Farm Operative

Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 48 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 carry out the full range of farm operations to support the breeding programme including significant hands-on work in the field, glasshouse and laboratory.

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.

Job Objectives

• Carry out the full range of grass and clover breeding related tasks, as required, including:

  • Plant/plot establishment and management including sowing, fertilizing, spraying, cutting, harvesting, combining, seed threshing and seed cleaning.

  • Laboratory equipment operation and care including soil sterilisation unit, seed thresher, seed cleaners, seed dryer and herbage mill

  • Field machinery/equipment operation and care including cultivators, seeders, planters, fertilizer spreaders, sprayers, grass mowers, combine harvester and forage plot harvester

  • Glasshouse and polytunnel maintenance and operation including crossing, watering and heating

  • Data collection including use of electronic loggers.

• Supervise assigned staff, including external contract/agency staff and placement/workplace students.

• Participate actively in training and self-development on an on-going basis as necessary to fulfil the role.

• Conduct all duties in a safe manner and in compliance with best practice guidelines and policies.

• 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.

• 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 with the post-holder from time to time.

Skills Required

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

At the time of applying, candidates must have

• A Level 5 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification that would be acceptable to Teagasc as being at least equivalent in a related discipline.

• Driving licence Class B

• A Level 6 qualification in Agriculture or a related discipline is highly desirable.

• Driving licence Class BE & W

• Pesticide user/sprayer operator qualification

Skills/knowledge

• Grass and clover establishment and forage production.

• Practical tractor and other field machinery and equipment operation.

• Patience to conduct ongoing repetitive tasks involving thousands of plants, plots or samples.

• Health and safety.

• Grass and clover crossing and seed production including seed drying, threshing, cleaning and storage.

• Glasshouse and polytunnel operation and maintenance.

• Glasshouse and polytunnel plant establishment and care.

• Experience with plant breeding machinery and equipment.

• Computer skills.

Behavioural Competencies

• Self-disciplined, organized and methodical.

• Ability to plan work schedule and work effectively to research timetables.

• A positive and flexible approach to working with others, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with peers & key stakeholders

• Open to change and provide suggestions for improvement.

• Has the ability to problem solve and demonstrate a high level of attention to detail.

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

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

• Interested in self-development and acquiring new skills and knowledge.

Other

As this role will involve driving vehicles, 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

Attachment:

FarmO_7c29ad4e-2260-486e-8b75-fbdf856b3da3.pdf