Overview: Reporting directly to the Dairy Business Manager, the Artificial insemination (AI) and Extension Service (ES) Attendant will be responsible for artificial insemination and bull service of all categories of dairy animals- pedigree, pure breed, cross breed and the zebu cows (Bos indicus) including dairy goats.
He/she will also be responsible for the provision of Veterinary care of both our herd and the community’s as well as periodic outreach and training to the community on good management to improve milk production.
Specific Job Responsibilities:
The primary duty for AI and ES Attendant will be to inseminate dairy livestock in hopes of successfully impregnating them, but they may have many additional related responsibilities.
The AI Attendant will also be expected to carefully monitor the heat cycles of dairy animals to determine the optimal time to inseminate (based on the animal’s ovulation cycle and behavior).
They shall also carefully handle and thaw the straws of frozen semen that have been kept in liquid nitrogen storage.
The insemination will be performed with both speed and accuracy to ensure that the animal has the best chance to become pregnant on a single service.
He/she will also conduct and supervise bull service to the farmers from the community.
Additional duties may include cleaning and maintaining breeding equipment, keeping careful records of each insemination that is performed, and giving advice to breeders regarding industry trends in sire selection and reproductive techniques.
They will also be able to work closely with farmer based dairy groups and support staff to ensure that the breeding process runs smoothly and with minimal stress to the animals involved and provide periodic training and advice to suppliers on improving milk production and good animal care.
Minimum Requirements
Must possess at least a Certificate in Animal Health from a Government recognized Institutions like Animal Health and Industry Training Institute (AHITI).
The applicant must be experienced (1 year minimum) and have a Certificate in Artificial Insemination and related Agribusiness from a Government recognized training Institute that include AHITI, University of Nairobi, ABS TCM Ltd or ADC.
The candidate should also be capable of linear cow evaluation, sire directories, and understand corrective mating, care and maintenance of AI equipment.
Knowledge of dairy cattle nutrition and feeding and animal health will be a big plus.
Additional Requirements
Must have a Certificate of Good Conduct from and approved by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID)
Competencies Required
Strong communication skills: Balance listening and talking; speak and write clearly and accurately; be able to write periodic work reports and have the ability to communicate with farming community.
Team Work & Adaptability: Be able to work as a member of a team; be receptive to feedback; willing to learn new things and share knowledge and skills; embracing continuous improvement. Be part of and contribute to the wider NURU Social Enterprise portfolio.
Problem Solving & Innovation: Be able to solve problems and find the best solution to a given problem or situation; collaborate with others to seek input and alternative ideas; think first before acting. Take ownership of your work and think of new ways to do things better, and be willing to share your ideas with others.
Self-Management: Self- managing; with a focus on effective planning and time management as well as prioritization of tasks; be reliable and maintain work / life balance.
Technical & Practical Skills: Be able to understand and measure, monitor and adapt; seek training opportunities for further development; improve performance in day to day tasks of the role; use technology to improve productivity; be receptive and willing to learn and embrace technology as required of the position and job duties.
Working Conditions
Artificial insemination and Extension Service Attendant shall use caution as they will routinely be interacting with liquid nitrogen refrigeration systems.
The duties for this position will generally be conducted outdoors or in farms, so the Attendant will be regularly exposed to varying temperatures and changing weather conditions.
It is also important to note that proper safety precautions shall be followed while working with large animals to minimize the chance of injury to the Attendant, as these animals may react unpredictably due to the stress of being caught and restrained for the breeding process.
He/she should be ready to work during odd hours including weekends and public holidays
Remuneration: Commensurate with demonstrated skills and experience.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, we offer equal opportunity to all qualified candidates.
Application Process:
Interested applicants should submit their testimonials including CVs, with at least two known references.
The application should reach the undersigned by Friday the 10th of April, 2015 at 5pm.
Please complete your application in English and include your phone number.
Submit your application before the deadline in one of the following ways:
Drop your application at the Human Resources Office at the Nuru Kenya Regional Training Center (RTC) in Keburui, near Isibania; or
Email to: AIES@nuru.co.ke
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.