Field Technician At Pacific Community

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them. This mission is realized through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals. LRD’s integrated programming connects the pillars and its wider alliance with SPC and its seven other divisions, delivering a holistic programme of work for Pacific lands that meets the SPC vision of a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity so that all people can lead healthy and productive lives.

The Field Technician will carry out field and data collecting work for the project. The incumbent will assist in the maintenance of the taro characterization plot, breadfruit field plot and screenhouses collections at CePaCT. In addition, this role will assist with other field and screenhouse activities at CePaCT (e.g., crops field characterization, regeneration and seed collecting).

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Experiments on drought screening effects on taro in Fiji

• Experiments on drought screening on taro in screenhouse and field conditions are successfully carried out in terms of field and screenhouse work as well as data collection and internal reporting.

Support CePaCT Team in field and screenhouse operations

• Good maintenance of screenhouses and field plots at CePaCT facilities.
• Plant samples (seeds, leaf samples or planting material) collected are of very high quality.

Support CePaCT crop regeneration, characterisation and evaluation

• CePaCT crop regeneration and characterisation activities are carried out successfully.
• Deflasking activities are carried out successfully, with minimum losses of plants and correct acclimatization and maintenance.

Support the Efficient and effective functions of CePaCT

• Assist with the conservation and distribution of CePaCT crops upon request.
• Assist in the upkeep of overall CePaCT lab hygiene.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A diploma in agriculture, environmental management, science or similar field.

Technical expertise

• At least 1 year of experience in field work for scientific research and/or agricultural biodiversity conservation.
• Demonstrated experience in data capturing for scientific experiments.
• Knowledge in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively with others in a team environment, as well as to work independently as part of a team.
• Reliable, hard-working and have the ability to handle demanding workloads.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 7 April 2024 and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Field Technician is a Band 6 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 1,892-2,365 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander.

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.