Basic Function:

We seek to appoint a contract technician to support the field research programme in crop agronomy and pathology, specifically relating to the sustainable control of plant diseases, pest and weeds. Plant diseases, pests and weeds represent one of the biggest challenges to sustainable crop production in Ireland. Identifying sustainable solutions to these problems are the subject of ongoing research at the Crops Research Centre at Oak Park, Carlow. Current research is seeking to develop integrated control programmes that support both environmental and economic sustainability and to evaluate their success under Irish field conditions. The successful candidate will be expected to play a significant role in the smooth and efficient running of a diverse field programme aimed at achieving the above goals.

There is a possibility of an extension to the duration of this contract, subject to contract funding.

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. Teagasc is the leading research and development organisation in Ireland in the fields of food and agriculture research and the main objective of the work programme at Oak Park is to support the 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

Staff have close links with international research bodies and they participate in scientific, collaborative and exchange programmes to maximise knowledge sharing. 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.

• To provide technical support to the field research programme in crop agronomy, specifically relating to the sustainable control of diseases, pests and weeds, primarily of cereals and potatoes, but also a wider range of arable crops.
• To assist in the design, establishment, data collection and reporting from the extensive crop protection programme undertaken by Teagasc in the field, glasshouse and laboratory.
• To work with the various teams involved in crop protection within Teagasc to develop and optimise control strategies for arable and potato crops.
• 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.