures
- 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.
- Supervises Cartographer and prepares work schedules and guidance as required
OTHER RESPONSIBILITY
- Performs any other related duties which may be assigned from time to time
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
- Specialized research undertaken in the Soil Science field in keeping with stated standards and timelines.
- Work plans and schedules prepared based on established guidelines and within the agreed timeframe.
- Soils of Jamaica identified, analyzed and classified based on local and international standards
- Sound technical advice and information on issues related to soil management provided in a timely manner
- Soil Surveys conducted in keeping with international standards
- Detailed soil survey reports produced in the required format and within the agreed timeframe.
- Policies, guidelines and procedures developed and implemented according to set standards and within the agreed timeframe
- Accurate and comprehensive Soil database maintained to support sound decision making and policy development and implementation
- Technical papers and reports produced in a timely manner and according to set standards
- Investigations on issues related to soil fertility management, tillage, soil degradation, and plant nutrition conducted in a timely manner
- Soil management and conservation methods recommended that reflects best practices and in a timely manner
- Trainings programmes developed according to set standards and within the agreed timeframe
- Check points implemented to evaluate project progress
- Timely meetings set to sensitize, review and improve technical procedures
- Detailed and semi detailed soil survey prepared based on guidelines adapted from FAO and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture
- Maps and charts produced at agreed time frame based on standardized cartographic guidelines
- Work plans produced within the required timeframe and based on GOJ Performance Management and Appraisal System Guidelines.
- Workshops /seminars conducted according to established format and within the agreed timeframe
- Ministry represented at local and international events as required
- Operational Plan managed and implemented within the agreed timeframe.
- Budget prepared and implemented in the agreed timeframe.
- Staff needs identified and addressed in a timely manner
- Staff evaluated and assessed in a timely manner
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Core
- Excellent Oral Communication skills
- Excellent Written Communication skills
- Good Interpersonal skills
- Good Analytical Thinking skills
- Good Teamwork and Cooperation
- Good Customer and Quality Focus skills
- Problem Solving and Conflict Management
- Excellent Time Management
- Strong Leadership skills
- Strong Integrity
Technical
- Knowledge of Soil science and its application in Agriculture
- Proficient in the use of relevant computer applications (including geographic information system)
- Knowledge of Geology and Environmental Management
- Knowledge of Local and International Soil Classification Systems
- Knowledge of Map reading and Navigational skills
- Good knowledge of GIS
- Knowledge of the operations of Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
- BSc. Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy with specialized training in Soil Science Crop Production, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Management with related area in which Soil Science forms a significant component of the course of study or equivalent post graduate qualifications and experience plus five (5) years’ experience in related area.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB
- Extensive travelling to rural areas to conduct investigations collect samples and assess sites
- Physically fit to maneuver rugged terrain
- Extensive field work in varying conditions
- Overseas travel to represent the Ministry at meetings, seminars or /workshops
AUTHORITY
- Certifies reports
- Approves standards for soils maps and data
- Prepares budget for the execution of soils programmes
Please note that we thank all for responding, but only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
