Agricultural Mechanization and Grain Processing Technologist

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) is a unique and innovative English language undergraduate institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders of Rwanda and East Africa. Students at RICA will engage in curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities emphasizing Conservation Agriculture and One Health principles, oral and written communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

In an experiential learning environment, students will develop the knowledge and experience necessary for a wide range of careers in agriculture. Students at RICA will experience the six Enterprises including Beef Cattle and Small Ruminants, Dairy, Poultry and Swine, Row and Forage Crops, Vegetable and Tree Crops, Irrigation, and Mechanization. Communication, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship are woven throughout the curriculum. All RICA graduates will be innovative problem solvers able to operate farms and ranches, start agribusinesses, assume management roles in cooperatives, NGOs, and other agricultural enterprises, serve their communities as extension agents and technical and policy experts, or assume positions of agricultural leadership in Rwanda.

DESCRIPTION

We are seeking an Agricultural Mechanization and Grain Handling/Processing Technologist to assist the Mechanization & Irrigation Enterprise Program. The position will contribute to agricultural mechanization activities and operate the grain storage and processing center that includes cleaning, drying, storage, feed processing, and machinery repair and maintenance. Ideal candidates should have knowledge of basic mechanics, workshop supervision, and post-harvest management of different grains (e.g., maize, soybean, and beans). This position includes supervising the agricultural mechanization workshop, which includes small engine repair, metalwork, and woodworking equipment, as well as operation and maintenance of grain handling, processing, and storage facilities, stock management of grains in storage (i.e., monitoring quality and record-keeping). The successful candidate is expected to offer support in equipment maintenance in other enterprises, especially about machinery mechanics, welding, and metal fabrication, and in teaching students to shop work skills. The Agricultural Mechanization and Grain Handling/Processing Technologist will be supervised by the Post-harvest Management Lecturer. His/her responsibilities include those listed below.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Supervise and manage agricultural mechanization workshop: The Mechanization & Irrigation Enterprise workshop contains a variety of metalwork and woodwork equipment. This technologist will oversee the operation of the workshop, including enforcing safety policies, providing instruction, maintaining equipment, keeping an inventory, and ensuring a clean working environment.
• Agricultural mechanization and tractor operation: The technologist will assist in maintaining agricultural machinery (e.g., tractors and implements) and assisting in field operation. The shop will also include a small engine repair component, and this position will oversee this facility and assist in instruction on basic maintenance and operation.
• Grains reception and inspection: The technologist will be responsible for testing and grading incoming grain at the Grain Center to ensure they meet the required quality standards, including moisture content, weight, and foreign material, and recording and maintaining accurate records.
• Monitoring and optimizing grain quality: The technologist will be responsible for monitoring the quality of grain throughout the handling and storage process. This may include conducting tests to determine moisture and Aflatoxin levels, monitoring temperatures, and identifying any potential issues that could affect grain quality.
• Manufacturing and dispatch of animal feed: The technologist will be responsible for manufacturing animal feeds according to the given ratios and dispatching them to the respective enterprises and following all established policies and procedures.
• Ensuring safety and regulatory compliance: The technologist will be responsible for ensuring that all grain handling and storage systems comply with safety and regulatory standards. This may involve conducting safety audits, developing safety protocols, ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained, and communicating the equipment’s performance to the supervisor.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving: The technologist will be responsible for identifying and resolving any issues that arise with Farm Machinery and Power, grain handling, and storage systems. This may involve working with maintenance staff to repair equipment, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and developing solutions to optimize system performance. This will also include assisting in the design and implementation of efficient grain handling systems.
• Course Delivering and Extension: The technologist will be responsible for assisting in the delivery of the Farm Power & Machinery and the Postharvest Management & Processing courses. Related duties will be in assisting in the development and construction of prototypes and educational programs to help smallholder farmers in farming activities.
• Continuously learning and improving: The technologist will be responsible for staying up to date with the latest developments in farm mechanization, grain handling, and storage technology, and continuously seeking ways to improve system efficiency and performance. This may involve attending conferences, participating in training programs, and conducting research on new technologies and best practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Mechanization, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2 years of experience working with at least one of the following: (1) Agro-processing industries, training institutions, or mechanization and postharvest service-providing institutions.
• Skills in metalwork, welding, and mechanics, including tractors, small engines, and related equipment.
• Experience in operating and maintaining grain silos.
• Experience operating grain dryers.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3 years of experience working with agro-processing industries as a plant engineer or related position.
• Advanced skills in metalwork, welding, and mechanics, including tractors, small engines, and related equipment.
• Experience in operating and maintaining grain storage structures.
• Driving licenses Class F and B.

Fill/Upload the information required and submit the following documents in English to the link provided below.

Please combine your resume/CV with your degree certificate as one PDF file before you upload.

• Cover Letter summarizing intent and suitability for the
• A resume or
• Official degree certificate for the highest degree
• List of recommenders with contact information.