Ecology and Groundskeeping Assistant

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 a Ecology and groundskeeping Assistant to support RICA:

(i) in conserving the remnant natural woodland forest on RICA’s 1,300ha campus in Gashora and Rweru; and

(ii) in implementing and sustaining its campus landscaping masterplan.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for plant ecology and biodiversity. They demonstrate technical skills in day-to-day groundskeeping and apiary management, with proven success in resource management. A good communicator willing and eager to champion agricultural education, they have knowledge of biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Ecology and Groundskeeping Assistant will have dual reporting responsibilities:

1. Under the Conservation Ecology Lecturer, the Land Steward will play a crucial role in supporting the environmental planning, design, restoration, rehabilitation and/or maintenance of RICA’s arboretum, herbarium, apiary and botanical gardens.

The Land Steward will also oversee maintenance activities, including invasive species control, habitat restoration and trail maintenance.  Additionally, they may engage in research, outreach and educational programs to promote environmental conservation and awareness within and outside of RICA. Their regular tasks will include: Field biodiversity data collection and analysis, ecological surveys, threat assessments, species distribution mapping, beekeeping and honey production.

2. Under the Maintenance Officer, the Ecology and Groundskeeping Assistant will lead the Grounds Maintenance team and be responsible for supervising the maintenance and upkeep of RICA campus’ softscapes and hardscapes, ensuring they are kept clean, safe, and visually appealing. The Ecology and Groundskeeping Assistant is charged with implementing and maintaining RICA’s groundskeeping and landscaping masterplan, assisting in planning and managing landscaping activities.

Crosscutting responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing a quarterly schedule of works.
• Keeping meticulous records (financial and ecological).
• Monitoring and reporting on resource allocations.
• Ensuring responsible use and upkeep of equipment provided.
• Planning, supervising and managing use of casual workers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Secondary school diploma with at least 7 years of experience in ecological conservation, groundskeeping, landscaping, or a related field.

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Ecology or related fields with at least 2 years of experience in ecological conservation, groundskeeping, landscaping, or a related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience of 2 years in: biodiversity data collection and analysis; beekeeping, and/or landscaping activities.
• Excellent English and Kinyarwanda writing and communication skills.
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna, ecological processes, and land conservation principles.
• Knowledge of basic grounds maintenance techniques and equipment operation.
• Resident of Bugesera would be an asset.

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 highest degree
• List of recommenders with contact information.

Application Link

https://rica.bamboohr.com/job

Review of applications will begin 17^th July 2023 and continue until the position is filled.