Basic Function:

To contribute, as part of the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) team, to the evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures contained in the Nitrates Action Programme under the Nitrates Directive with particular emphasis on:

• Extracting data, including spatial data, from a range of sources and carrying out statistical analysis to facilitate and contribute to the production of peer-reviewed papers and other knowledge transfer (KT) and research outputs.
• Quality Control of datasets - including the use of manual and statistical techniques.
• Providing statistical support, with particular emphasis on spatial statistics, to ACP team members to facilitate the achievement of their research and KT objectives.
• Working with ACP colleagues and other Teagasc and non-Teagasc collaborators to maximise the potential value and outputs from data generated or acquired by the ACP.
• Implementing state-of-the-art spatial analysis approaches and techniques collaboratively as part of the Data Management Team in conjunction with the ACP researchers to deliver innovative solutions to data analysis challenges.
• Assisting in the development and operation of data-base systems for the archiving of non-time series data.
• Developing a broad understanding of the wider Data Management function so as to be able to provide cover within the Data Management Team as required from time to time.

Background:

The ACP is a national project of excellence, established in 2008, and is based on a stakeholder partnership which generates knowledge to underpin sustainable farm production in a clean environment. The objectives of the ACP 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, scientists, policy makers 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. The programme is managed by three ACP Managers (Water quality, soil/gaseous emissions/socio economy and Knowledge Transfer) who lead and direct the team. Close liaison is maintained with farmers and farming organisations at local and national level. The first four four-year phases of the ACP ran from 2008 to the end of 2023. Phase 5 of the ACP runs from the beginning of 2024 to the end of 2027. It is hoped that Phase 6 can be agreed with the funders (DAFM) for the period 2028 to 2031.

• The extraction of data, including from large and varied spatial data sets, and the statistical analysis and quality control of this data to facilitate the development of the scientific understanding of the range of processes taking place in the catchments.
• Developing and implementing innovative spatial analysis and statistical solutions to data analysis challenges.
• Provision of statistical support to, and collaborating with, ACP staff and students to facilitate the achievement of their research and KT objectives, including production of peer-reviewed papers and other research outputs.
• Working with ACP and other Teagasc colleagues as well as external collaborators to realise the potential value of the large data sets held by the ACP and facilitating the efficient production of high quality research outputs from that data.
• Production of cartographic outputs as a contribution to scientific posters and papers.
• Collaborating effectively with Teagasc colleagues and other relevant national and international research programmes.
• Provide 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.
• 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.