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Serve where you’re needed mostAssistant Research Officer
Agriculture
Job highlights
Jamaica • North America
In partnership with: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining – Orange River Research Station
Applications are now closed. View current openings.
Apply by
November 15, 2025Know by
January 1, 2026Depart on
June 1, 2026Duration
12 monthsAbout the project
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.
Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Jamaica project page.
Required skills
Qualified candidates will have the following criteria:
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
SPECIAL NOTICE ABOUT CITIZENSHIP: Candidates who are dual citizens of Jamaica and the U.S. are not eligible to serve with Peace Corps Jamaica. Volunteer safety is of paramount importance, and the protections of U.S. citizenship promote Volunteer safety. If anyone holding dual U.S. and Jamaican citizenship were to face a legal, safety, or other emergency situation in Jamaica, the Peace Corps' ability to intervene would be limited. If you hold citizenship with both the U.S. and Jamaica, we encourage you to look at other opportunities with Peace Corps.
Language: There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position.
Required behavioral competencies
These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:
Motivation for and commitment to service
Adaptability and open-mindedness
Problem solving and resourcefulness
Behavioral maturity and professionalism
Photos from Jamaica
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Jamaica country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.
Meet a Volunteer in Jamaica
Sophia Z.
Agriculture Advisor
"I do my best to remain flexible as the organization navigates the many challenges they face, rather than pushing through projects and priorities that may not serve their changing needs."
See full Volunteer profile
To learn more about serving as a couple in Jamaica, visit the country page.
Application process
From application to departure takes around nine months. Learn about the application process for Volunteer opportunities.
Medical/legal clearance
You will need to be cleared medically and legally in order to serve in Jamaica. Review information on medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.
