Mechanization and Irrigation (M&I) Technologist at Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)

The Mechanization and Irrigation (M&I) Enterprise consists of two main operational components. The first part is the Farm Power and Machinery section, which houses various Tractors, metalwork and woodworking equipment used for teaching, maintaining and repairing engines, and other agricultural machinery. The second part focuses on irrigation systems, including the equipment and infrastructure such as center pivots, sprinklers, and drip irrigation systems.

As the M&I Technologist overseeing these diverse enterprise facilities, your responsibility will be to manage the efficient and safe operation of both the farm power/machinery and irrigation systems. This will involve enforcing comprehensive safety guidelines, providing detailed instruction and training to students and staff, maintaining all tools and equipment in proper working condition, implementing robust inventory management systems, and ensuring that the overall workshop environment remains clean, organized, and optimized for productivity. The goal is to create a well-structured, safe, and functional teaching facilities that can adequately support the diverse needs of the Mechanization and Irrigation program, both in terms of teaching and service provision in alignment with conservation agriculture practices.

POSITION: Mechanization and Irrigation (M&I) Technologist

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Workshop Management:Oversee daily operations, enforce safety protocols, provide equipment instruction, maintain machinery, manage inventory, and uphold cleanliness standards in the agricultural mechanization workshop.
• Irrigation Systems:Design, install, maintain, and optimize irrigation systems for various agricultural applications, including troubleshooting, repairs, and staff training on proper operation.
• Machinery Operations:Maintain and operate a diverse range of agricultural machinery, conduct preventive maintenance, assist with field operations, manage M&I facilities, and organize tractor training sessions.
• Conservation Agriculture:Implement and promote conservation practices in mechanization and irrigation, focusing on soil health, water conservation, and reducing environmental impact through minimal tillage, cover cropping, and crop rotation.
• Safety and Compliance:Ensure all facilities and equipment meet safety standards, conduct regular audits, develop and update safety protocols, monitor equipment performance, and prepare detailed reports on safety concerns and recommendations.
• Technical Troubleshooting:Identify and resolve complex issues with farm machinery and irrigation systems, coordinate repairs, analyze system performance, and maintain documentation for all troubleshooting procedures.
• Irrigation System Optimization:Conduct regular inspections of existing infrastructure, troubleshoot malfunctions, and optimize water usage through efficient system design and modern irrigation techniques.
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair:Implement and maintain regular maintenance schedules for all tools and machinery, conduct preventive checks, and schedule repairs as needed for a diverse range of agricultural equipment.
• Training and Skill Development:Provide comprehensive instruction on the proper use of workshop equipment, develop and update training manuals, and conduct tractor training sessions for students and staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Mechanization, Mechanical Engineering, Irrigation & Drainage Engineering, or a related field
• 5 years of field experience in mechanization and irrigation systems
• Proficiency in metalwork, welding, and mechanics, including tractors, water pumps, small engines, and related equipment.
• Experience in irrigation systems installation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced skills in metalwork, welding, and mechanics, including tractors, engines, irrigation pumps and related equipment
• Advanced skills in irrigation systems operation, design, troubleshooting and installation
• Advanced skills in design and monitoring softwares (AutoCAD, IrriCAD, SWAT,  IRRIPro, SCADA)
• Driving licenses Class F and B

HOW TO APPLY

• Fill the information required, upload and submit the documents in English to the link provided below.
• Cover Letter summarizing intent and suitability for the position.
• A resume or CV.  
• Official Degree certificate for highest Degree obtained.
• List of Recommenders with contact information.

Please combine your resume/CV with your degree certificate, and any other relevant document, as one PDF file before you upload.

Application Link :https://rica.bamboohr.com/careers/109

Application review will begin September 30^th , 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

Website: https://www.rica.rw/