About IRRI

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff.

Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.

Integrated with the Rice Breeding Innovations Department/Product Development and Variety Replacement/Breeding Operations, the Zeigler Experiment Station (ZES) provides operation support services to the research programs within IRRI HQ, which includes equipment rental for land preparation, irrigation systems, crop protection, postharvest services, controlled-environment facilities, field/grounds maintenance, and provision of seasonal labor.

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Associate Manager for Crop Production and Field Operation, this position performs operations and support services related to crop protection, pest management, and/or vertebrate control for quality assurance and efficient use of resources. As necessary, this position also supports training and research activities and ensures that protocols and regulations are being adhered to.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Oversee and/or execute pest and vertebrate control service operations, including spraying, seed treatment, and placement of rat baits in the field, screen houses and greenhouses before and after planting and as required for field and perimeter maintenance;
• Oversee and perform field operations (land preparation and maintenance, irrigation, harvesting through milling and storage), seed cleaning and processing, production and increase activities
• Plan and prepare materials, tools, equipment and workforce necessary to execute assignments
• Perform proper safety operation procedures, housekeeping practices and maintenance of equipment before, during and after work periods to maintain quality, reliability, safety in all activities
  • Ensure complete and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Ensure PPEs are working and has no defects
• Schedule and coordinate technician allocation ensuring that all requests are promptly accounted for
• Execute repair, maintenance and service operations in accordance with work requests to ensure cost-effective and quality outcome
• Identify issues or problems that may arise related to crop protection and recommend solutions to immediate supervisor;
• Monitor and check equipment daily prior to and after operation.
  • Ensure cleanliness in the equipment specially in tanks, knapsack, and sprayers
  • Ensure calibration of equipments (small, knapsack) at least twice a year
• Monitor insect Pest throughout the field
  • Monthly Insect pest monitoring in every field
  • Identify Insect pest and population
  • Record all data to make a historical database in each field
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure efficient execution of crop protection activities
• Coordinate with different IRRI service units to ensure ample and timely supply of materials (e.g. field consumables, reagents), proper handling of hazardous waste, disposal of obsolete and/or non-functional equipment and proper maintenance of research areas / fields.
• Coordinate with researchers and safety and security officers regarding the execution of pest control and inform them in advance regarding the planned activities
• Coordinate with supervisor for efficient and timely execution of work assignments
• Inform immediate supervisor on effectively allocating space to users and effective testing and maintenance schedules that minimize impact on operations;
• Monitor the accomplishments of service providers
• Prepare and submit periodic activity reports and record all data on equipment used for work assignments
• Monitor proper storage of tools, supplies and equipment by maintaining an updated inventory at the warehouse
• Support fellow technicians in troubleshooting work by sharing knowledge, technical skills and experience to guarantee effective and efficient service delivery
• Provide feedback, ideas and observation to address possible future problems to allow corrective measures to be taken
• Monitor diligently and document accurately his or her exposure hours to pesticides

Qualifications

• Vocational training of 2 years
• Minimum 3 years of work experience and a licensed TCPA

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Is in possession of a Professional Driver’s license
• Is a team player
• Computer literate

Preferred

• Has experience overseeing the work of a team

IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.

Join our team and be part of our story!

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.