Description

• Assist with daily mass-rearing of multiple insect biological control agents on Parthenium hysterophorus and Chromolaena odorata.
• Watering of plants exposed to insects in rearing facilities.
• Other basic daily activities as per instruction and training.
• Maintenance of stock and test plants in holding facilities (propagation, re-potting, watering, application of fertilizers, pruning, weed- and pest control).
• Cleaning and basic maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Record keeping for insect and plant production.
• Harvesting and packaging of biocontrol agents.
• Occasional fieldwork with technicians and researchers during single and multi-day trips for field trials and the release of biocontrol agents.

Requirements

• Grade 12 
• At least 2 years prior experience of insect rearing and/or entomological activities.  
• A basic level of computer literacy (e-mail; data entry on Excel spreadsheets).  
• Meticulous execution of repetitive tasks.
• Ability to undertake tasks without micro-supervision. 
• Ability to work as part of a team, under instruction and with flexibility in undertaking tasks.   
• Ability for daily physical work in glasshouses, under uncomfortable conditions, and with occasional extended hours if required during field work.
• Expected to assist with weekend watering duties monthly.   
• Code B/EB driver’s license required. Driving experience would be advantageous