Ireland Job Openings

Teagasc

Precision Livestock Farming Technologist

Athenry

FULL TIME

September 19, 2024

Location: Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Athenry, Co Galway, H65 R718

Technologist

Salary: Technologist Grade 1 with a Salary Scale of €40,080 to €76,519

Closing Date: 08/10/2024 12:00 PM

Funded Full Time

Job Description

Duration:
Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 10 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 is seeking a Technologist to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team within Teagasc’s Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme (AGRIP) in collaboration with research-orientated organizations in 9 other European countries that are involved in the Techcare small ruminant project.
The appointee will have a key role in developing, implementing and managing the Techcare project with particular emphasis on:

Maintain a network of national and international stakeholders in the small ruminant (sheep and goats) (SR) sectors, and precision livestock farming (PLF) and digital technologies (DT) industries to ensure efficient knowledge dissemination
Assess practitioners needs and interests and identify factors influencing their acceptance and uptake of available technologies
Ensure efficient and extensive communication and intensive dissemination of ready-to-use PLF and DT and best practices
Co-design/co-develop innovative approaches to improve animal welfare management by using PLF technologies

Validate ready-to-use PLF technologies under large scale farm conditions in different operational environments focusing on animal welfare management and improvement

Background:
Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is the leading research, advisory and education organization in Ireland, focused on the needs of the agriculture and food industry, with both an applied and basic research programme. The Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Teagasc, located at Athenry, Co Galway has extensive facilities for field and animal research.
The small ruminant (sheep and goats) population in the EU is approximately 98 million of which 87% are sheep. Many small ruminant enterprises are often in challenging climatic and topographical conditions, often referred to as ‘less favoured areas’. Small ruminant farming is becoming less attractive to the younger generation/new entrants resulting in an aging population. Thus there is a decline in availability of skilled labour to manage flocks.
Digital technologies and PLF are widely adopted in the management of high-value animals (e.g. dairy cows) and other farm enterprises (e.g. pigs, poultry) and have significant production efficiency and welfare advantages. The use of PLF could improve welfare/management to enable individual animal identification and appropriate management to improve production efficiency. As all sheep have electronic identification (EID) this should facilitate wider adaption of PLF and innovative solutions in SR’s. This project aims to demonstrate innovative approaches and appropriate business models to monitor animal-based welfare indicators and improve welfare management in SR systems using PLF technologies along the whole production chain.

Job Objectives

To implement and manage the agreed Techcare programme.
Liaise closely with staff members of the Techcare project (both within Teagasc, international collaborators and stakeholder groups), Teagasc Research and Knowledge Transfer Specialists/Advisors to ensure effective delivery of the programme.
Manage agreed on farm research projects including collecting, collating and analyzing data; and preparing reports and other communication materials as required.
Ensure the smooth and timely results to the relevant partners and stakeholders.
Communicate effectively with project members and stakeholders through different media.
Regularly update social media platforms.
Be proficient in the use of IT software and regularly add updates to the project’s website.
Actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
Raise purchase orders for equipment and supplies as required.
Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service charter and action plan.
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.
To take up additional duties as may arise or as assigned by management

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

Desirable

Qualifications

A Level 8 qualification (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agricultural Science, Agri-Business, or Agri-Engineering or a related discipline.

A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in a relevant would be a distinct advantage

Skills

Project co-ordination and management.
Computer skills.
Good interpersonal, communication and dissemination skills. Including; verbal presentation/communication, technical writing, social media
Meeting and communications event organizational skills.
Efficient time management.
Proficient speaking and writing skills in the English language.

Experimental data capture
Statistical analysis and data collection & interpretation skills.
Survey methodology, implementation and analytical skills.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
PLF and digital technology skills

Knowledge

Knowledge of Irish sheep production and management systems.
Knowledge of Irish agriculture and the Irish sheep industry in particular.
Understanding of knowledge transfer processes

Knowledge of animal experimentation and/or modelling.
Knowledge of genetics, grassland management, nutrition and animal health – key drivers of lamb output.
Knowledge of digital and precision livestock farming technologies

Behavioural Competencies

Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
Strong work ethic.
Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
Flexible approach to work with an ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
A results-driven individual with a strong focus on goal setting, performance delivery and accountability.
Ability to work independently, and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables.
A proactive, solutions-focused approach to work with an ability to adapt to changing requirements and shifting work priorities.
Ability to set clear standards and have a quality customer service focus.
Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos

Other

As this role will involved 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.

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