a) Job Specifications

Duties and responsibilities: -

1. Conducting chemical analysis on agricultural inputs, soil fertility evaluation, and irrigation water suitability for the support of farmers to assure improved productivity and food security;
2. Conducting pesticide residue and contaminants analysis in agricultural produce for compliance with food safety standards and national, regional, and international market requirements;
3. Conducting microbiological analysis on food and environmental samples for compliance with food safety requirements;
4. Undertaking accurate detection and identification of regulated and non-regulated quarantine pests to support phytosanitary and seed regulations;
5. Undertaking tissue culture cleanup and micro-propagation of plants and germplasm maintenance;
6. Undertaking Genetically Modified Organisms testing for detection, identification, and quantification of events in support of the Biosafety Act of 2009 and its regulations;
7. Participating in the identification of risks related to laboratory activities to minimize, leverage, and identify potential challenges before they occur;
8. Receiving samples and maintaining the LIMS database;
9. Verifying and validating the correctness of test results by counter-checking raw data and forwarding for approval;
10. Performing tests on proficiency testing, inter-laboratory and intra-laboratory samples comparisons organized in the division, as a quality assurance and control measure to ensure the validity of results;
11. Maintaining 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. Implementing the quality management system based on ISO/IEC 17025 to attain process efficiency, continual improvement, and facilitate trade;
13. Performing scheduled in-house maintenance, calibration, intermediate checks, and monitoring on assigned equipment to maintain accuracy of measurements;
14. Implementing and providing input in the review of the laboratory quality systems;
15. Participating in approved supervised pesticide residue field trials programs;
16. Collating data on the performance of the laboratory through quarterly and annual reports to monitor compliance with the customer service charter;
17. Participating in the development and review of laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures.
18. Preparing and submitting individual performance reports highlighting compliance with set targets;
19. Implementing of method validation plans for various analytical procedures;
20. 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;
21. Conducting national surveillance, sampling, and monitoring programs for plant pests, seeds, and other regulated articles for phytosanitary and seed certification purposes;
22. Enforcing Pest Risk Analysis activities to advise on pest status and update pest listing in the country;
23. Undertaking laboratory research activities towards strengthening phytosanitary and seed regulation;
24. Carrying out food safety audits to check compliance with set market requirements;
25. Preparing analytical reference standards, solutions, and reagents for the various laboratory methods;
26. Diagnosing, troubleshooting, and conducting preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment to assure accuracy of measurements;
27. Participating 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; and
28. Supporting 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. Compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.

c) Skills

1. Computer applications proficiency. Knowledge of 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 multitask 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.