Assistant Research Officer - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Jamaica - 12 months
Peace Corps
United States
Posted on Jul 2, 2025
About The Job
Projected Departure
June 1, 2026
Duration
12 months
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining in Jamaica has requested the support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) to serve as an Assistant Research Officer. A new thrust in Research and Development (R&D) has led to collaboration with international and regional entities involved in agricultural research. This is to affect greater efficiency and global competitiveness. The aim is to expand production, improve fruit tree crop growth by making them more resistant to diseases and pests, improving the quality of the crops, and creating new planting methods; and engage in the commercial production of disease-free planting material using tissue culture, protected environment and other modern technologies.
The PCRV will collaborate with key collaborators to support ongoing research in the field, such as collecting soil samples, observing fields and monitoring test fields. Some tasks also take place in the lab, where the volunteer will test different solutions and new methods for improving crop growth. The PCRV will also assist in protecting the environment by identifying more efficient methods that help conserve soil and water.
Please note that departure dates and other details of this project could change as a result of partner needs or other external factors. Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Jamaica together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.
Required Skills
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or related field
At least 2 years’ experience working in a tropical country
Experience in soil sampling and data collection
Experience in plant propagation
Projected Departure
June 1, 2026
Duration
12 months
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining in Jamaica has requested the support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) to serve as an Assistant Research Officer. A new thrust in Research and Development (R&D) has led to collaboration with international and regional entities involved in agricultural research. This is to affect greater efficiency and global competitiveness. The aim is to expand production, improve fruit tree crop growth by making them more resistant to diseases and pests, improving the quality of the crops, and creating new planting methods; and engage in the commercial production of disease-free planting material using tissue culture, protected environment and other modern technologies.
The PCRV will collaborate with key collaborators to support ongoing research in the field, such as collecting soil samples, observing fields and monitoring test fields. Some tasks also take place in the lab, where the volunteer will test different solutions and new methods for improving crop growth. The PCRV will also assist in protecting the environment by identifying more efficient methods that help conserve soil and water.
Please note that departure dates and other details of this project could change as a result of partner needs or other external factors. Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Jamaica together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.
Required Skills
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or related field
At least 2 years’ experience working in a tropical country
Experience in soil sampling and data collection
Experience in plant propagation