Field Supervisor
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. Established with a mission to enhance the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops, CIMMYT operates primarily in the Global South. The organization focuses on applied agricultural science and builds strong partnerships to improve the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers. CIMMYT aims to create a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while adhering to planetary boundaries. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.
Job Overview:
The purpose of the Field Supervisor position is to support the efficient management and sustainable use of research field plots, infrastructure, and equipment. This role involves planning and implementing best agronomic practices to maintain the physical integrity of the fields, manage soil fertility, and ensure sustained productivity. The Field Supervisor will be responsible for allocating and preparing land for research activities and ensuring effective irrigation throughout the crop cycle. This position requires a proactive approach to managing agricultural operations and collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve research objectives.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Supervisor will conduct a variety of activities with specific tasks that include, but are not limited to:
Required Qualifications:
The successful candidate will possess a BSc or MSc in Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 2 years of practical experience in managing agricultural fields with irrigation systems and farm equipment. Basic skills in data recording and digital tools are essential, along with strong organizational and teamwork skills. The ability to operate and maintain farm equipment and irrigation systems will be an advantage. Candidates should also have the ability to provide supervision and training to field staff to manage research activities, as well as basic supervisory skills and experience. Effective communication skills for day-to-day matters and the ability to prepare brief but accurate reports or complete forms without assistance are required. Candidates should be able to analyze situations or problems and propose or evaluate possible resolution mechanisms in a timely manner. Sufficient competency to use standard Windows-based software for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email used at CIMMYT with occasional assistance is also necessary. Familiarity with digital tools for data recording is a plus.
Educational Background:
Candidates must have a BSc or MSc in Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the principles of agricultural science and the practical applications necessary for managing field operations effectively.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of practical experience in managing agricultural fields, particularly those with irrigation systems and farm equipment. This experience is vital for ensuring that the candidate is well-versed in the day-to-day operations and challenges faced in agricultural research settings.
Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in French is likely essential given the location in Senegal. Knowledge of English may also be beneficial for communication within the international organization and for accessing scientific literature and resources.
Additional Notes:
This position is recruited locally, and applicants must have the legal right to work in Senegal at the time of application. CIMMYT does not provide visa sponsorship or work permit support for locally recruited staff roles. The organization emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages women to apply. Additionally, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. Established with a mission to enhance the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops, CIMMYT operates primarily in the Global South. The organization focuses on applied agricultural science and builds strong partnerships to improve the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers. CIMMYT aims to create a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while adhering to planetary boundaries. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.
Job Overview:
The purpose of the Field Supervisor position is to support the efficient management and sustainable use of research field plots, infrastructure, and equipment. This role involves planning and implementing best agronomic practices to maintain the physical integrity of the fields, manage soil fertility, and ensure sustained productivity. The Field Supervisor will be responsible for allocating and preparing land for research activities and ensuring effective irrigation throughout the crop cycle. This position requires a proactive approach to managing agricultural operations and collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve research objectives.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Supervisor will conduct a variety of activities with specific tasks that include, but are not limited to:
- Field & Infrastructure Management: Support the maintenance of field integrity, productivity, and soil fertility; assist in land planning, allocation, and timely field preparation; operate and support irrigation and drainage systems; assist in maintenance and servicing of farm equipment (tractors, threshers, shellers, irrigation systems); contribute to the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and proper use of field infrastructure and assets; support establishment and monitoring of new infrastructure (trial fields, irrigation systems, screenhouses).
- Trial Implementation & Crop Operations: Support implementation of all agronomic operations including planting, fertilization, weeding, pest/disease control, harvesting, and post-harvest handling; assist in ensuring timely execution of field operations according to protocols; participate in managed stress trials (drought, nutrient stress); monitor and report pest, disease, and abiotic stress incidence.
- Team Support & Resource Management: Support supervision of field staff and casual labor during operations; assist in coordinating daily field activities under supervisor guidance; contribute to training of staff and partners on protocols, equipment uses, and agronomic practices; support budget implementation and resource tracking (inputs, labor, fuel, water); promote efficient and cost-effective use of inputs.
- Logistics, Data & Reporting: Support coordination with research assistants and scientists on trial schedules; assist in movement of materials, equipment, and harvests; participate in organizing field visits, demonstrations, and field days; use digital tools (tablets, breeding apps, GIS) for field mapping and activity tracking; maintain accurate field records and input logs; prepare and contribute to routine field reports and communicate field issues and risks.
- Compliance, Safety & Sustainability: Apply and promote health and safety standards, including PPE use; ensure compliance with institutional and national regulations (pesticides, biosafety); support documentation for audits and inspections; promote sustainable land management practices and soil conservation; ensure responsible water use and waste management.
Required Qualifications:
The successful candidate will possess a BSc or MSc in Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 2 years of practical experience in managing agricultural fields with irrigation systems and farm equipment. Basic skills in data recording and digital tools are essential, along with strong organizational and teamwork skills. The ability to operate and maintain farm equipment and irrigation systems will be an advantage. Candidates should also have the ability to provide supervision and training to field staff to manage research activities, as well as basic supervisory skills and experience. Effective communication skills for day-to-day matters and the ability to prepare brief but accurate reports or complete forms without assistance are required. Candidates should be able to analyze situations or problems and propose or evaluate possible resolution mechanisms in a timely manner. Sufficient competency to use standard Windows-based software for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email used at CIMMYT with occasional assistance is also necessary. Familiarity with digital tools for data recording is a plus.
Educational Background:
Candidates must have a BSc or MSc in Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the principles of agricultural science and the practical applications necessary for managing field operations effectively.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of practical experience in managing agricultural fields, particularly those with irrigation systems and farm equipment. This experience is vital for ensuring that the candidate is well-versed in the day-to-day operations and challenges faced in agricultural research settings.
Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in French is likely essential given the location in Senegal. Knowledge of English may also be beneficial for communication within the international organization and for accessing scientific literature and resources.
Additional Notes:
This position is recruited locally, and applicants must have the legal right to work in Senegal at the time of application. CIMMYT does not provide visa sponsorship or work permit support for locally recruited staff roles. The organization emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages women to apply. Additionally, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.