Technical Assistant III – Field and Laboratory IRRI at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Key Responsibilities

Purpose

• Perform/conduct activities to support experiment(s) in the field of [Plant Breeding]
• Support the day-to-day operation of activities in the field/screenhouse/greenhouse
• Support and oversee contract workers during field/screenhouse/greenhouse operation and monitor efficiency.
• Help in preparation of materials to be used in field/greenhouse/screenhouse/laboratory experiments (e.g. seeds, soil, nutrient solution, labels)
• Help to oversee, implement and monitor field/screenhouse/greenhouse activities from seeding to harvesting to seed processing and ensure that all operations meet standards of quality assurance
• Help to supervise and handle data collection, processing
• Help perform assigned  procedures related to experiments/study in Plant Breeding
• Perform seed germination for planting in the field
• Support in systematic bagging and harvesting of panicles
• Help conduct trials in the breeding
• Assist in mass screening of rice cultivars,, assessment of damage and data collection

Engagement

Assist in the maintenance and organization of field, greenhouse/screenhouse/headhouse/laboratory as required by Institute protocols including maintaining cleanliness, orderliness, and safety in the laboratory and other work. This includes spaces, preparation of commonly used solutions/materials, inventory and ordering of chemicals and supplies.

Delivery

• Data collection and documentation-Collect data and help in cleaning data
• Encode data for analysis using electronic device/ computer/ tablet
• Assist in characterization and data collections from stored germplasm
• Measure and asses plant parameters and yield components
• Calibrate regularly used equipment
• Assist in training scholars/ interns/ on-the-job-trainees
• Assist in initial purification of seed stocks by bagging and threshing panic/es
• Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time

Requirements

• Diploma in agriculture (breeding, crop protection, crop science) with experience working in rice fields
• Has basic knowledge of MS Office programs such as Word and Excel or related software
• Has experience with rice field management
• Has experience in rice production