Basic Function:

The appointee will be responsible for the day to day management of a pasture based farm systems research project. The appointee will manage the delivery of the research programme working with researchers, farm staff and PhD students to undertake various research measurements on the current experiment in such areas as grassland management, breeding and reproduction, animal health and welfare, milk quality and environmental performance. The position involves both data collection from pastures, soils and animals as part of a research team. The successful candidate will also assist in the dissemination of results to visiting groups as necessary.

The position will also involve working with the project team on the:

• Daily management of a large dairy herd including herd health and welfare, grassland management, breeding and calving season cow management.

• Liaising with research staff to deliver the research programme including the realisation of experimental objectives and protocols.

• Manage both the livestock and grassland management of the experimental herds and co-ordinate the collection on details animal and grassland system performance research data.

• Experimental recording and database management, including health and safety.

Background:

The position is based at Curtins Farm at Teagasc Moorepark working on a project evaluating the performance of mixed species swards under intensive grazing systems with a high level of detailed measurements and methods. The project involves working within a multi-disciplinary research team involving scientists from Teagasc AGRIC and CELUP and in addition to both production and environmental researchers from INRAe, France. The aims of this project are to evaluate the efficacy of mixed species swards managed under intensive grazing to maintain sward productivity, nutritive value and subsequent animal performance and improve the environmental sustainability of production via reduced chemical fertilizer application and associated nutrient leaching, the elimination of herbicides and improved long term species persistence and biodiversity.

• Aid in implementation of robust protocols for corporate governance and compliance with Teagasc policies and procedures on the farm including:
  • Managing procurement of supplies and contracting services in line with Teagasc protocols and procedures, and within the allocated farm budget.
  • Managing farm staff, undertaking PMDS with team members, and coordinating work rosters in line with approved procedures.
  • Maintaining farm equipment and facilities to a high standard of operation and safety. 
  • Managing the programme of work within the allocated budget.
• Daily management of a large dairy herd including herd health and welfare, grassland management, breeding and calving season cow management
•  Liaising with research staff to deliver the research programme including the realisation of experimental objectives and protocols
• Manage both the livestock and grassland management of the experimental herds and co-ordinate the collection of details on animal and grassland system performance research data
• Experimental recording and database management, including health and safety
• 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.