Technician Dairy System Sustainability

Job title:

Technician Dairy System Sustainability

Company:

Teagasc

Job description

Job DescriptionDuration:Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 22 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 successful candidate will work alongside the project team to investigate ways to monitor and improve water quality status from Irish dairy grazing systems. The appointee will also be involved in the replacement heifer rearing programme with the aim of enhancing the sustainability of the overall system.Background:Teagasc Moorepark is Ireland’s leading dairy research institute and a world leading institute on grass-based dairy production. It has national responsibility for all aspects of dairy production research which include grassland and grazing management, dairy cow breeding and reproduction, dairy cow health and welfare, milk composition and dairy cow nutrition, milking technology and milk production systems plus economic analysis.The research programme is conducted by over 30 scientific and technical professionals, supported by an administrative and operative staff. Moorepark operates a total of 7 individual dairy research farms totalling 500 hectares and over 1,200 dairy cows. Research resources include modern individual cow feed and metabolism units, laboratories, computer facilities and milking research laboratories.The position is based primarily at Teagasc Moorepark but will also involve travel to other research farms associated with Moorepark (e.g. Clonakilty).Job Objectives

• To assist in obtaining water samples from research farms including Moorepark, Curtins and Clonakilty during the water drainage season.
• To provide technical support for replacement heifer rearing research programmes which will involve implementing experiments and sample collection.
• Assisting with grazing management of research herds.
• Undertake quality control of sample collection, laboratory analyses and ensure good data management.
• Contribute to the management of samples, equipment and consumables.
• To carry out electronic data entry of research samples for example using the Teagasc LIMS system and recording of results.
• 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 another appropriate science-related discipline.

• Postgraduate training and experience in dairy management systems.

Skills/Knowledge

• Demonstrated research and technical expertise working with dairy cows and calves
• Data handling and computer skills
• Good field and laboratory skills
• Knowledge of Irish agricultural systems, in particular grazing management systems
• Understanding of Irish water quality status and ways in which to improve it
• Knowledge of calf rearing systems, calf health and welfare
• An ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer.
• Self-disciplined organised and methodical.
• Ability to problem solve and a high level of attention to detail.
• Positive approach to new challenges and dissemination of new tasks.
• Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements/priorities.
• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Laboratory skills e.g. blood analysis
• Experience in recording and deciphering experimental data
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Analytical, report writing and data analysis skills.

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key staff.
• Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos.
• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
• Eagerness to learn and apply new skills.

OtherAs 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.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.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 committed 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

Fermoy, Co Cork

Job date

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 07:37:54 GMT

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