Irrigation Technician
The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) is a unique and innovative English language undergraduate institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders of Rwanda and East Africa. Students at RICA engage in curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities emphasizing Conservation Agriculture and One Health principles, oral and written communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
In an experiential learning environment, students develop the knowledge and experience necessary for a wide range of careers in agriculture. Students at RICA experience the six Enterprises including Dairy, Poultry and Swine, Food Processing, Row and Forage Crops, Vegetable and Fruit Crops, Irrigation and Mechanization.
The curriculum is designed to incorporate threads of Innovation, Conservation, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship. Communication, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship are woven throughout the curriculum.
All RICA graduates will be innovative problem solvers able to operate farms and ranches, start agribusinesses, assume management roles in cooperatives, NGOs, and other agricultural enterprises, serve their communities as extension agents and technical and policy experts, or assume positions of agricultural leadership in Rwanda.
DESCRIPTION
RICA is seeking an Irrigation Technician to assist in the technical management of irrigation on campus, as well as contribute to research, extension and teaching activities. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the operation, maintenance, repair, and management of different irrigation methods, including basin, furrow, sprinkler, center pivot, drip irrigation systems. Additional experience in water management is desired. Research is a critical component of this position. The successful candidate is expected to offer irrigation support to other units on campus. The Irrigation Technician will be supervised by the Irrigation Center Director. His/her responsibilities include those listed below.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervise and manage irrigation infrastructure: RICA maintains various irrigation systems on campus, including those operated by the Mechanization & Irrigation, Rowa & Forage, and Fruit & Vegetable Enterprises, as well as the Farm Team and Facilities. This technician will oversee the operation, maintenance and repair of the different types of irrigation, including providing instruction, keeping inventory, and ensuring a safe operational environment.
- Irrigation research: Research is a critical component of this position. Ongoing projects include sensor-based drip irrigation, crop variety trials under varying moisture regimes and determination of irrigation scheduling (among others). Duties will include developing experimental design, experiment installation, experiment maintenance and operation, data collection, data analysis, and research report/paper writing. Economic model development is a plus.
- Irrigation extension: Extension and training programs for Rwandan and East African producers, from large commercial crop production to smallholder farmers, is a strong component of RICA’s irrigation program moving forward. Examples include maize production under center pivot, rice production in basin systems, greenhouse production, and coffee irrigation options, among others. Materials need to be developed to address irrigation management issues, such as farmer field days, written materials, videos, demonstration plots, etc. (all multi-lingual in Kinyarwanda and English).
- Course preparation and support: The technician will work closely with the M&I faculty and the M&I Technologist to ensure that all necessary supplies, equipment, and machinery are ready prior to class periods. The technician will assist lecturers during course periods.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Irrigation Engineering or a related field is a must.
- A year of experience working directly with drip, sprinkler and/or surface irrigation.
- Research background in irrigation and water management systems.
- Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3 years of experience in an irrigation management/research position or related position.
- Extensive research experience that includes independent development and operation of a research program.
- Extension experience.
HOW TO APPLY
- Fill the information required, upload and submit the documents in English to the link provided below.
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/jobs/
Application review will begin May 03, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.
Website: https://www.rica.rw/
