Basic Function

The appointee, based at Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, will work on the Interreg NWE funded ReNu2Cycle project, the aim of which is to demonstrate the use of recycle derived fertilisers as alternatives to mineral fertilisers. The aim of the current role is to provide technical support to a field research programme in crop agronomy, specifically relating to the use of recycle derived or bio based fertilisers. The job will entail assisting with establishing and maintaining of on-farm demonstrations and field trials with cereal crops as well as ensuring that required data and samples are collected from these experiments and processed appropriately. Tasks involved will include sourcing required quantities of fertiliser materials and organising their application in the field as well as sampling soil, crops and fertilisers and preparation of these samples for analysis. Recording relevant background data on the materials and sites used will also be required.

Background 

The tillage sector in Ireland occupies about 330,000 ha and makes an important contribution to the agrifood industry and Ireland’s economy. The sector supplies grain for animal feed and as the raw material for Ireland’s important brewing and distilling industries as well as providing an outlet for organic fertilisers originating in both agriculture and industry. Teagasc is the leading research and development organisation in Ireland in the fields of food and agriculture research and currently has a vacancy for a crops technician at its Crops Research Centre at Oak Park, Carlow, which is part of the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme. The main objective of the work programme at Oak Park is to support the arable crops sector of Irish agriculture. The task ahead is to adapt to new challenges in developing sustainable and environmentally sensitive agricultural systems which will provide farmers with adequate incomes and consumers with quality food at reasonable prices. More specifically emphasis is placed on optimising crop production efficiency having due regard to:

•Developing sustainable and profitable crop production systems
•Exploiting genetic resources for greater sustainability
•Improving crop quality to meet customer demands

The Centre has also national responsibility for breeding improved varieties of potatoes. Staff have close links with International research bodies and they participate in scientific, collaborative and exchange programmes. The laboratories and workshops at the Centre are equipped with the most up-to-date technology for analytical and research purposes. This ensures that research and services at Oak Park are of the highest quality enabling Irish agriculture to keep pace with rapidly changing technology.The current vacancy arises as part of the externally funded Interreg NWE project ReNu2Cycle (REcycling of NUtrients to close the fertiliser CYCLE) examining the potential to replace mineral fertilisers with recycle derived or bio based fertilisers in arable crop production with partners in Ireland (Teagasc, UL, MTU, SETU), Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg. The overall aim of the project is to reduce north west Europes (NWE) dependence on the import of fossil-based fertilizers by substantiating the impact on availability, ecological footprint and price stability through cross-border valorization of recovered NPK. ReNu2Cycle will apply living lab concepts that encourage long-term co-innovation and implementation support to roll out local good practices. The use of recovered fertilizers will be maximised by creating new fertilizer blends and associated business solutions for producers' product portfolios. The use of RDF’s on farms in participating regions will be investigated. All results will be incorporated into a cross-border nutrient supply and demand strategy in regional action plans. All actors benefit from compliance with the latest European policy framework, which enables market trade in NWE and contributes to food security in NWE.
Teagasc, for its part, is responsible for field testing and on farm demonstration of a selection of recycle derived fertilisers as an alternative to mineral fertilisers on Irish arable farms to ensure the most efficient use of the nutrients in these novel fertiliser products.
We are now seeking to recruit a highly qualified and enthusiastic technician to provide technical support to Teagasc’s research in this area. The successful candidate will be expected to play a significant role in the smooth and efficient running of the field programme aimed at achieving the goals of the project.

• To assist in the establishment and management of field demonstrations and experiments with cereal crops.
• To liaise with fertiliser material suppliers to ensure fertilisers are available in sufficient quantities when required.
• To collect, and process as appropriate, samples of plants, soil and other materials.
• To carry out a range of laboratory analyses of material sampled from field experiments including grain quality analyses, threshing of samples and N content determination.
• Maintain excellent records of crop management and sampling details
• Liaise with farmers providing the field sites such that demonstrations are managed and maintained appropriately and necessary background information is
• 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.

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.