Basic Function:

Methane emissions from enteric fermentation account for the majority of the Irish dairy sectors greenhouse gas emissions profile. Developing strategies to reduce methane output will be important in meeting Irish agricultures climate targets. Two promising avenues to reduce methane output in Irish dairy systems are through improved forage quality and feed additives. This competition seeks to recruit a research technologist focused on the development of these technologies within the context of pasture-based dairy systems in Ireland. The appointee will have responsibility for supervising, managing and leading staff assigned to the project including technical and students. The appointee will also have a significant hands-on role in delivering on the projects objectives.

Background:

This post is funded by the Ireland – New Zealand Joint Research Initiative (JRI) funded project ‘Emissions4Pasture’. This project aims to conduct a series of field based experiments evaluating the impact of pasture management and species type as well as feed additives on enteric methane output. The position will be based at the Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Teagasc Moorepark is Ireland’s leading dairy research institute with national responsibility for all aspects of dairy production research which include grassland and grazing management, dairy cow breeding and reproduction, dairy cow health and welfare, milk composition and dairy cow nutrition, milking technology and milk production systems plus economic analysis. The research programme is conducted by over 30 scientific and technical professionals, supported by administrative and operative staff.  Moorepark operates a total of 7 individual dairy research farms totalling 500 hectares and over 1,000 dairy cows. Facilitates include modern individual cow feed and metabolism units, laboratories, computer facilities, milking research laboratories and pasture-based GreenFeed units for methane measurement.

• Contribute to designing, implementing, sampling and reporting on mitigation measures for enteric methane from pasture-based dairy systems.
• Data collection and handling, and excellent record keeping.
• Assist with data analysis, and writing of scientific papers, reports and stakeholder communications.
• Co-ordinate and contribute to knowledge transfer activities in the Emissions4Pasture project.
• Support specific project management activities of the Emissions4Pasture project. 
• Disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.
• 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.
• To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• 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.