Basic Function

To contribute, as part of the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) team, to the evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures contained in the Nitrates Action Programme under the Nitrates Directive with particular emphasis on:

• Set up and maintenance of the gaseous emissions and soil carbon monitoring programme within the ACP and other Teagasc programmes such as NASCO.
• Quantifying and modelling of greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions at the farm and catchment scales.
• Establish and manage an IT data management system for all sources of data collected for gaseous emissions and soil carbon monitoring within the ACP in collaboration with other Teagasc programmes such as NASCO.
• Quantifying soil carbon sequestration and carbon balances at the farm and catchment scales.

Dissemination of the results of the programme to a wide audience

Background

The ACP is a national project of excellence, established in 2008, and is based on a stakeholder partnership which generates knowledge to underpin sustainable farm production in a clean environment. The objectives of the ACP are:

• To generate the knowledge to ascertain the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) measures and the derogation in terms of water quality and farm practices
• To provide a basis for a scientific review of NAP measures with a view to adopting modifications where necessary
• To evaluate the effect of NAP on ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions
• To achieve a greater understanding of the factors that determines farmer’s understanding and implementation of the NAP
• To disseminate this knowledge to a wide audience including farmers, scientists, policy makers and other stakeholders.

To achieve these objectives an integrated research, technologist, technician and advisory team works with farmers in six catchments in conjunction with Teagasc’s Research and Knowledge Transfer Directorates. The programme is managed by three ACP Managers (Water quality, soil/gaseous emissions/socio economy and Knowledge Transfer) who lead and direct the team.  Close liaison is maintained with farmers and farming organisations at local and national level.  The first four four-year phases of the ACP ran from 2008 to the end of 2023.  Phase 5 of the ACP runs from the beginning of 2024 to the end of 2027. It is hoped that Phase 6 can be agreed with the funders (DAFM) for the period 2028 to 2031.

The programme provides:

• Planning and technical support for catchment farmers to underpin profitable farming systems

• Baseline and monitoring datasets for farm production, nutrient and farm management practices, nutrient transformations and transfers to water and their impact on its quality.  These are used to contribute to the national monitoring requirements of both the Nitrates and Water Framework Directives
• A transparent scientific and economic assessment of the effectiveness of the Good Agricultural Practice measures in S.I. No. 65 of 2018 required by the Nitrates Action Programme.  Modification of the measures to meet the water quality targets of the Water framework Directive will be identified, if required
• Evaluation of the measures taken to reduce agricultural GHG emissions by 2030 relative to 2018 levels. In addition evaluation of ammonia levels in agricultural catchments given the emission reduction target of 5% by 2030.
• An assessment of socio-economic and behavioral factors affecting the implementation of the measures

A platform for technology transfer, education and promotion which will use the output from the ACP in the formulation of advisory and technology transfer initiatives

• Maintenance and QC of eddy covariance and ammonia systems for measuring gaseous emissions.
• Contribute to the data management system for all the data collected for greenhouse gas and ammonia monitoring across the ACP catchments and other Teagasc programmes.
• Quantification of soil carbon stocks changes over the duration of the ACP and continuation of a soil monitoring network.
• Contribute to troubleshooting to optimizing existing protocols/ develop new protocols.
• Carry out field sampling, operation and management of field and laboratory equipment.
• Carryout laboratory analyses of collected field samples with adherence to good laboratory practice and quality assurance.
• Quantification of farm and catchment carbon balances.
• Participating in dissemination activities including farmer meetings, open days, stakeholder meetings etc.
• Contributing and preparation of interim reports on the effectiveness of the NAP and climate action plan measures
• Collaborating effectively with Teagasc colleagues and other relevant national and international research programmes.
• Provide technical support to ACP advisory colleagues in the catchments.
• Contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit within both the ACP and the agri-environmental research department at Johnstown Castle and foster and add to further collaboration and integration.
• Data provision as appropriate for colleagues and post-graduate students
• 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.