Basic Function: 

The position will be based at Teagasc, Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Co. Cavan but the successful candidate will be part of the Grassland Science Department at Teagasc Moorepark.  The appointee will be responsible for the day to day management of a large pasture based spring calving dairy research trial and associated dairy research staff, which includes the delivery of the Border Midlands Western region dairy research programme. This will include the implementation and evaluation of various grazing systems at Ballyhaise Agricultural College and overall management for the measurement of detailed research information on grassland management, animal breeding and reproduction and animal health and welfare. 

Background: 

Teagasc currently has an active research programme at the Ballyhaise Agricultural College farm. A permanent position exists based at Ballyhaise Agricultural College to manage this research programme and develop, deliver and disseminate research outcomes. The research programme will work in tandem with existing Teagasc research, education and advisory initiatives to support a more profitable and sustainable dairy industry in the region into the future.

• Daily management of a large dairy research programme including supervision of post graduate students, collection of data and presentation and publication of research results.
• Daily management/supervision of research operations and liaising with research, advisory and education staff to deliver the BMW region dairy research programme including the realisation of experimental objectives and protocols
• Line management responsibility for staff as may be assigned
• Co-ordinate the collection on details animal and grassland system performance research data
• Experimental recording and database management, including health and safety
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service charter and action plan.
• 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.
• Carry out such other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Department 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.