a) Job Specifications

Duties and responsibilities: -

1. Conduct chemical analysis on agricultural inputs, soil fertility evaluation, irrigation water suitability for support of farmers to assure improved productivity and food security;
2. Conduct pesticide residues and contaminants analysis in agricultural produce for compliance to food safety standards and national, regional international market requirements;
3. Conduct microbiological analysis on food and environmental samples for compliance to food safety requirements;
4. Undertake accurate detection and identification of regulated and non-regulated quarantine pests to support phytosanitary and seed regulations;
5. Undertake Tissue culture cleanup and micro-propagation of plants and germplasm maintenance;
6. Undertake Genetically Modified Organisms testing for detection, identification and quantification of events in support of the Biosafety act of 2009 and its regulations;
7. Participate in identification of risks related to laboratory activities to minimize, leverage and identify potential challenges before they occur;
8. Receive samples and maintain LIMS database;
9. Verify and validate the correctness of test results by counter checking raw data and forwarding for approval;
10. Perform tests on proficiency testing, inter-laboratory and intra-laboratory samples comparisons organized in the division.as a quality assurance and control measure to ensure validity of results;
11. Maintains stock level for chemicals, reagents, glassware and equipment and other consumables by; developing specifications, evaluation and inspection to ensure seamless provision of laboratory services;
12. Implements the quality management system based on ISO/IEC 17025 to attain process efficiency, continual improvement and facilitate trade;
13. Performs scheduled in-house maintenance, calibration, intermediate checks and monitoring on assigned equipment to maintain accuracy of measurements;
14. Implements and provides input in review of the laboratory quality systems;
15. Participates in approved supervised pesticide residue field trials programs;
16. Collates data on the performance of the laboratory through quarterly and annual reports to monitor compliance to Customer service charter;
17. Participates in development and review of laboratory Protocols and Standard Operating;
18. Procedures for suitability and relevance in line with international standard requirements;
19. Prepares and submits individual performance reports highlighting compliance to set targets;
20. Implementation of method validation plans for various analytical procedures;
21. Sampling of agro-inputs, agricultural produce and products and environmental samples for quality and safety analysis and plant material for pest infestation and disease infection analysis;
22. Conduct national surveillance, sampling and monitoring programs for plant pests, seeds and other regulated articles for phytosanitary and seed certification purposes;
23. Support Pest Risk Analysis activities to advice on pest status and update pest listing the country;
24. Support laboratory research activities towards strengthening phytosanitary and seed regulation;
25. Carry out food safety audits to check compliance to set market requirements;
26. Preparation of analytical reference standards solutions, reagents for the various laboratory methods;
27. Diagnose, troubleshoots and conducts preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment to assure accuracy of measurements;
28. Participate in stakeholder training, awareness and technological advice on food safety, plant health, quality of agro-inputs, soil and irrigation water quality for enhanced agricultural productivity;
29. Support research and development programs of the Service.

b) Persons Specification

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: -

1. Bachelor of Science Degree in any of the following; Agriculture, Horticulture, Seed Technology, Botany, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Applied Microbiology, Applied Biology, Applied Biological Science,
2. Applied Biological Technology and Plant Nutritionist from a university recognized in Kenya; and
3. Meets the provisions of the Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.

c) Skills

1. Computer applications proficiency. Knowledge in statistical packages will be an added advantage;
2. Good analytical skills;
3. Data handling skills;
4. Problem solving skills
5. Good communication skills; and
6. Report writing and presentation skills.

d) Competencies

1. Ability to work well under pressure;
2. Ability to multi-task and prioritize work;
3. Ability to work independently and in a team;
4. Excellent and the ability to make decisions independently.
5. Knowledge in laboratory instrumentation and/or electronics and computer engineering;
6. Knowledge in international standards on good laboratory practice; and
7. Knowledge of Laboratory Quality Management System;