Basic Function 

Methane emissions from enteric fermentation account for the majority of Irish agricultures total greenhouse gas emissions. Given that the agricultural sector must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by the year 2030 relative to 2018 levels, developing strategies to reduce methane output will be crucial to meeting Irish agricultures climate targets. The three most promising avenues to reduce methane output in Irish dairy systems are: animal breeding, improved forage quality and feed additives. This competition seeks to recruit a research technician focused on the development of these technologies within the context of pasture-based dairy systems. The position will involve movement and maintenance of GreenFeed units to measure methane output, collection of biological samples from dairy cows as well as the implementation of grazing experiments evaluating the effect of feed additives, grazing management and animal genetics on methane output in pasture-based dairy systems.

Background

The position will be based at the Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Teagasc Moorepark is Ireland’s leading dairy research institute with national responsibility for all aspects of dairy production research which include grassland and grazing management, dairy cow breeding and reproduction, dairy cow health and welfare, milk composition and dairy cow nutrition, milking technology and milk production systems plus economic analysis. The research programme is conducted by over 30 scientific and technical professionals, supported by administrative and operative staff. Moorepark operates a total of 7 individual dairy research farms totalling 500 hectares and over 1,000 dairy cows. Facilitates include modern individual cow feed and metabolism units, laboratories, computer facilities, milking research laboratories and pasture-based GreenFeed units for methane measurement.

• Implement experiments evaluating the effect of animal genetics, grazing management and feed additives on methane output.
• Manage experiments measuring methane output at pasture.
•  Conduct detailed methane measurements using the GreenFeed system and collect biological samples (rumen and blood samples).
•  Perform basic laboratory analysis.
•  Perform maintenance and calibration of GreenFeed equipment and related IT issues.
•  Contribute to the management of samples, equipment and consumables.
•  Collate experimental datasets.
• Contribute to the management of samples, equipment and consumables.
• To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• To carry out other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
• Health & Safety Co-ordinator Duties or such other Health & Safety 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.