Laboratory Attendant (Soil & Water Mgnt & Crop Nutrition)(G2)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme's objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.

The Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Division consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food and environmental protection.

The Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section and Laboratory assist Member States in developing improved soil and water management practices for sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems, the conservation of natural resources and the effective use of external inputs through applied and adaptive research and development activities, technology transfer and capacity buildingThe Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section and Laboratory assist Member States in developing improved soil and water management practices for sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems, the conservation of natural resources and the effective use of external inputs through applied and adaptive research and development activities, technology transfer and capacity building.

Main Purpose

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Head, the Laboratory Attendant serves as field worker for all activities related to isotope-aided field and greenhouse experiments, prepare samples and routine chemical analytical work of the plant and soil samples from FAO/IAEA experiments, washing of glassware and maintenance of laboratory supplies.

Functions / Key Results Expected

In close cooperation and under the guidance of the Laboratory Head, and following established processes and standards:

-Maintains and supports and harvests laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments according to established standard procedures, such as preparing soil or any other plant growth substrates, ploughing, planting, applying fertilizer, weeding, irrigating and harvesting.

-Prepare plant and soil samples (grinding, fine weighing and storing) for isotope and chemical analyses and perform, under supervision, routine chemical analysis.

-Clean and maintain readiness of laboratory glassware, and other equipment and supplies.

-Operates, troubleshoots and provides routine maintenance of field equipment such as tractor, rotary cultivator, bar mower, and plant chopper.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies

table { border-collapse: collapse; } table, th, td { word-wrap: break-word; valign="top"; } Name Definition Planning and Organizing Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans. Communication Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions. Achieving Results Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned. Teamwork Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.Functional Competencies

Name Definition Analytical thinking Gathers and analyses information, identifying critical relationships and patterns among data and proposes workable solutions. Client orientation Establishes effective relationships with clients to understand and meet or exceed their needs. Finds ways to ensure client satisfaction. Resilience Able to remain calm in emotionally charged situations. Accepts constructive feedback in a positive manner and is able to cope with setbacks.Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Completed secondary education.

A minimum of two years of practical experience in field work, in the agricultural context, and routine maintenance of field equipment.

Basic knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices an advantage.

Experience as laboratory attendant is an asset.

Valid Austrian driving licenses B and F are required.

Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

English language test (level 3) to IAEA standards.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at EUR 31082 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 6 weeks' annual vacation, pension plan and health insurance

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report. Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS. Non-local candidates will be considered only when no suitable candidate from the duty station is identified and will be subject to local recruitment. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Outside applicants are required to supply to the IAEA or to authorize it to seek all information relevant to their suitability for employment by the IAEA. Testing may be part of the recruitment process. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------