Location: Crops, Environment and Land Use Research Centre, Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, R93 XE12
Technician
Salary: Technician Grade 1 with a Salary Scale of €35,446 to €46,485
Closing Date: 14/10/2024 12:00 PM
Funded Full Time
Job Description
Duration:
Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 28 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:
We seek to appoint a contract technician to support the field research programme in crop agronomy, specifically relating to the sustainable control of plant diseases, pest and weeds primarily of cereals, but also of a wider range of arable crops. Plant diseases, pests and weeds represent one of the biggest challenges to sustainable crop production in Ireland. Sustainable solutions to these problems are the subject of ongoing research at the Crops Research Centre at Oak Park, Carlow. Current research is seeking to develop integrated control programmes and to evaluate their success under Irish field conditions. The successful candidate will be expected to play a significant role in the smooth and efficient running of the field programme aimed at achieving the above goals.
Background:
The tillage sector in Ireland occupies about 330,000 ha and makes an important contribution to the agrifood industry and Ireland’s economy. The sector supplies grain for animal feed and as the raw material for Ireland’s important brewing and distilling industries. Teagasc is the leading research and development organisation in Ireland in the fields of food and agriculture research and the main objective of the work programme at Oak Park is to support the crops sector of Irish agriculture. The task ahead is to adapt to new challenges in developing sustainable and environmentally sensitive agricultural systems which will provide farmers with adequate incomes and consumers with quality food at reasonable prices. More specifically emphasis is placed on optimising crop production efficiency having due regard to:
* Developing sustainable and profitable crop production systems
* Exploiting genetic resources for greater sustainability
* Improving crop quality to meet customer demands
Staff have close links with International research bodies and they participate in scientific, collaborative and exchange programmes. The laboratories and workshops at the Centre are equipped with the most up-to-date technology for analytical and research purposes. This ensures that research and services at Oak Park are of the highest quality enabling Irish agriculture to keep pace with rapidly changing technology.
Job Objectives
* To provide technical support to the field research programme in crop agronomy, specifically relating to the sustainable control of diseases, pests and weeds primarily of cereals and potatoes, but also a wider range of arable crops.
* To assist in the design, establishment, data collection and reporting from the extensive crop protection programme undertaken by Teagasc in the field, glasshouse and laboratory.
* To work with the various teams involved in crop protection within Teagasc to develop and optimise control strategies for arable and potato crops.
* 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 Requirement
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
* A Level 6 qualification, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agriculture or a related discipline with a crop science component
* A FETAC level 5 in pesticide application or equivalent
* A Level 7 qualification in crop related subject would be a distinct advantage
Skills/Knowledge
* Relevant cereal/potato management practices
* Demonstrated data handling
* Experience working in a methodical manner
* IT skills: Microsoft office
* Good oral & written communication skills
* Knowledge of H&S protocols
* Relevant microbiological laboratory skills
* Cereal field trialing techniques
Behavioural Competencies
* Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key partners. This role will also require the candidate to assist and provide technical support to students and post-doc researchers as required by the team leader
* Has the ability to problem solve and demonstrates a high level of attention to detail
* Demonstrates positive approach to new challenges and dissemination of new tasks
* A structured approach to work, with an ability to plan and prioritise by importance and urgency
* Ability to work on own initiative and collaborate with others
* A positive, proactive solutions-focused approach to work
* Ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences
* 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.
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 Inclusion
At 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.
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