Basic Function:

To operate as part of a team in carrying out on-farm research projects, general dairy farm operations and to support the college in carrying out a range of farm and educational activities.

Background:

Ballyhaise Agricultural College is an education and training college in Co. Cavan.  To support the education delivery and skills training the college runs a mixed farm with 140 dairy cows, 35 suckler cows, 100 dry stock and 200 ewes. There is a dairy research programme delivered on the ground which is designed to evaluate technologies and practices at a systems level. The research and demonstration programme provides an important role in demonstrating pasture-based milk production in the Border Midlands Region.

Farm Operations and Technology Implementation:

• Perform key operational tasks, including milking droving, calving and breeding of the dairy herd and replacement stock
• Grass measurement and allocation putting up and taking down strip wires for temporary grazing fences
• Heat detection and AI
• Tractor driving and machinery operation – spreading of fertilizer, spraying, feeding of animals etc. in accordance with the research programme

Animal Husbandry and Compliance:

• Monitor and record livestock health and welfare, ensuring compliance with animal welfare standards
• Assist with implementation of biosecurity and biodiversity measures in line with research policies
• Support the development and implementation of farm safety protocols and maintain safe handling facilities
• Calf rearing 

 Farm Administration:

• Maintain farm record-keeping system management, including animal birth and movement records, drug usage, grazing events, and enterprise performance data

Event and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Assist in organising farm related events and promotional activities
• Collaborate with research and technical staff to align farm operations with educational and outreach objectives

Team Collaboration and Development:

• Participate in business planning, reviews and evaluations of research programmes. 
• Foster collaboration within the team to ensure seamless integration of farm operations with research goals
• Act as the link between the administration office and farm
• Engage in personal and professional development through training and the PMDS process.

General Duties:

• To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement
• 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
• To carry out 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 with the post-holder from time to time.

 Note:  The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.

Informal Enquiries: To find out more about these positions, please contact Michael Egan at Michael.Egan@teagasc.ie or via phone at 025-42700

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 committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'.

We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds