Mechanization 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 a technician for the Mechanization & Irrigation (M&I) Enterprise Program to assist in the technical management of agricultural mechanization, as well as hands-on student training. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the operation, maintenance, repair, and management of the following: agricultural mechanization workshop, power machinery, irrigation systems, and general agricultural mechanization processes and procedures. The principal duty related to this position is supervising and managing the agricultural mechanization workshop, which includes small engines, metalwork, and woodworking equipment. The position will contribute to agricultural mechanization teaching, research, and extension activities. The successful candidate is expected to offer support in equipment maintenance in other enterprises, especially in relation to machinery mechanics, welding, and metal fabrication, and in teaching students shop work skills. The Mechanization & Irrigation Technician will be supervised by the M&I Enterprise Lead. His/her responsibilities include those listed below.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervise and manage agricultural mechanization workshop: The Mechanization & Irrigation Enterprise workshop contains a variety of metalwork and woodwork equipment. This technician will oversee the operation of the workshop, including enforcing safety policies, providing instruction, maintaining equipment, keeping inventory, and ensuring a clean working environment.
- 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.
- Agricultural mechanization and tractor operation: The technician will assist in maintaining agricultural machinery (e.g., tractors and implements) and assisting in field operation. The shop will also include a small engine repair component, and this position will oversee this facility and assist in instruction on basic maintenance and operation. Additional duties will include planning and instructing tractor training sessions.
- Ensuring safety and regulatory compliance: The technologist will be responsible for ensuring that all workshop facilities and equipment comply with safety and regulatory standards. This may involve conducting safety audits, developing safety protocols, ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained, and communicating the equipment’s performance to the supervisor.
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving: The technologist will be responsible for identifying and resolving any issues that arise with Farm Machinery and Power systems. This may involve working with maintenance staff to repair equipment, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and developing solutions to optimize system performance. This will also include assisting in the design and implementation of efficient grain handling systems.
- Continuously learning and improving: The technologist will be responsible for staying up to date with the latest developments in farm mechanization, grain handling, and storage technology, and continuously seeking ways to improve system efficiency and performance. This may involve attending conferences, participating in training programs, and conducting research on new technologies and best practices.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Mechanization, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- A year of experience working with at least one of the following: Workshop management, machinery maintenance, or an agricultural mechanization service providing institutions.
- Skills in metalwork, welding, and mechanics, including tractors, small engines, and related equipment.
- Experience in operating and maintaining grain silos.
- Experience operating grain dryers.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3 years of experience in an agricultural mechanization or related position.
- Advanced skills in metalwork, welding, and mechanics, including tractors, small engines, and related equipment.
- 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.
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/
