ECT Project Advisor

Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 8 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

To project manage and carry out advisory duties under the “Enable Conservation Tillage” (ECT) project and specifically to run a network of Focus Farms concentrating on grass weeds control. To develop a programme of activities aimed at improving farmers, discussion groups, industry, etc., knowledge on grass weeds control and conservation agriculture including running public events, discussion group activities, workshops and other communication as necessary.

Background

Teagasc is a Development Agency of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, whose primary function is to support science-based innovation in the Agri-food sector and the broader bio-economy.

The ECT project is a fixed term innovation project with a strong knowledge transfer and research aspects funded under the European Innovation Partnership programme administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The project is based around an Operational Group which contains farmer groups, industry, seed producers, merchants, research and advisory. The project seeks to facilitate the adoption of Conservation Agriculture (CA) by specifically looking at the challenges of grass weeds which, in our climate, hinder the adoption of CA systems by growers. Difficult to control grass weeds such as sterile brome, canary grass, wild oats, black grass, etc. can cause significant yield loss, making production uneconomic. A number or combination of cultural control measures for grass control, such as stale seedbeds, the use of rotations, altering sowing dates and seed rates, etc. and the use of cover crops have been evaluated in other climates but have not been adequately tested at field level in Ireland. The problem is exacerbated by the development of resistance to commonly used herbicides among these grasses, which if allowed to proliferate, could threaten all crop production in affected areas. The project will work intensively with a small number of identified farmers (Focus Farms) across the country for research and KT activities for the duration of the project.

Job Objectives

• Steer the ECT project including close monitoring of deadlines and milestones under the direction of the project leader.

• Compile and write up existing information from a network of “Focus Farms” and run KT events and activities with these farms with the help of the project leader. 

• Co-ordinate the delivery of agreed messages from the ECT programme through the network of Focus Farms and to industry partners in partnership with the project Operational Group.

• Work effectively with all the project team to ensure the timely delivery of challenging project objectives.

• Develop final KT outputs, as defined by the project milestones, from information generated in the project in conjunction with the project staff.

• Use a range of effective advisory methodologies to achieve technology transfer.

• Maintain a high profile for the project through activities across the country using, publications, events and public relations. 

• Assist management and administrative staff in achieving good governance and risk management through co-operation and adherence to administrative procedures and practices.

• Actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes. 

• Fully co-operate with the provisions for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, 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.

• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and action plan through adherence to best practice protocols.

• Such 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 Required

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a relevant QQI Level 8 Degree in Agriculture Science or equivalent, to include crop husbandry as a major component.

• Approved DAFM Pesticide Advisor or equivalent.

Note: Teagasc may consider applicants who are not current Pesticide Advisors but who are willing to complete the training within 9 months

• Qualification in Knowledge Transfer techniques.

• Group facilitation experience.

Knowledge/Skills

• Good agriculture knowledge and demonstrated evidence of remaining abreast of current best practices and research. 

• Ability in identifying and shaping the best practical applications of up-to-date expert knowledge in order to enhance the capabilities of farms and other enterprises

• Demonstrated ability to act as an effective conduit to the latest thinking and methods that may give farmers a competitive edge or sustain their viability.

• Knowledge of grass weeds & control techniques and Conservation Agriculture.

• Ability to complie data, write reports and summarise data for industry needs

Behavioural Competencies

• Proven ability to compile and present data in written format to meet the needs of stakeholders

• Excellent analysis and problem solving skills.

• Communication skills and experience collaborating with stakeholders.

• Work and project organisation which demonstrates pro-activity and drive.

• Quality Customer Service focus.

• Team work and leadership abilities.

• Facilitation skills.

• Experience in organising and managing public events.

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.

Attachment:

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