Under the direct supervision of the Director of Engineering Services, the incumbent is responsible for the smooth operation of all engineering activities of RADA. This involves the design, contracting and supervision of construction of all civil and mechanical engineering works. S/he will also provide technical support to the Land Management Officers in the design, contracting and supervision of construction of soil conservation works. The works engineer provides a multifunctional role, taking responsibility for supervising the maintenance and upkeep of RADA vehicles, together with the management of a Tractor Pool Scheme which will help farmers mechanise their cultivation operations.

Key Responsibility Areas:

Management/ Administrative Responsibilities
 

• The preparation of annual estimates of capital and recurrent expenditure on engineering activities, in close consultation with the Parish Manager, Zonal Directors and the Director of Engineering services;
• Maintenance of proper financial control of funds allocated for engineering works, including payment of contractors, maintenance and fuelling of vehicles, mileage claims, log books etc;
• Management of a Tractor Pool Scheme including the allocation of tractors, their repair and maintenance and compiling charges for farmers making use of the scheme.
• Monitoring  in close consultation with the Parish Agricultural Manager and the Zonal Director all details of the Agricultural Engineering budget;
• The establishment and regular review of standard specifications and rates available to all contractors, task workers and field assistants;
• The timely preparation and submission of regular progress reports to the Director of Engineering Services;
• The analysis of project, vehicle log books and other reports, making spot checks  where necessary;
• Receiving and requesting written explanations for variations;
• Liaising with the Director of Personnel and the Parish Agricultural Manager  in interviewing, evaluating and recruiting new staff  for the Agricultural Engineering Section at the Parish Level
• Any other tasks requested by the Director of Engineering Services, the Zonal Manager or Parish Manager from time to time.  

Technical/ Professional Responsibilities

• Technical engineering support and ad hoc advice for agricultural, marketing and livestock officers;
• Technical engineering support for land management specialists, particularly in their soil conservation activities, including surveying, contouring and drainage works;
• Preparation and operation of training courses, according to need, for the in-service training of staff under his or her control;
• Preparation and operation of  training courses for farmers in the operation and maintenance of  farm machinery and implements;
• The design of civil works for office renovation and expansion, farm buildings, farm roads and other ancillary structures; ensuring  that all building regulations are in keeping with the Local Authorities  guidelines;
• The preparation of tender documents, i.e. specifications,  technical drawings, bills of quantities and contract documents for all engineering works in each Parish;
• Supervision of the tendering process, including the selection of invited contractors, opening of bids and technical and financial appraisal of contracts up to JMD 800,000;
• Recommendations to the contracts committee for award of contracts to include goods, services and works;
• Supervision of implementation, including monitoring, technical advice and preparation of progress reports and certification of work carried out for payment;
• Management of the RADA Farm Management Pool by accepting applications from farmers and processing them promptly, maintaining machinery in good working order, checking and certifying repairs where necessary and keeping accurate log book records for each piece of machinery and equipment.
• In consultation with the Parish Council, Social Development Commission, Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) and the Ministry of Agriculture, plan, design, tender and supervise the  construction of farm roads (including blasting where necessary) and associated drainage works in each Parish;
• Financial Management of all engineering activities in close consultation with the Parish Accountant;
• Attend technical meetings  at other Ministries  to update  the Authority on best practices in the  construction industry;
• Provision of technical advice, as required, by the National and Parish Boards on all works and agricultural engineering activities;
• Performs any other duties which maybe reasonable to him by the Parish Manager

Performance Criteria

• All annual work programmes and monthly progress reports submitted in a timely manner;
• Percentage of all targets in terms of construction of farm buildings, greenhouses, ancillary buildings for grading, storage, farm roads and associated drainage works etc. achieved;
• Percentage of agreed targets for soil conservation programmes implemented;
• Degree of success in the physical and financial management of Farm Equipment Pool;
• Percentage of agreed targets on training courses for in house staff and farmers planned and implemented;
• Quality of advice provided by agricultural, livestock and marketing extension officers and land management specialists to farmers.

Required Competencies (Core and technical to be specified):

The post-holder will be able to demonstrate:

• Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and practices of civil and agricultural engineering;
• Ability to implement civil engineering development projects and programmes;
• Knowledge of environmental and safety legislation, as it relates to civil  and agricultural engineering;
• Familiar with relevant civil engineering codes of practice as they apply to a hurricane prone island like Jamaica;
• Knowledge of government budgeting and procurement procedures;
• sound analytical and strategic thinking;
• an ability to exercise sound judgement;
• an ability to prioritise amongst conflicting demands and make rational decisions based upon a sound understanding of the facts in limited time;
• good knowledge of information technology and the scope it offers for supporting civil and agricultural engineers in their work;
• an ability to manage limited resources in order to achieve challenging output targets;
• sound personal and professional integrity;

Minimum Required Education and Experience

B.Sc. Degree in Civil or Agricultural Engineering; Plus 2 years experience in the related field;
OR
Diploma in Civil Engineering or Agricultural Engineering and six (6) years experience in the related field.
OR
Technical School Certificate in Engineering and Ten (10) years experience in the related field.

Specific licensing or certification necessary for the job

Valid Drivers Licence