Basic Function:

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Data Collection Technician who possesses a deep understanding of sustainability.  In this critical role, the successful candidate will be responsible for collecting essential farm financial, technical and environmental data enabling researchers and advisors to assess the sustainability performance and progress made by farms participating in the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) and National Farm Survey (NFS).  Participating farms provide data on a voluntary basis to the Data Collector who visits 2 to 3 times during the year to manage this process. The role will also involve recruiting ACP farmers on an annual basis to participate in the survey.  The successful candidate will join a team of data collection specialists based at other Teagasc Research Centres and Advisory offices across the country and will engage with farm advisors and other farm stakeholders in the compilation of the data.

The position will primarily involve data collection in the Cregduff, Corduff and Dunleer catchments but may involve data collection in other areas. 

The position also involves fulfilling our statutory responsibility to provide vital data to the EU Commission in relation to the uptake and implementation of sustainable farming practices. This role includes annual canvassing of farms to encourage their participation in our survey, further advancing sustainability in Irish agriculture, and providing valuable feedback to farmers on their progress. Due to the varied work patterns of farmers, the successful candidate will be someone who thrives on using their own initiative and values flexibility.

• Collect environmental, financial and technical data required by the National Farm Survey (NFS) and Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) team.
• To input data as required by the National Farm Survey Team.
• To provide technical, field and laboratory support to the ACP staff and to implement the agree protocols.
• Participation in the dissemination of information generated by the ACP.

Background:

The Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) is a national project of excellence, established in 2008, and is based on a stakeholder partnership. The DAFM has funded the ACP to monitor the effectiveness of GAP measures since 2008. In addition, catchment monitoring is required to support Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation.

The objectives of the Agricultural Catchments Programme 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 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.  This programme is managed by the two Principal Scientists and Catchment Specialist. Close liaison is maintained with farmers and farming organisations at local and national level.  The first four four-year phases of the Programme ran from 2008 to the end of 2023 and Phase 5 of the programme runs from the beginning of 2024 to the end of 2027.

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 programme in the formulation of advisory and technology transfer initiatives.
• The NFS is conducted in order to deliver Ireland’s statutory data on farm output, costs and incomes on an annual basis to the EU-Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) in Brussels. The main aim of the NFS is to determine the financial situation across the broad spectrum of Irish farms by system and size. The NFS database contains an archive of financial and technical data on Irish farming from 1984 to 2021. The remit of the NFS is evolving and now there is greater emphasis on the collection of a wider range of sustainability data including data that helps to assess the social and environmental contribution of Irish agriculture.

• Record data on ACP farms as required. Data collection to include: financial, technical and environmental data as well as attitudinal and behavioural data and others as the need of the National Farm Survey and ACP requires.
• Accurate recording, validation and delivery of Farm Accounts Data in assigned areas.
• Annual canvas and recruitment of new farm households to NFS sample.
• Provide explanation to farmers of results in farm reports.
• Work with farm accounts and related datasets.
• Maintain excellent records, input data into spreadsheets and databases and contribute to the compilation, analysis and presentation of data/results.
• Collaborating effectively with Teagasc colleagues and other relevant national and international research programmes.
• Providing 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.
• 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.