Field Service Workers -Breeding Operations – CIMMYT
Reference number: 202653
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Kiboko, Kenya, Kenya
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Landscape Alliance
Landscape Alliance transforms science into action, unlocking the power of trees, forests and agroforestry landscapes to advance planetary health and human well-being. Landscape Alliance is the operating name of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the International Centre for Research on Agroforestry (ICRAF). CIFOR and ICRAF are independent International Organizations and CGIAR Research Centers.
Landscape Alliance is looking for a
Field Service Workers -Breeding Operations – CIMMYT
Overview
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The purpose of this role is to support the implementation of dryland crop breeding and seed systems activities through the establishment, management, and maintenance of breeding nurseries, crossing blocks, trials, and demonstration plots. The incumbent will ensure accurate field operations, seed inventory management, and timely, high-quality data collection while maintaining organized workspaces and adherence to safety and operational protocols.
Duties and responsibilities
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1.Breeding Nursery and Trial Operations
•Establishment and Maintenance: Assist in setting up crossing blocks and breeding nurseries for dryland crops, ensuring timely land preparation and layout for seed multiplication, trials, demo plots, and field experiments, sowing and ensuring good germination of materials.
•Pollination Techniques: Produce the required number of seeds and crosses by conducting pollination using various emasculation techniques such as hand, polythene, and chemical methods specific to dryland crops.
•Sample Collection: Collect tissue samples (leaf punch and/or seed chip) following established protocols.
•Assist in laying out the DCP and VACS demo field for planting and experiments.
•Assist in implementing safe and effective agronomic practices such as thinning, weeding, irrigation, scouting for pest and diseases and harvesting.
•Assisting in conducting weekly field scouting and keeping records of pest and diseases spotted.
•Assisting in the implementation of occupational health and safety protocols performs any other relevant duties that may be assigned by the research associates from time to time..
2. Seed Inventory and Preparation
•Inventory Management: Maintain organized seed packets/seed storage containers in the cold room and seed preparation areas, always keeping work areas clean and orderly.
•Assisting in the maintenance of the DCP and VACS demo and keeping the cold room clean and neat.
3\. Data Collection
•Assist in field data collection from crossing blocks, breeding nurseries, and trials using digital devices, adhering strictly to data collection procedures.
•Integrity: Uphold the highest standards of integrity and honesty in all data collection activities.
4\. Supervisory and Safety Responsibilities
•Team Supervision: Assist in supervising casual workers, maintaining detailed records, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
•Communicate DCP demo and cold room issues and concerns promptly to the Research Associates.
Requirements
•Highest levels of integrity, honesty, diligence, efficiency, flexibility, self-motivation and respect for diversity.
•KCSE (O) Level of education. Any other relevant training is an added advantage.
•Proficiency in spoken and written English and Kiswahili
•At least one (1) year experience in cross breeding techniques for legumes.
•Experience in cultural management of crop breeding nurseries and breeding trials.
•Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, willingness to be trained in new skills relevant to the tasks.
•Ability to work effectively both independently on assigned tasks and as part of a team on group deliverables.
Education, knowledge and experience
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•Highest levels of integrity, honesty, diligence, efficiency, flexibility, self-motivation and respect for diversity.
•KCSE (O) Level of education. Any other relevant training is an added advantage.
•Proficiency in spoken and written English and Kiswahili
•At least one (1) year experience in cross breeding techniques for legumes.
•Experience in cultural management of crop breeding nurseries and breeding trials.
•Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, willingness to be trained in new skills relevant to the tasks.
•Ability to work effectively both independently on assigned tasks and as part of a team on group deliverables.
Terms and conditions
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•This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
•The appointment will be for a period of one (1) year, inclusive of a three-month probationary p
