Basic Function:

The technician will be involved in securing seed, sowing, cultivation and harvest of the multi-location trials. They will be taking measurements in the field and analyse quality traits in the lab with milling/grinding the grain, protein analysis by LECO, Falling Number instrument and further grain quality tests. They will record the data in processable formats and store the data and will participate in outreach events to disseminate the findings of the project.

Background:

The majority of Ireland's wheat crop is grown for feed, with 83% of Ireland's flour being imported. The project FIELD2FLOUR Ireland proposes a comprehensive research initiative, to highlight the potential of reestablishing a sustainable wheat milling sector in Ireland. The project focuses on agronomy, climate resilience, milling quality and food innovation, with the overarching goal of enhancing food security in Ireland. Amid growing pressure to develop climate-resilient and locally-sourced bio-based food systems, spring wheat for added-value product development is an underexplored opportunity in the Irish tillage sector. FIELD2FLOUR Ireland will initially address the food processing potential of the current spring wheat recommended list, using previously unexplored natural food bioprocessing technologies.

Building on findings from, and in collaboration with the DAFM-funded Protein-I project, the FIELD2FLOUR Ireland initiative will expand this research to include new, future-proofed spring wheat varieties tailored for food applications. Collaborating with Irish grain merchants and farmers, the project team will trial new international spring wheat varieties at selected sites across the country. The FIELD2FLOUR Ireland team will investigate agronomic performance, grain quality, milling characteristics and food innovation in selected spring wheat cultivars.

• Conducting multi-location field experiments with duties like preparation of sowing, sowing, in-field measurement and scoring, harvesting and similar
• Conducting laboratory grain quality assessments
• Recording data in a conscientious manner
• Support outreach activities of the project by preparing and attending activities like, field walks, grain displays, discussion groups and similar.
• Complete 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.
• 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.

* 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.