Basic Function:

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting and managing the forage breeding programme in the breeding of improved varieties of forage grass, legumes and herbs.  This will include significant hands-on work in the field, glasshouse and laboratory plus the assignment, supervision, and management of technical, farm and casual staff to efficiently complete all tasks to the required standard in the correct order and in a timely manner.

Background:

The Teagasc commercial forage-breeding programme was established at Oak Park, Carlow in the mid-1980’s. The programme has adopted a multispecies breeding strategy targeted at increasing animal production potential, improving animal health and welfare, and reducing the environmental and climatic footprint of agriculture. Our main emphasis is on breeding improved varieties of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), white clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) that will offer high yields of quality forage over a long grazing season together with high persistency and disease resistance. Breeding is based on the establishment, evaluation and crossing of thousands of plots and plants each year in the field and glasshouse.

• Supervise and manage all aspects of plant growth, development and evaluation in the glasshouse, field and laboratory.
• Supervise and manage farm staff and students.
• Design field sowing, planting, sampling and crossing plans.
• Implement agronomy protocols and monitor plant growth and development.
• Data collection and record keeping, and computer inputting.
• Plant establishment including weighing seed, tillering established plants, arranging trials, planting in the glasshouse and field, fertilizing, watering and clipping.
• Plant evaluation including visual assessments, plant and plot measurements, cutting and laboratory analyses.
• Drive and operate plant breeding equipment and machines including the Haldrup Forage Harvester.
• Contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit of the forage breeding programme.
• 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.

* 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.