Technician – Pilot Plant - Muscle Shoals

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.

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.

• 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.

• Minimum of High School diploma/equivalent (GED) with relevant work experience. Associate degree or relevant Technical Training (machinist, welding, pipe fitting, 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.

This is anationalrecruitment with a duty station at the IFDC office based in IFDC HQ, Muscle Shoals, AL.

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.

The salary grade for this position is BG5 with a minimum annual starting salary of $39,467.

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.

Required Experience