Duration:
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.
Basic Function:
The appointee will be responsible for the planning, coordination, implementation, and management of the forage breeding field programme at Oak Park under the direction of the forage breeder. The field programme encompasses thousands of plots and tens of thousands of spaced plants across 30 ha, and all associated activities in the glasshouses, polytunnels, and laboratory. The appointee will work with the Oak Park Research Centre farm manager and have responsibility for supervising, managing, and leading staff assigned to the breeding programme including technical, farm, and students. The appointee will also have a significant hands-on role, together with the other team members, in completing the workload.
Background:
The Teagasc commercial forage-breeding programme was established at Oak Park, Carlow in the mid-1980s. The programme has adopted a multispecies breeding strategy targeted at increasing animal production potential, improving animal health and welfare, and reducing the environmental and climatic footprint of agriculture. Our main emphasis is on breeding improved varieties of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), white clover (Trifolium repens), and red clover (Trifolium pratense) that will offer high yields of quality forage over a long grazing season together with high persistency and disease resistance. Breeding is based on the establishment, evaluation, and crossing of thousands of plots and plants each year in the field and glasshouse.
Job Objectives:
* Liaising with the forage breeder to deliver the breeding programme.
* Planning, coordinating, implementing, and managing the day-to-day activities of the breeding programme in the field, glasshouse, and laboratory.
* Assigning daily work duties, supervising, training, managing, and leading technical, farm, and other support staff assigned to the programme.
* Liaising with the Oak Park Research Centre farm manager.
* Designing field sowing, planting, sampling, crossing, and agronomy plans.
* Day-to-day management of grass and clover agronomy and crossing in the field and glasshouse including sowing, planting, tillering, nutrition, watering, disease, pest and weed control, forage harvest, plant assessments and sampling, laboratory analyses, crossing, and seed production and processing.
* Data collection and handling, and excellent record keeping.
* Overseeing, calibrating, and operating field research equipment including the forage harvester, plot combine, seeder, and planter.
* Organising and maintaining seed storage and inventory.
* Significant hands-on role in assisting the team conduct all field, glasshouse, and laboratory tasks.
* Health and safety manager for the forage breeding unit to liaise with Teagasc Health & Safety staff to ensure compliance of the unit.
* Contributing to the teamwork and team spirit of the forage breeding programme.
* Assisting Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service charter and action plan.
* Actively participating in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
* Carrying out such other duties as may be assigned by the Nominated manager/Head of Department from time to time.
Skills Requirement:
Qualifications:
* A Level 8 degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), agriculture, plant breeding, biology, or a related discipline.
* Full clean driving license.
Desirable:
* A postgraduate degree qualification.
Skills:
* Grassland management and agronomy.
* Field experimental techniques.
* Experimental design and analysis.
* Good laboratory practice.
Desirable:
* Seed crop management.
* Plant breeding techniques.
Knowledge:
* Agricultural science and/or plant biology.
* Grass and clover agronomy and evaluation.
Desirable:
* Seed production.
* Plant breeding.
Behavioural Competencies:
* Ability to lead, organise, supervise, and manage staff.
* Self-motivated with an ability to plan, prioritise, and organise work by importance, urgency, plant growth stage, and prevailing weather conditions.
* Organised and methodical with strong attention to detail.
* Ability to work to deadlines.
* Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
* Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements and priorities.
* Have a logical, practical, pragmatic and driven disposition.
* Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
* Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos.
Other:
* Candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
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.
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.
#If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process please contact a member of our Recruitment Team at recruit@teagasc.ie
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