Associate Technician - Pilot Plant

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 20 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.

Responsibilities

This position involves providing technical and mechanical support for process and product development and of various fertilizer materials in the IFDC Pilot Plant facilities. The Technician-Pilot Plant demonstrates entry-level competence in the IFDC Pilot Plant subject matter. Duties may include:

• Take detailed guidance from the supervisor or Senior Technician-Pilot Plant regarding daily tasks, including the following:
  • Setup plant equipment (solids feeders, conveyors, pumps, etc.);
  • Operate plant equipment in accordance with safety guidelines and standard operating procedures, perform periodic readings of plant processes, and record data and observations during pilot runs;
  • Monitor process/equipment and use of individual judgment and experience to make equipment and process adjustments;
  • Clean and dismantle processes as needed after completion of pilot runs.
• Work with other technicians to perform scheduled and emergency plant maintenance and equipment troubleshooting as required, while adhering to all safety standards (i.e. lock out/tag out, etc.);
• Work with engineers on completion and execution of project scope and report process observations and recommendations;
• Work with the Analytical Lab, including chemists, scientists, and laboratory technicians to coordinate sample collection, transfer, analysis, storage, and disposal;
• Adhere to IFDC safety program and provided training, including application of training to individual daily tasks (i.e. Lock out/tag out, etc.);
• Perform various other duties including but not limited to inspection and cleanup of plant facilities and surrounding areas, area housekeeping, and product sample bagging and shipment.

Requirements

• Minimum of High School diploma/equivalent (GED). Relevant work experience, Associate degree, or relevant Technical Training is a plus;
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn manufacturing and/or production processes of nitrogen and phosphate-based fertilizer processes, materials, and equipment;
• Ability and willingness to safely work with hazardous and/or corrosive materials (e.g., anhydrous ammonia, acids, bases,etc.) and hot materials (e.g., steam, molten urea, molten sulfur);
• Dedication to workplace safety, including completion of mandatory safety training and compliance with IFDC safety policies and standards, and willingness to wear the appropriate provided PPE as required by duty;
• Willingness to train under the Senior Technicians, Technicians, and others to expand job responsibilities and mechanical/technical expertise over time;
• Ability to operate or learn to operate industrial equipment such as forklifts and front-end loaders;
• Valid Driver’s License.

Reporting and Work Relationships

This position reports to the Pilot Plant Coordinator and works with the Engineering and Pilot Plant team.

Location

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

Benefits

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

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG 2 with a minimum annual salary of USD25,948.

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 a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.