Researcher in Farmland Biodiversity (Long Term Contract)

Job title:

Researcher in Farmland Biodiversity (Long Term Contract)

Company:

Teagasc

Job description

Job DescriptionDuration:Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 33.5 months, subject to contract. 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.Basic Function:The appointed individual will conduct research (and disseminate findings) on how measures aimed at improving water quality in Irish agricultural systems may affect farmland birds, taking into account potential synergies and trade-offs.The applicant will be part of the AGRI_Birds project team and will be based within the Environment, Soils and Land Use Department at the Teagasc Johnstown Castle Research Centre in Wexford, Ireland. The Environment Soils and Land-Use Department focuses on providing evidence-based solutions for farmers and policy makers for economic- and environmentally-sustainable farming. Within the Department there is a highly motivated, multidisciplinary team of researchers focusing on ecology, soil science, nutrient management, water quality and gaseous emissions.Background to the AGRI-Birds Project:Halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services are key environmental objectives of the European Union. Irish agriculture faces the challenge to balance agronomic production with environmental and social sustainability, as reinforced in the EU Green Deal.Measures under the Fifth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP), to support water quality objectives, have the potential to affect the quantity and quality of winter stubbles as a feeding resource for farmland birds. To support policymakers and ensure better policy alignment, there is a need to assess synergies and trade-offs relating to measures that support water quality and how they influence the food and feeding of farmland birds. Results derived from this project will inform and facilitate policy-makers in decision-making regarding the design of future iterations of NAP recommendations, and the integration of NAP and wider agri-environment programmes.Job Objectives

• Review national and international research on the value of winter stubbles to farmland birds.
• Determine food resource availability (for farmland birds) under winter stubble treatments.
• Assess avian community composition under winter stubble treatments.
• Synthesise data on the spatial supply of key ecosystems services on tillage land, focusing in particular on production, water quality and biodiversity services.
• Undertake data analysis and writing of scientific papers, reports and stakeholder communications.
• Establish strong collaborative links with national and international stakeholders.
• Work closely with Teagasc Knowledge Transfer Specialists/Advisors to ensure effective dissemination of research findings to advisers and a range of stakeholders.
• 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

• An honours Level 8 degree, (as recognised on the

or ), in ecology, applied ecology, zoology, botany, environmental science, agricultural science or related discipline.PhD in a relevant discipline.Postdoctoral research experience related to biodiversity in farming systems.SkillsExperience in surveying farmland birds.Experience in the use of GIS for agri-ecological investigations.Proven record of scientific communication.Excellent field and laboratory skills, organizational skills, report writing, data analysis and statistical analysis.Excellent ability to plan, organize, manage and schedule work effectively.Excellent one-to-one and group communication skills (farmers, students, colleagues, stakeholders). Good team working skills.Good organizational skills, including people management.Botanical identification skills.Experience in the assessment and analysis of ecosystem services.Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.Experience in project management.Surveying and classification of farmland habitats.Assessment of the effects of agricultural management on biodiversity.KnowledgeMethods and techniques for assessing farmland biodiversity.Statistical analysis of ecological and environmental data.Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc).Understanding of agri-ecosystems.Understanding of factors relating to the design, implementation and effectiveness of agri-environmental schemes for biodiversity.Behavioural CompetenciesWillingness to collaborate positively within the project team as well as with outside agencies.Ability to work independently if necessary, and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables.Ability to contribute to group discussions/workshops with farmers and other stakeholders.Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the project.Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.OtherAs this role will involved driving vehicles, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
Eligibility This is an open public competition. Should a current serving Teagasc staff member be successful in their application through open public competition for this post, their current contract of employment with Teagasc will come to an end on taking up this post.Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.Note: Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.

Expected salary

€41580 – 78830 per year

Location

Johnstown, Co Tipperary – Co Wexford

Job date

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 06:09:33 GMT

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