Senior Technician - Pilot Plant


Job Details

Job Description

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.

IFDC is currently seeking passionate individuals to join its team, as the organization continues to expand its impact and work towards creating positive changes in agriculture and sustainable soil management across the world.

Responsibilities

This position serves as a subject matter expert (SME) of technical and mechanical support for process and product development of various fertilizer materials in the IFDC Pilot Plant facilities. The Senior Technician - Pilot Plant demonstrates an expert-level competency in the IFDC Pilot Plant subject matter and exceptional technical expertise (process, mechanical, electrical, etc.).

  • Take general guidance (daily to weekly) from the supervisor, develop this into a variety of specific tasks, and coordinate the Technicians and Associate Technicians in overall execution. This may include setup of equipment for pilot plant projects, cleaning/dismantling processes, and performing system maintenance.
  • Apply mechanical and/or electrical expertise to equipment modification, repair, and/or fabrication, and provide mentorship/training to Technicians and Associate Technicians in these areas.
  • Coordinate, manage, and perform emergency maintenance as required, such as pump rebuild/repair, piping/tubing modification and installation, and equipment and instrumentation troubleshooting.
  • Coordinate, manage, and perform preventative plant maintenance, such as manage spare parts inventory and conduct monthly/quarterly/yearly maintenance.
  • Work with engineers to develop and understand the project scope and ensure all equipment, instrumentation, and processes are in place and functional.
  • Operate plant equipment in accordance with safety guidelines and standard operating procedures, monitor process and system, perform periodic readings of plant processes, and record data and observations during pilot runs.
  • Be a role model for safety and adhere to IFDC safety program and provided training, including application of training to individual daily tasks (i.e. lock out/tag out, etc.).
  • Various other duties as needed.

Job Requirements
  • Minimum of High School diploma/equivalent (GED) with relevant technical/vocational expertise and associated work experience. Associate degree or technical certification preferred.
  • 10+ years of previous relevant work experience.
  • Demonstrated technical expertise, such as machinist, welding, pipefitting, electrical, industrial maintenance, process technology, etc.
  • Significant experience with nitrogen and phosphate-based fertilizer processes, materials, and equipment.
  • Significant experience working with hazardous and/or corrosive materials related to the fertilizer industry, such as anhydrous ammonia, acids, bases, etc.
  • Expert knowledge of manufacturing and/or production processes, especially involving hot materials and processes, such as steam, molten urea, and molten sulfur.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with various people of different nationalities to relay information and answer questions.
  • Willingness to train Technicians and Associate Technicians in other areas of operation to help them expand job responsibilities over time.
  • Dedication to workplace safety, and willingness to wear the appropriate provided PPE as required by duty.

Reporting and Work Relationships

This position reports to the Pilot Plant Coordinator and collaborates with all Research Division staff.

Location

This is a national recruitment with a duty station in the IFDC office based in IFDC HQ, Muscle Shoals, AL.

Benefits

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health, dental, vision and group life insurance coverage, a 13th-month salary, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws.

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG-6 with a minimum annual starting salary of USD 44,445.

The determination of new employee salaries takes into account various factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, and offers equal employment opportunities based on ability, performance, and potential. Equal opportunity is integral to the recruitment and selection practices at IFDC. IFDC recognizes the value in recruiting employees with different backgrounds, knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and beliefs. IFDC recognizes and values the contribution of people with a diverse background in capabilities, experience, and perspectives. Diversity encompasses gender, age, experience, education, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and cultural backgrounds as well as other dimensions such as lifestyle and family responsibilities.





 International Fertilizer Development Center

 06/15/2024

 Muscle Shoals,AL