Animal Nutritionist

Job Summary

Duration:

Permanent . 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.

Interviews:

Interviews will be taking place the week of the 9th of January 2023.

Basic Function:

To actively lead and support the development of a Teagasc ruminant nutrition advisory programme that will improve competitiveness, profitability and environmental efficiency on dairy and dry stock farms.

Background:

Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities in Ireland. Teagasc is a client-based organisation employing approximately 1,200 staff at over 50 locations throughout Ireland. Teagasc’s mission is to provide leadership and support to Irish farmers and food companies in achieving a sustainable food system. 

A key responsibility for Teagasc is to deliver a national ruminant nutrition programme that offers science-based solutions to industry issues, and that integrates nutrition management protocols within optimal systems of production. The ruminant nutrition specialist role is pivotal to the success of this programme. It supports dairy and drystock advisors in the delivery of technical advice to clients, and also functions to proactively identify and address information gaps in animal nutrition that will improve practices at farm level. The primary responsibilities of the role will involve providing advisors with regular training and support on nutritional queries, developing technical support material and programmes, while also working closely with both Teagasc researchers and relevant industry stakeholders on nutrition projects.

Job Objectives

• Working in close collaboration with Teagasc research and extension colleagues, deliver a comprehensive ruminant nutrition advisory service for dairy and dry stock production systems.

• Improve the knowledge and skills of dairy and dry stock advisors through provision of regular in-service training and support material.

• Assist Teagasc research teams in identifying and implementing relevant ruminant research.

• Build strong collaborative relationships with industry stakeholders.

• Organise and coordinate Teagasc-accredited nutrition courses for industry personnel in conjunction with other specialists and the Teagasc ConnectEd programme.

• Deliver relevant updates and content through national and local media, on the Teagasc website, in conferences and seminars and by attending discussion groups etc.

• Provide leadership and support to joint Teagasc/Industry programmes in addition to contributing to the development of new industry initiatives.

• Actively participate in the annual business planning process for the Dairy and Dry stock KT Departments, and contribute to the development and delivery of the priorities in the AGRIP Business Plan.

• Work closely with the research, advisory and education and training staff to ensure effective integration and consistency of technical content.

• 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.

• Participate in the annual Performance Management Development System (PMDS) process and take responsibility for own personal development and training.

• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service charter and action plan.

• Carry out such other duties as may be assigned on occasion by the line manager.

 * 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 Required

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a relevant Level 8 Degree in Agricultural Science or equivalent

• Relevant post-graduate qualification. 

• Relevant work experience in agricultural advisory, research or education 

• Experience in ruminant nutrition systems.

Knowledge/Skills

• Energy, protein and mineral nutrition for cattle and sheep. 

• Solid understanding of ruminant livestock industries nationally and internationally.

• Dissemination: verbal presentation/communication skills and technical writing skills. 

• Stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.

• Consultative and team leadership skills.

• Computer literate, with proficiency in the use of MS Office Excel, Word, PPT etc.

• Experience in project planning and leadership.

• Systems thinking and modelling.

• Data handling and analysis 

Behavioural Competencies

• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.

• Ability to work on own initiative and to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.

• Flexible approach to work with ability to priorities tasks effectively.

• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.

• A results-driven individual with a strong focus on goal setting and accountability.

• A solutions-focused approach to work with an ability to adapt to changing requirements.

• Ability to set clear standards, to lead by example, with a quality customer service focus.

Other

• Candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads, as this is a requirement for this role.

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

Attachment:

ADO_G_0e6a06a2-aba5-4e1c-a807-1705fd0e3235.pdf