Senior Welder at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

DUTIES

• Weld and repair farm machinery and implements, including tractors, irrigation equipment, and heavy-duty tools.
• Fabricate metal structures for research facilities (screen houses, greenhouses, irrigation frames, trial plot fencing, etc.).
• Measure, cut, and prepare metal materials according to design specifications.
• Employ appropriate welding techniques (MIG, TIG, stick welding, arc welding, gas welding, etc.) to deliver strong, precise, and safe welds.
• Carry out preventative maintenance on welded structures to ensure long-term durability and reduce costs of replacement.
• Maintain safe working conditions and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Keep accurate daily records of welding and fabrication activities, including materials used and labour hours (to feed into cost-recovery tracking).
• Provide input to equipment investment plans by reporting on recurring fabrication/repair needs.
• Train and guide junior welders or casual staff on proper welding techniques and safety practices.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Farm Management.

Requirements

QUALIFICATION

• National Diploma (ND) in Mechanical Engineering or related field; NABTEB Technical Certificate in Welding and Fabrication is an advantage.
• Minimum of 2–4 years of proven welding and fabrication experience in a structured workshop or farm setting is required.

COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate must have:

• Training or certification in occupational health & safety (e.g., NEBOSH, OSHA, or Nigerian equivalent
• Experience in Agricultural Research Institutions or farm mechanization projects.
• Skill in MIG, TIG, stick, and gas welding
• Familiarity with ERP/work order tracking systems
• Experience with CNC cutting or advanced metalworking tools
• Strong knowledge of metals, alloys, and welding consumables.
• Experience fabricating irrigation systems or research screen houses
• Knowledge and strict adherence to workplace safety standards, PPE usage, and safe handling of welding/fabrication equipment.
• Supervisory skills in managing junior welders
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and fabrication plans
• Ability to work under minimal supervision, with precision and attention to detail
• Proficiency in English (oral and written) for reporting and communication