MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
CIRCULAR NO. 2 OF 2025
Reference: AG/CIR/2
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following position tenable in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition:
MINISTRY: Agriculture, Food Security & Nutrition
DEPARTMENT: Crops
DIVISION: Agricultural Engineering
JOB TITLE: Agricultural Engineer
GRADE: G
RESPONSIBLE TO: Senior Agricultural Engineer
LOCATION: Maseru
NO. OF POSITIONS: One (1)
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Senior Agricultural Engineer (S.A.E), the Agricultural Engineer is responsible for preparing work plans, budgets and reports; developing problem diagnosis and solution databases for irrigation schemes and equipment; assisting in training program development, project formulation, design, construction and testing of prototypes; and developing environmental and socio-economic databases and mapping.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Preparation of Workplans, Budgets and Reports
- Prepares work plans and budgets and submits them to the Senior Agricultural Engineer
- Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual reports to monitor and evaluate work progress
- Analyzes data and develops irrigation development strategies and work plans
2. Development of Environmental and Socio-Economic Database & Mapping
- Conducts and assists in testing irrigation scheme systems and equipment
- Recommends and develops strategies for economic use
3. Development of Unit Training Programs
- Supervises assessment of farmers’ training needs
- Prepares course content and schedules training programs
- Supports institutional capacity building
4. Assistance in Programme/Project Formulation
- Collects and analyzes data on machinery management performance
- Consults with related departments on economic project formulation
- Prepares project proposals and submits them for approval
5. Assistance in Design, Construction and Testing of Prototypes
- Compiles machinery performance data
- Analyzes and recommends performance standards
- Assists in design/modification and construction of irrigation schemes
6. Development of Problem Diagnosis and Solution Database on Agricultural Machinery
- Collects and studies information on recurring problems
- Develops diagnostic and remedial solutions
JOB SPECIFICATION
Education and Training
- BSc in Agricultural Engineering / Irrigation Engineering / Civil Engineering (with Water Engineering module) / Mechanical Engineering (with Hydraulics) / Electromechanical Engineering
OR - BTech in Agricultural Engineering / Irrigation Engineering / Civil Engineering (with Water Engineering module) / Mechanical Engineering (with Hydraulics) / Electromechanical Engineering
RESPONSIBILITY
- For Work of Others: Supervises two or more Senior Irrigation Technical Officers (S.I.T.O.), two or more Irrigation Technical Officers (I.T.O.), six or more Irrigation Technical Assistants, and pump station operators
- For Property: Responsible for irrigation schemes and workshop equipment valued in millions of Maloti
COMPLEXITY
- Authority for Decision Making: Independently issues job instructions for data collection, design, repairs, and ordering materials
- Problem Solving: Resolves issues faced by senior irrigation technical officers
- Dexterity: Requires coordination of all five senses due to the dangerous nature of the job
CONTACTS
- Section members at headquarters and district level
- Members of irrigation schemes and individual farmers
- Horticulturalists for irrigation scheme planning
EFFORT
- Mental Effort: Required for calculations in irrigation design and budgeting
- Physical Effort: Required when dealing with technicians and working in varied conditions
- Emotional Effort: Needed when handling complaints and resolving staff concerns
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Unfavourable Conditions: Includes extreme weather, noisy offices, oily workshops, and dusty environments
- Hazards: Includes loose stones, flood water abstraction points, fire risks, slippery grounds, and heavy/sharp equipment
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications must be submitted on relevant forms:
- GP 104 for serving officers
- GP 103 for job seekers
Applications must be accompanied by:
- Certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts
- Certified copy of National Identity Document
- Up-to-date performance appraisal forms (for serving officers)
Submission Address:
The Director Human Resources
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security & Nutrition
P.O. Box 24
Maseru 100
Deadline: Not later than 19th September 2025