Overview
To operate farm machinery like tractors, planters, harvesters, etc., for implementing operations like field preparation, spraying, harvesting, and transporting produce at the KALRO-CIMMYT Kiboko Research Station.
Duties and responsibilities
- Operate agricultural machines like tractors, planters, combine harvesters, etc., safely and efficiently.
- Carry out routine mechanized field activities like field preparation, planting, spraying agrochemicals, harvesting, transporting produce, etc.
- Perform regular inspections of farm equipment to identify and troubleshoot mechanical issues; conduct routine servicing and carry out minor repairs of agricultural machinery and attachments like plows, harrows, shredders, etc.
- Operate post-harvest machinery like shellers, graders, dryers etc.
Overview
To provide technical support to the Scientist/Maize Breeder in charge of line development under Eastern Africa Product Profile 2 (late maturity maize) by managing nurseries at the Kiboko research station and trials at other locations in Kenya.
Duties and responsibilities
Inbred line nursery management.
- Ensure that nurseries are pollinated and harvested according to instructions from the Breeder.
- Ensure shelling of inbred lines is carried out carefully to avoid seed mixtures.
Overseeing of Field experiments.
- Prepare field experiments (trials and nurseries), including trial designs and seed preparation using Fieldbook / Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) according to the breeder’s instructions.
- Generate seed labels and field tags for trial and nursery identification.
- Prepare field maps and planting plans for field trials.
- Manage planting of optimal trials at key locations like Kakamega, Embu, Chorlim, Kimini, and Shikusa in conjunction with external partners like KALRO and Seed Companies.
Data analysis.
- Implement electronic data capture in all the field-testing locations using KDSmart or other appropriate applications to ensure quick turnaround.
- Consolidate data from trials at all locations, examine data for accuracy and analyze the data in a timely manner using various software including EBS and Fieldbook.
- Manage historical data entry into the EBS.
- Assist M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in practical maize breeding and data analysis.
Assist in drafting project reports and manuscripts.
- Assist in preparing tables and figures from research results for project reports and draft manuscripts.
Training and Supervision of casual labor.
- Provide training and backstopping services especially with Fieldbook and data analysis to NARS and seed company partners.
- Supervise contract in data taking according to instructions in trials under both optimum and managed stress conditions.
Seed Processing and Storage
- Coordinate seed processing and shipment with different partners, both internally and externally.
- Manage cold storage facilities by consolidating germplasm inventories and developing SOPs.
- In consultation with Scientist identify germplasm that require seed increase.
Requirements
- Master of Science degree in Plant Breeding
- 2-3 years’ experience in plant breeding or seed systems
- Knowledge of MS Office Applications.
- Valid driving license is a must.
- Maintain the farm roads clean by using mowers and shredders.
Requirements
- Diploma in agricultural machine operation or equivalent
- At least 5 years of experience in the agriculture, floriculture, and/or horticulture industries.
- Holder of a valid driving license.
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