Basic Function:

This competition seeks to recruit a Research Technician to support a research project called FERTIGO at Teagasc Johnstown Castle.  FERTIGO: Improving fertilizing strategies by innovative use of Plantain (Plantago lanceola) in agricultural systems is a cross European project funded by Green Era Hub. The overall project is led by Université Libre de Bruxelles. The Irish component of the project is led by Teagasc and UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and is funded by DAFM and Teagasc.

Cover crops and companion crops have the potential to improve soil fertility by different mechanisms and their smart integration into cropping systems could substantially improve fertilizer use efficiency and hence reduce environment pollution. In the FERTIGO project, we aim at identifying and integrating new species (and cultivars) of cover crops and companion crops to stabilize nitrogen in soils. The study will focus on plantain because of its reported biological nitrification inhibition (BNI).

The successful candidate will provide technical support to field based research at the centre focussing on agronomy, water quality, greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient efficiency.  The basic functions of the Research Technician will involve supporting field-work such as soil, water and gaseous sampling, field instrument installation and maintenance, instrument trouble shooting, and in-situ sampling and analysis in the field.

Background:

Teagasc - The Agriculture and Food Development Authority in Ireland, is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the agri-food sector. We are global leaders in developing innovative science based solutions for the agri-food sector and unique in holding research, advisory and education functions under one organization.

Teagasc is expanding its research and Knowledge Transfer (KT) programme to rapidly advance the science and implementation of current and new measures to meet the biodiversity and climate challenges that farmers are facing. In addition to the new staff there is a large capital investment to establish the National Agricultural Sustainability Research and Innovation Centre (NASRIC) at Johnstown Castle.

• Sampling at field sites and locations for environmental research projects on agronomy, soil chemistry, water quality and gaseous emissions.
• Field instrument installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of monitoring equipment.
• Maintenance and calibration of field equipment for environmental research.
• Manage sample archives, consumables and equipment items.
• Manage data entry and logging of sample IDs into laboratory information systems.
• Maintain excellent records, input data into spreadsheets and databases and contribute to the compilation, analysis and presentation of data/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.

 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.

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.