Research Technician – Sustainable Beef Systems

Job title:

Research Technician – Sustainable Beef Systems

Company:

Teagasc

Job description

Job DescriptionDuration:Permanent . A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.Background:Increasing the area under organic food production is one of the greenhouse gas mitigation and diversification actions in the National Climate Action Plan. With many suckler weanlings from organic farms currently finished conventionally, opportunities exist for farmers to finish these organically. As part of Teagasc’s Climate Centre, the development of competitive, profitable and sustainable blueprints for organic beef finishing systems is a key objective. These finishing systems must maximize the use of grass and clover so as to capitalize on Ireland’s natural competitive advantage in grass and forage production, and to contribute to the high quality, grass-fed reputation of Irish beef worldwide. An organic beef finishing study on the Kildavin Organic farm at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle will make agronomic, environmental and economic measurements to identify a profitable and sustainable organic beef finishing production system.Teagasc are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Technician to support the state of the art research on beef production and environmental sustainability at Johnstown Castle. The role of the successful candidate will have particular emphasis on the measurements relating to animal and grassland performance, indoor feeding and environmental indicators for grass-based beef systems. This position is based at Teagasc Crops, Environment and Land-Use Research Centre at Johnstown Castle where the team of word class researchers have an international reputation for conducting science to improve and find solutions to the production and environmental challenges impacting agricultural production systems. This work on organic beef finishing systems will be in conjunction with Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre at Grange. The successful candidate will have access to extensive facilities for field and laboratory research and a dynamic team of researchers, technologists, technicians, farm staff, students and specialists. The newly recruited Technician will join this team on appointment.Basic Function:The appointee will support the beef production and environment research programmes. Duties will include; the management of the organic beef finishing systems trial on the Kildavin Organic farm at Teagasc Johnstown Castle and related facilities, supervision of staff and students, collection of experimental measurements pertaining to grassland management and forage production (including measures of yield and composition), indoor feeding, calf rearing, animal performance (including health and welfare) and environmental performance (including measures of nutrient use efficiency).Job Objectives

• Support the Teagasc research programme in the area of climate change mitigation and land use diversification through organic beef finishing production systems.
• Design the layout of farm systems experiments on the Kildavin Organic farm at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle to establish experimental treatments as outlined in the experimental protocol.
• Preparation of housing systems and/or paddock systems and the feed allocations as required by experimental protocols.
• Management and implementation of research experiments including animal husbandry for the groups of beef animals, animal, forage and environmental measurements as outlined in agreed experimental protocols.
• Experimental recording and database management; including the use of relevant software (e.g. Microsoft Office) and databases such as AgriNet, HerdPlus, PastureBase Ireland and Oracle.
• Collect, process and (if required) analyse samples of feedstuffs, animal tissue and any other relevant materials; liaise with laboratory staff in respect of the analyses of samples, receipt and data entry of results in relevant software/databases and liaise with project leaders in relation to experimental data.
• Commission new equipment/techniques and actively participate in developing/adopting new research techniques.
• Supervise personnel associated with experiments, and collaborate with and facilitate postgraduate students (and others).
• Work closely with the Farm Manager on a daily basis.
• Health & Safety Co-ordinator Duties or such other Health & Safety Duties as may be assigned from time to time.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

• This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

Skills RequirementEssentialDesirableQualifications

• A Level 6 qualification, (as recognised on the

or ), in Agriculture or a related discipline.

• A level 7 or above qualification in agriculture as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications would be a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Highly proficient in grassland management technologies including field measurements, understanding of grass budgeting and data infrastructure such as PastureBase Ireland.
• Management of indoor feeding practices.
• Excellent stockmanship; general animal husbandry, breeding management, nutrition/feeding, health and welfare
• Experience of working in a methodical manner.
• Experience of working with laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast paced environment.
• IT skills: Microsoft Office.
• Good oral and written communication skills.

• Database management and data analysis skills.
• Experience of working in an animal and grassland research environment.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of animal and grassland research techniques.
• Familiarity with the beef industry and the main issues pertaining.
• Strong basic understanding of scientific principles underpinning efficient animal production in pasture-based systems (animal biology, feed chemistry, etc.).
• Knowledge of Health and Safety protocols.

• Experimental design and analysis, statistical analysis.
• Manual handling training.
• Knowledge of organic production systems.

Behavioural Competencies

• A structured approach to work, with an ability to plan and prioritise by importance and urgency.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key partners.
• Ability to critically analyse and problem-solve.
• A positive, proactive solutions-focused approach to work.
• Ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
• Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements/priorities.
• Strives for high quality work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.

Other

• As this role will involve driving vehicles, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
• A BE licence for jeep and trailer is desirable.

Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.Gender, Diversity and InclusionAt all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation.We are commited to the principles of ‘Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion’.We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.

Expected salary

€35946 per year

Location

Johnstown, Co Tipperary – Co Wexford

Job date

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 23:36:42 GMT

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