Job Description
Location: Teagasc Research HQ, Oak Park Carlow; or Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, P61 C997 Position: Technologist Salary: Technologist Grade 1 with a Salary Scale of €40,080 to €76,519 Closing Date: 16/10/2024 12:00 PM Type: Funded Full Time Job Description Duration: Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 24 months, subject to contract. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months. Basic Function: Teagasc, Bord Bia and ICBF are collaborating to create AgNav, a farmer-centric sustainability support framework which utilises the three agencies’ collective knowledge, data, support tools and other resources, to enable delivery against Climate Action Plan targets for the agri sector. Teagasc is seeking to recruit a project officer to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for the partnership and development of the Ag Nav farmer-centric sustainability support framework. This position offers a significant opportunity to support and accelerate the development the AgNav digital sustainability platform working across the research and Knowledge Transfer directorate of Teagasc. The position will be based at Teagasc, Research HQ, Oak Park Carlow or the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Other Teagasc research centres may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management. The post holder will report to the Head of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation. Background: Teagasc is one of the key actors in facilitating the realisation of economic and environmental sustainability of the Irish agricultural sector as set out in Food Vision 2030. The vision aims to position Ireland as a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) over the next decade, delivering benefits for the Irish agri-food sector, society and environment. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act commits agriculture to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 based on 2018 levels and climate neutral by 2050. In that context there is a need to increase practice adoption at farm level in the area of reduced greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and increased carbon sequestration at farm level. Developing farmer owned greenhouse emission mitigation strategies for the agricultural sector and increase carbon sequestration in land use sectors will provide a pathway for emission reductions which can be individually scaled to create the overall national plan. The AgNav platform utilises the collective knowledge of Teagasc, Bord Bia and ICBF to provide data, decision-making support tools, and guidance to farmers, on one consolidated online platform. This streamlines the collection and use of existing data to accurately conduct baseline assessments of individual farm. This structure will help reduce administrative burden on farmers, improve quality of assessments, while generating farm specific plans to improve their environmental sustainability. The successful candidate will deliver on Teagasc commitments to the programme of work funded by DAFM for a two year period. They will contribute to the day-to-day running of all activities related to the project and take responsibility for milestones and deliverables. This roles may appeal to candidates who wish to apply their knowledge and skills to accelerating farmer centric approaches to environmental sustainability. Job Objectives Deliver support to the Teagasc research team and other AgNav lead partners (Bord Bia and ICBF) on the prioritisation of delivery to end users, development of tool functionality and integration with other sustainability platforms. Support the identification and establish the appropriateness of verified data sets in Teagasc and stakeholder organisations including public bodies that could be integrated within AgNav. Work with the partners to identify the key priorities for AGNav development. Develop and manage the plans and permissions for accessing data sets both from across Teagasc and other stakeholders including public bodies in compliance with data regulations. Develop protocols for managing third party requests in relation to access and/or integration with the AgNav platform or tools and services through development of a standardised processes and collaboration with lead partners. Support communication and promotion to a range of audiences producing content for publications and other related materials. Produce reports and presentations on progress on AgNav development and deliver as required to Senior Management Team and partner organisations. 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. Skills Requirement Essential A Level 8 qualification (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in agricultural science, business or a related discipline. Desirable A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in computer science would be a distinct advantage. Skills Stakeholder engagement Excellent time management skills with the ability to work to tight deadlines in an efficient manner. Project management Ability to work both autonomously and in a constructive environment. Ability to problem solve. Good flexibility with a willingness to adapt to new methods/techniques. Good oral & written communication skills. Recognised networking/ relationship building/ collaboration skills. Data handling skills. Life Cycle Analysis. Facilitation skills. Knowledge Knowledge of Irish farming systems in relation to sustainability. Systems modeling. Website design and management. Farm IT software. Behavioural Competencies A structured approach to work, with an ability to plan and prioritise by importance and urgency. Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders. Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme. Ability to critically analyse, problem-solve and demonstrates a high level of attention to detail. A positive, proactive solutions-focused approach to work. Ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences to enable knowledge and technology transfer. Ability to work independently and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables. Other Candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads. Eligibility: This is an open public competition. Should a current serving Teagasc staff member be successful in their application through open public competition for this post, their current contract of employment with Teagasc will come to an end on taking up this post. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr