Duration:
Temporary contract post, the indicative duration of which is 12 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 as part of the horticultural team in the development, promotion, delivery and assessment of horticultural education and skills training. They will also be responsible for the management and co-ordination of the college commercial nursery enterprise.
Background: Kildalton College offers QQI accredited courses in horticulture and equitation at Levels 5 and 6 in addition to apprenticeships. Higher level courses are offered to degree level in partnership with South Eastern Technological University. Kildalton College has a wide range of horticultural facilities including a sizeable nursery producing 30,000 plants per year. Other horticultural facilities include fruit and vegetable units, amenity and landscaped grounds and sportsturf training facilities.
Job Objectives
* To manage the health and safety of students and support implementation of health and safety policy in the horticultural unit.
* To prepare and conduct skills training in line with approved curriculum.
* To undertake practical skills assessment and results feedback to students.
* To assist in the supervision of students on work experience.
* Implement quality assurance procedures and meet verification requirements.
* To coordinate the management, operation & running of the college horticultural nursery enterprise.
* To record the physical records pertaining to students and the nursery enterprise.
* To assist in the organisation and running of advisory and promotion events and activities.
* To oversee the purchase and use of sundry horticultural inputs.
* To support management and maintenance of horticultural machinery and equipment.
* Play a key role in the Teagasc nursery stock team to facilitate innovation and development opportunities for the nursery stock/ornamentals sector.
* To assist with and participate in the marketing and promotion of courses at Kildalton College.
* To participate in the development of the college business plan.
* 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.
Skills Requirement
Qualifications
* A Level 6 qualification, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in horticulture.
Desirable
* A Level 7 qualification in horticulture.
* Work experience in the nursery stock sector.
Skills
* Plant propagation skills.
* Horticultural machinery operation & skills.
* Record keeping ability.
* Motivational & mentoring skills.
* IT and computer skills.
* Good communication skills.
* Good organisational skills.
Desirable
* Previous experience in skills training in horticulture.
* Previous experience in managing a nursery.
Knowledge
* Horticultural operations.
* Plant identification.
* Pest & disease identification.
* Practical knowledge of horticulture.
* Health & safety requirements.
Desirable
* Knowledge of Teagasc courses.
* Understanding of the Irish nursery stock industry.
Behavioural Competencies
* Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
* Displays initiative and is self-motivated.
* Flexible.
* Interested in self-development and acquiring new skills and knowledge.
* Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
* Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
* 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.
* Self-motivated with communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
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.
Why Join Us?
* 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 our organisation.
* We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers and Active Inclusion'. We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.
* Be part of a forward thinking organisation committed to positive change.
* Work in a collaborative environment that values your unique perspective.
* Drive initiatives that make a lasting impact on workplace culture.
Join Teagasc in creating a workplace where everyone thrives and diversity is celebrated.
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