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College Technician - Forestry

Location: Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan.
Technician
Salary: Technician Grade 1 with a Salary Scale of €36,946 to €47,985
Closing Date: 11/07/2025 12:00 PM
Permanent Full Time

Job Description

Duration:

Permanent . A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.

Interviews for this position will take place on Wednesday 23rd Of July

Basic Function

To provide technical support for the running of all educational programmes operated by Ballyhaise College

Background

Ballyhaise Agricultural College is based in Co. Cavan. The College offers QQI accredited Level 5 and 6 courses in Agriculture and Forestry both full time and part time. Degree courses in Agriculture are conducted at Ballyhaise in collaboration with Dundalk Institute of Technology. All courses require extensive technical and practical training to be provided for students.

Job Objectives

To prepare and deliver forestry and workshop skills training in line with the approved curriculum.
To deliver training in the safe use and maintenance of pesticide application equipment, forestry equipment and machinery, including chainsaws, harvesting machinery, and other mechanised forestry systems.
To undertake practical skills assessments and proficiency testing of students in forestry-related tasks.
To supervise students during fieldwork, practical sessions, and work placements.
To assist with the operation, maintenance, and development of the college’s forestry enterprise, including planting, establishment, thinning, harvesting, biodiversity, and site management.
To maintain and supervise the maintenance of forestry machinery, equipment, and tools in the forestry workshop.
To support the use of technology such as GIS, GPS, and digital mapping in the management and teaching of forestry practices.
To assist in the requisition and procurement of forestry-related machinery, tools, and materials.
To maintain accurate physical and financial records relating to forestry operations.
To support the organisation and running of forestry-related advisory events, open days, and promotional activities.
To participate in the ongoing review and development of Teagasc forestry education programmes.
To contribute to the implementation of environmental sustainability practices and promote good forest stewardship.
To oversee and promote good health and safety practices in all forestry-related activities.
To fully co-operate with provisions for ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of themselves, fellow staff, students, and non-Teagasc personnel, and to assist management in meeting all legal obligations. This includes full compliance with responsibilities outlined in the College Safety Statement.
To take a lead role in the implementation and inspection of safety practices across all forestry and workshop activities. This includes active use of the Flex safety management system, collaboration with the College Safety Coordinator, and a key role in the annual review and updating of the College Safety Statement.
To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
To actively participate in business planning, risk management, and the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS).
To take responsibility for their own ongoing personal and professional development.
To carry out 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.

Skills Requirement

	Essential	Desirable
Qualifications	A Level 6 qualification, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Forestry or a related discipline. Current full driver’s licence.	A Level 7 qualification in forestry related would be a distinct advantage Pesticide application qualification. Qualification in chainsaw operations.
Skills/Knowledge	Practical skills in forestry machinery operation (e.g. harvesters, forwarders, tractors with forestry equipment). Proficiency in maintenance and repair of forestry machinery and tools. Strong workshop skills, including safe use of power tools, welding, and fabrication. Accurate physical and financial record-keeping related to forestry operations. Understanding of forest safety practices, risk assessment, and legal requirements. Competence in IT and digital tools (e.g. Microsoft Office, online safety management systems). Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a focus on student engagement and mentoring.	Experience using GIS, GPS, or digital mapping tools in a forestry context. Experience using harvesting machinery. Familiarity with forestry fleet or equipment management systems. Knowledge of Teagasc forestry courses, QQI certification processes, and programme delivery. Experience in native woodland management, biodiversity enhancement, or afforestation planning.
Behavioural Competencies	Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos Displays initiative and is self-motivated. Ability to communicate in an effective manner. Self-disciplined, organised and methodical. Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements/priorities. Interested in self-development and acquiring new skills and knowledge. Capacity to build relationships and network with staff, clients and stakeholders.
Other	As this role will involve driving vehicles, candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

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.

Attachment(s):

Technician_Grade1_InformationBooklet.pdf

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