Plant Protection Technician
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture(ICBA) is an international, non-profit agricultural research center established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICBA is a unique applied agricultural research center in the world that is focused on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world. ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin. We demonstrate our commitment to each member of our team through a competitive benefits package designed to assist our employees to cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.
ICBA is seeking a skilled Plant Protection Technician to support lab, on-station and on-farm research activities related to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for management of Red Palm Weevil (RPW) in date palm systems in the UAE and other project countries. The role includes technical and logistical support to surveys, field data collection, and assistance in lab and field trials.
- Assist in conducting surveys and field assessments to assess agricultural practices related to GAP and RPW management in date palm systems.
- Support in research activities and assist in the implementation of field trials on RPW control including agronomic, sanitation practices and in evaluating the effectiveness of innovative tools.
- Supporting laboratory bioassays, and various testing and evaluations.
- Data collection, data entry, basic analysis and maintain accurate records of observations, treatments, and outcomes using standard protocols.
- Assist in setting up Farmer Field Schools and field demonstrations plots to demonstrate the impact of GAP on RPW control.
- Ensure proper handling, calibration, maintenance and overseeing the project’s tools, equipment, field structures and ensuring their best upkeep.
- Follow safety and biosecurity protocols during all field and lab activities to ensure personal and environmental safety.
Essential:
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Entomology, Plant Protection, or related field.
- 3-5 years of experience in plant protection and production experiments and preferably with date palm.
- Familiarity with date palm cultivation and date palm pests, especially RPW.
- Understanding of experimental design and data collection methods.
- Good communication skills in Arabic and English
Desirable:
- Valid driving license (preferred).
- Working experience with farmers in on-farm trials and other stakeholders