Job Grade:
SOG/ST 7
Job Purpose
Under the supervision of the Agricultural Specialization Supervisor, the incumbent will assist with the design and execution of appropriate measures to ensure compliance as well as provide strong support for other initiatives/programmes critical to the growth and development of the Industry i.e. adoption and implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices etc.
The Agricultural Specialist will work in close collaboration with stakeholders/licensees as well as Departments and/or Agencies of Government in ensuring the sustainability of the Industry. The incumbent will also ensure that adequate support is provided to minimize or prevent cross pollination between hemp and ganja plants/cultivation sites and encourage the timely removal and disposal of infected or infested plants/crops
Key Outputs
- Reports prepared
- Participate in operational meetings
- Life cycle of regulated crops observed, recorded and monitored from start-up cultivation
- Plant health assessed and recommendations made
- Pre and Post-harvest control mechanisms implemented and monitored
- Support provided to special operations involving ganja seizure and destruction
- Disposals monitored according to policy
- Infected and/or dead cannabis plants disposal monitored according to policy
- Biotic and Abiotic agents evaluated and reports with recommendations prepared
- Training seminars conducted with internal and external stakeholders
- Cultivations monitored and ganja plants traced from seed to sale
- Production records reviewed and assessed
- Collection of samples for testing and conduct on-site testing (where possible)
- Execution of Sensitization and Awareness programmes developed and implemented
- Monitors processes, keep records of strains and implement mechanisms to ensure integrity of seeds and plants at Plant Breeding Facilities (Nursery and Seed Bank)
- Monitors cannabis processing and Research and Development facilities
- Ad hoc visits to Licensed Sites conducted and samples taken for testing to ensure accurate inventory records
Performance Criteria
N/A
Job Responsibilities
- Prepares weekly and other periodic reports
- Collect, secure and transport samples for testing
- Monitors the life cycle of regulated cultivations commencing with seeds and/or clones
- Provide feedback with regard to pre and post- harvest cultivation practices and processing practices to inform policies and amendments to regulations
- Undertakes site inspections during pre-licensing and post-licensing processes
- Assists in the evaluation of crop’s yield
- Assists with the assessment of seed viability and potential yield
- Monitor disposals especially where plants are infected by biotic disease
- Evaluates/identifies the type of biotic and abiotic factors to be employed in the processes and practices for crop longevity and maximum volume of harvest
- Monitor hemp cultivations to ensure only feminized seeds are planted
- Identify and issue directives for the removal of male plants and hermaphrodites
- Identify co-mingling of hemp and ganja on licensed sites where not permitted and issue directives for their removal to mitigate cross pollination
- Supports the timely adoption and implementation of standards and best practices in particular GMP and GAP etc.
- Reports breaches and offences identified on Hemp and Ganja Cultivation Sites and make recommendations for disposal or other appropriate interventions.
- Participates in training seminars for all relevant personnel of the Authority and licensee
- Recommends and demonstrates the use of appropriate apparatus for monitoring and tracing cannabis
- Maintains reports and general oversight of activities of the various licensed sites
- Participates in operational meetings
- Maintains production/ performance records for each licensee
- Travels to all licensed cultivation sites when necessary to monitor the post-harvesting activities.
- Assist in the development and execution of programmes and plans to increase public awareness
- Liaises with stakeholders/agencies on matters pertaining to production, yields and farm management and other agricultural issues
- Participates in the preparation of Standard Operating Procedures for the Unit
- Assists with the design of templates for farms
- Assist in the development and introduction of modern or contemporary methods to determine and identify diversion or inversion of plant material
- Supervises the disposal of the biomass generated in the production cycle
- Performs any other duties that may be assigned from time to time
Key Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Knowledge of cannabis
- Working knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Good knowledge of plant health, abiotic and biotic factors
- Good knowledge of plant care, storage and transportation practices
- Good team work and co-operation
- Good Research and Analytical skills
- Proficient in the use of relevant computer applications such as Excel, Microsoft Suite
Qualification & Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science or Horticulture, Biochemistry or any other related science
- Understanding of general farm management practices and procedures
- Experience in regulated commodities in agriculture
- Two (2) – three (3) years’ experience in the field
Salary Range (per annum)
$5,198,035 to $6,990,779
Special Instructions
Please indicate the position being applied for in the Subject Line
THE DIRECTOR HUMAN RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
CANNABIS LICENSING AUTHORITY
7 HAINING ROAD, KINGSTON 5
EMAIL: [email protected]
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.