Supervisor, Agricultural Specialization (SOG/ST 8)

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Enforcement and Monitoring, the Agricultural Specialist, Supervisor will lead the Authority on all matters relating to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) etc. as well as provide critical support for the timely adoption and implementation within the industry. The incumbent will be required to ensure that the requisite regulatory requirements are being satisfied, adequate efforts are being made to minimize or prevent cross-pollination between hemp and ganja plants/cultivation sites and that the timely removal and disposal of infected or infested plants/crops is encouraged. 

KEY OUTPUTS:

• Operational meetings conducted. 
• Processing/Manufacturing and Cultivation sites inspected/assessed. 
• Plant health assessed and recommendations made. 
• Standards/best practices adopted and implemented. 
• Reports prepared. 
• Life cycle of regulated crops monitored. 
• Pre and post-harvest control mechanisms implemented and monitored
• Policy disposal infected and/or dead cannabis plants implemented and monitored.
• Support to special operations involving ganja seizures or destruction provided.
• Biotic and abiotic agents evaluated, and recommendations made. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans organized and co-ordinates the various testing activities to enhances the timely and accurate generation of results and recommendation. 
• Make recommendations to Director, Enforcement and Monitoring on process improvement activities, tools and technologies to be acquired and where enforcement action is required. 
• Develops and ensures adherence to Standard Operating Procedures and requisite terms where necessary. 
• Reviews and signs off on reports and other documents prior to dissemination
• Develops budget, work, strategic, corporate and operational plans 
• Supports the quality assurance process that enable standards and best practices for cannabis i.e. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), etc. to be adopted and implemented 
• Undertakes site inspections during pre-licensing and post-licensing processes
• Monitors the usage of selected test methodologies and the suitability to provide the quality of results required, and that quality laboratory services are provided in the testing process.
• Monitors the utilization patterns of authorized laboratory services and advises the Director, Enforcement and Monitoring on developing trends in services. 
• Assists with the development of guidelines for the Quality Manual and monitors the attendant infrastructural arrangements for the safety of users. 
• Ensures collection and transportation of samples is done in accordance with best practices.
• Provides weekly operational reports and monthly technical reports analyses and interpretations of findings in the field. 
• Interprets laboratory data/reports and make recommendations which will affect soil, plant, water as well as general handling of the plant/crop. 
• Identify and make recommendations for the removal of male plants and hermaphrodites as well as infested or infected plants/crops. 
• Identify co-mingling of hemp and ganja on licensed sites and make recommendations for their removal to mitigate cross pollination and preserve crop integrity. 
• Coordinates and directs research and key analytical activities. 
• Approves modification of formulas, standards, specifications and processes relative to the handling of ganja. 
• Participates in the development of new strategies and programmes of the Authority to enable the industry. 
• Reviews, tracks and communicates information regarding process variations and quality control. 
• Determines work assignments and coordinates the operations and activities of the Unit in tandem with the Enforcement and Site Inspectors, where necessary 
• Develops training materials, conducts workshops and delivers presentations.
• Writes research papers for publication or presentation at technical conferences.
• Represents the Division at meetings, seminars, conferences, and workshops locally and internationally. 
• Performs any other related duties which may be assigned from time to time by the Director, Enforcement and Monitoring 
• Reviews and verifies reports submitted by Agricultural Specialist. 
• Communicates procedural and regulatory deficiencies to the Director, Enforcement and Monitoring in a timely manner. 
• Assesses the maintenance of production/performance records of each licensee.
• Conceptualizes and develops programmes and plans to increase public awareness and ensures their execution within budget. 
• Liaises with stakeholders/agencies on matters pertaining to production yields and farm management and other agricultural issues/practices. 
• Designs template for farm records to assist licensees. 
• Assists in the development and introduction of modern or contemporary methods to determine and identify inversion or diversion of plant material. 
• Reviews recommendations for disposal treating with breaches and offences identified on hemp and ganja sites. 
• Identifies and supports the appropriate use of equipment for monitoring and tracing cannabis. 

HUMAN RESOURCES AND ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommend and/or initiates corrective action, where necessary to improve performance and/or attainment of established personal and/or organizational goals. 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Unit. 
• Recommends transfers, promotions, terminations and leave in accordance with established Human Resource policies and procedures. 
• Collaborates with the Director, Enforcement and Monitoring to develop and implement a succession planning programme to facilitate continuity and the availability of required skills and competencies to meet the needs of the Division. 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching. 
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Unit are clearly identified and addressed. 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and organization’s goals.
• Ensures that Officers are aware of and adhere to the policies, procedures and Regulations of the Division and wider organization. 
• Testify in legal court proceedings if called upon to do so. 
• Any other related duties as assigned by the Director, Enforcement and Monitoring. 

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills 
• Highly developed analytical and investigative skills 
• Strong customer relations skills 
• Research skills 
• Excellent problem solving and conflict management skills. 
• Planning and organizing skills. 
• Initiative 
• Leadership, supervisory and team building skills. 
• Even tempered and able to communicate with people from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science or Horticulture, Biochemistry or any other related science 
• 3–5 years’ experience at middle management level 
• Understanding of general farm management practices and procedures
• Experience in training adults and conducting seminars would be an asset.
• Experience in regulated commodities in agriculture 
• Sound knowledge of laboratory procedures and methodology would be an asset.
• Sound knowledge of soil, plant and water sampling techniques would be an asset.
• Good research and analytical skills 
• Knowledge of the operations of Government, knowledge of Ministry’s policies and procedures 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This position involves extensive field work (island-wide travel). Field work may require walking considerable distances on uneven surfaces with exposure to pesticides and fertilizers. 
• There may be exposure to volatile situations and security risks are highly possible.
• May be required to work long and unscheduled work hours to meet critical deadlines, including on weekends and public holidays. 
• Regularly lifts, carries, and moves objects not exceeding 50 pounds. 
• This position requires that the post holder be on call 24 hours per day. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.