Jobs Vacancies at NARO in Uganda

Job Title: SOIL FERTILITY TECHNICIAN

Job Ref: Abi 01/2012 (1 vacancy)

Salary Scale: UR 6

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Providing support to the Soil Fertility Scientist in undertaking agricultural research on soil management and utilization technologies for agricultural production
2. Preparing and maintaining laboratory materials, setting up, adjusting, calibrating, cleaning, maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory and field equipment
3. Visiting farmers to identify soil fertility problems and indigenous traditional knowledge used to manage the problems in targeted areas
4. Collecting and analyzing soil specimens and plant samples
5. Receiving and preparing laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols in order to ensure effective storage, handling, and disposal of samples and specimens of different cereals for isolation, analysis and labeling
6. Measuring or weighing compounds and solutions for use in testing as well as preserving, isolating and analyzing samples and specimens as directed
7. Processing samples by grinding, drying, packaging, weighing, incubation, sterilization, digesting, extraction and also using the centrifuge
8. Conducting standardized soil tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in different types of soils
9. Monitor and observe experiments, collect and analyze data, recording production and testing data for evaluation as well as preparing reports of results
10. Analyzing experimental data, interpreting results and writing reports and summaries of findings
11. Collect meteorological information and data covering weather parameters such as rain, temperature, humidity, moisture, solar radiation, evaporation, wind-speed and direction and analysis of meteorological data to establish weather patterns
12. Collaborating with Scientists in disseminating and presenting research results to multi-sectoral stakeholders

Qualifications and Experience

1. Diploma in Agriculture or equivalent qualifications
2. Two years relevant experience in soil fertility analysis gained from a reputable organization

Key Competencies

1. Knowledge of soils and plants, their functions, interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment including impact on agricultural production
2. Ability to listen, understand and communicate information on ideas presented through spoken words and in writing
3. Ability to control laboratory operations comprising equipment or systems
4. Proficiency in computer software applications and statistical packages
5. Ability to participate in multidisciplinary work teams


How to Apply:
Interested persons with the indicated requirements should submit hand written applications together with detailed curriculum vitae giving day time telephone numbers and names and addresses of three referees as well as copies of professional Certificates and testimonials to the under-listed address not later than 5.00 pm, Monday 6th February 2012. Applicants should quote the post applied for on both the application and the envelope.

The Director
Abi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute
P.O Box 219, Arua

Deadline:6th February 2012