About IFDC
The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets and expand opportunity for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.
We work with farmers, governments and private sector partners to build resilient farming systems that produce nutritious food, improve livelihoods, and safeguard natural resources for future generations.
Our Values
We are guided by four core principles:
Collaborate – We work across teams, countries and partners to create lasting impact.
Innovate – We apply evidence and continuous learning to design practical and responsible solutions.
Include – We promote equity and meaningful participation for women, youth and underrepresented groups.
Act with Integrity – We steward resources responsibly, uphold transparency and remain accountable to the communities, partners, staff and donors who place their trust in us.
The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets and expand opportunity for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.
We work with farmers, governments and private sector partners to build resilient farming systems that produce nutritious food, improve livelihoods, and safeguard natural resources for future generations.
Our Values
We are guided by four core principles:
Collaborate – We work across teams, countries and partners to create lasting impact.
Innovate – We apply evidence and continuous learning to design practical and responsible solutions.
Include – We promote equity and meaningful participation for women, youth and underrepresented groups.
Act with Integrity – We steward resources responsibly, uphold transparency and remain accountable to the communities, partners, staff and donors who place their trust in us.
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 an intermediate-level competency in the IFDC Pilot Plant subject matter. Duties may include:
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 an intermediate-level competency 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;
- Monitoring 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.
- Demonstrate intermediate-level core competencies in fertilizer technology via experience and cross-training across the IFDC facilities (Granulation, Physical Properties, Briquetting, etc.), and assist in training of Associate Technicians;
- Work with the Senior Technician-Pilot Plant to perform scheduled and emergency plant maintenance as required, such as pump rebuild/repair, piping/tubing installation, and equipment troubleshooting, 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.);
- 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) with relevant work experience. Associate degree or relevant Technical Training (machinist, welding, pipefitting, etc.) is preferred;
- Minimum of 3-5 years of previous relevant work experience. Compensation may be adjusted according to experience;
- Intermediate-level knowledge of manufacturing and/or production processes and experience with nitrogen and phosphate-based fertilizer processes, materials, and equipment;
- Experience working with hazardous and/or corrosive materials related to the fertilizer industry, such as anhydrous ammonia, acids, bases, etc;
- Experience working with hot materials, such as steam, molten urea, and 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;
- Ability to train under the Senior Technician-Pilot Plant to expand job responsibilities and mechanical/technical expertise over time.
This position reports to the Pilot Plant Coordinator and works with the Engineering and Pilot Plant team.
Location
This is a?national?recruitment with a duty station at 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, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws.
Salary Clause
The salary grade for this position is BG5 with a minimum annual starting salary of $39,467.
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.
If interested, please apply at https://jobs.silkroad.com/IFDC/Careers/Jobs/1633
If interested, please apply at https://jobs.silkroad.com/IFDC/Careers/Jobs/1633