Assistant Station Manager

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. Established with the 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 focuses on applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South. The organization builds strong partnerships to improve the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT operates in multiple countries, contributing to agricultural advancements and research globally. For more information, visit their official website.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Station Manager position at CIMMYT is designed for a proactive, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional who will coordinate research agronomic management activities at the Agua Fria Research Station. The primary objective of this role is to optimize both human and capital resources to achieve program goals while enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs. The successful candidate will work closely with the Station Manager to ensure that all agronomic practices are implemented effectively, contributing to the overall success of the research programs. This position requires a strong understanding of agronomy and the ability to manage various tasks related to plant growth, data collection, and staffing.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Station Manager will assist the Station Manager in overseeing the agronomic management of research plots, ensuring optimal plant growth through effective implementation of best practices and compliance with industry standards. Key responsibilities include coordinating pollination and data collection for nurseries and trials, assessing staffing needs, managing the recruitment process for temporary workers, developing and implementing a comprehensive planting calendar, organizing and overseeing harvest and post-harvest seed processing, and managing maize doubled haploid (DH) operations. In the absence of the Station Manager, the Assistant Station Manager will take on the full range of station management responsibilities, ensuring seamless operations, effective communication, and adherence to established protocols while maintaining productivity and team cohesion.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in plant science, Agronomy, or a related field. Additionally, 3 to 5 years of working experience in a related field is required. A basic understanding of plant physiology and soil science, including soil fertility, is essential. Familiarity with field plot techniques and methodologies is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate competencies in critical thinking, teamwork, communication, client orientation, and negotiation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in plant science, Agronomy, or a closely related field. This foundational education is crucial for understanding the complexities of agronomic management and the scientific principles that underpin effective agricultural practices.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 3 to 5 years of relevant working experience in the field of agronomy or a related area. This experience should include practical knowledge of agronomic practices, research methodologies, and the ability to manage agricultural projects effectively.

Languages:
An intermediate level of English (both written and conversational) is mandatory for this position. Candidates will be tested on their English proficiency and should aim to score between B1 and B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package that includes support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law, the benefits package includes a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits under Mexican law (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). Employees also enjoy 15 public holidays and access to recreational areas such as a gym and swimming pool. The position is full-time, and candidates must apply online for the M26161_Assistant Station Manager role, including a CV in English. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and internal applications may be considered in line with internal eligibility guidance. CIMMYT is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity, encouraging women to apply.