Horticulture Technician

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.

Basic Function:

To provide horticulture technical assistance and guidance to support field or laboratory based research, including sampling, measurement, data recording and analysis of experimental information across the horticulture research programme including mushroom research, glasshouse research and field production. 

Background: 

The Horticulture Development Department (HDD) is located on the Teagasc Ashtown campus comprising the new research glasshouse facility and mushroom research facility together with numerous additional research resources. The horticulture research programme covers most sub-sectors of horticulture production with key emphasis on mushroom research and food horticulture.

Job Objectives

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to support the conduct of field or laboratory based research, including sampling, measurement, data recording and analysis of experimental information using your knowledge of the processes, tools and templates that are deployed in horticultural research and experimental work.

• Set up and maintain technical protocols for experiments including equipment use and calibration. 

• Supervise and manage all technical aspects of the horticulture research programme in the assigned area of responsibility, demonstrating the expertise around research methodologies and the technologies that support them, including the following;

  • To carry out the collection and recording of trial data according to parameters set in the mushroom research unit.

  • Assist farm staff and other technical staff in accurate recording of trial data across the Glasshouse and field vegetable trials area. 

  • To assist research staff with the preparation of information for use in publications and reports.

  • To participate in the dissemination of research information to students, clients and other stakeholders.

• To assist in the requisition of consumables and equipment as required. 

• Training and supervising contract staff, Walsh fellows and students from time to time.

• To assist in the organisation and running of advisory and promotion events and activities.

• To participate in future reviews and evaluations of Teagasc horticulture research programmes.

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

• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service charter and action plan through adherence to best practice protocols

• Develop, establish and maintain effective communications with HDD researchers and staff and act as a point of contact for technical input on research projects.

• Support technical on-site walks, workshops, seminars and conferences for producers and stakeholders.

• Take responsibility for own on-going personal and professional development by keeping abreast of latest production techniques and updating their knowledge base and expertise.

• Health & Safety Co-ordinator Duties or such other Health & Safety Duties as may be assigned from time to time.

• 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 Required

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

At the time of applying, candidates must have

• A Level 6 qualification, as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications, in Horticulture or a related discipline.

• Experience in crop production including glasshouse production, plant production & mushroom production would be a distinct advantage.

• A Level 7 qualification (Horticulture).

Skills

• Excellent communication skills and experience communicating technical information.

• Excellent organisational skills.

• Excellent horticulture crop production skills.

• Equipment and facility management experience.

• Established record of promoting best practice in a horticulture crop production environment.

• Knowledge of the Fancom environmental control system for mushroom production.

Knowledge

• Applicants must show wide ranging knowledge and expertise in horticulture production and production systems and demonstrate how they stay abreast of current best practice and research.

• Knowledge and expertise in setting up and maintaining technical protocols for experiments including equipment use and calibration.

• Possess logical and critical appraisal capacity for the evaluation of equipment, technology and methods.

• Possess a strong understanding and appreciation for the engineering, biological and environmental aspects of modern horticultural production.

• Display knowledge on secure, healthy, and cost-effective production of horticultural crops.

Behavioural Competencies

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

• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer within the team. 

• Self-disciplined, organized and methodical.

• Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements/ priorities.

• Have a logical and data driven disposition.

• Strong customer-service focus.

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

• Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key partners.

• Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos

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

• Demonstrates positive approach to new challenges and dissemination of new tasks.

Other

Candidates will ideally satisfy legal requirements to drive unaccompanied on Irish public roads

 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.

Attachment:

Techn_c0c836ac-b1bd-4c10-bf02-11efb35009c3.pdf