Laboratory Technician 1 (SOG/ST 3) €“ Agricultural Land Management Division.

The incumbent is also responsible for the calibration of instruments, based on standard operating procedures and accurate recording of results used to determine components and properties, which are used to make recommendations on crop sustainability and fertilizer use for agriculture.

KEY OUTPUTS

• Instruments calibrated
• Physical analyses conducted on soil samples
• Chemical analyses conducted on plant tissue, water and other growth media
• Data analyzed
• Standards prepared
• De-ionized water prepared

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

• Measures and weighs ingredients used in testing
• Prepares samples and leaching solutions
• Prepares work stations and cleans area after use. (Process includes neutralizing acid spills, which may occur)
• Performs chemical analyses on soil samples to determine pH, total nitrogen, electrical conductivity, chloride, potassium, phosphate, organic matter, exchangeable acidity, moisture, exchangeable cautions and trace elements
• Performs chemical analyses on plant samples to determine levels of nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, calcium magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese
• Performs chemical analyses on water samples to determine electrical conductivity, pH, total soluble salts chloride and sulphur
• Performs chemical analyses on fertilizer and other compound both organic and inorganic for nitrogen, phosphate and potash
• Performs physical analyses on soil (%sand, %salt, %silt, %clay), percentage moisture in soils, infiltration rate in soils
• Calculates and records the reading after the analyses is done
• Calibrates machine and operates lab equipment which assists in the analysis of samples
• Participates in exhibitions, shows and demonstrations for high and tertiary students.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Accurate laboratory analyses conducted based on international standards
• Work stations and apparatus maintained according to laboratory standards
• Standards prepared to required specifications
• Analytical data for plant tissue, water and soil samples are produced within agreed timeframe
• Analytical datasheets are prepared accurately based on laboratory standards
• Equipment calibrated to required specifications
• De-ionized water prepared to required specifications

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core

• Good oral communication skills
• Good written communication skills
• Strong analytical thinking skills
• Good problem solving and decision making skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Methodical
• Time management
• Good customer and quality focus skills

Technical

• Knowledge of chemistry and laboratory procedures
• Proficiency in the use of laboratory equipment
• Knowledge of internationally accepted laboratory procedures
• Knowledge of relevant computer applications
• Sound knowledge of the Government/Ministry’s policies and procedures

Core Competencies

• Oral communication
• Written communication
• Analytical thinking skills
• Problem solving and decision making skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Methodical
• Time Management
• Customer and quality focus

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of Chemistry and laboratory practices
• Proficiency in the use of laboratory equipment
• Knowledge of internationally accepted laboratory procedures
• Knowledge of relevant computer applications
• Knowledge of Government policies & procedures

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• CXC/GCE passes in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry and one other subject
• One (1) year experience working in a laboratory environment

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Exposure to harmful chemicals, fumes and dusts
• Constant wearing of protective clothing