Location: Teagasc, Crops, Environment and Land Use Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford, Y35 Y521

Research

Salary: Research Officer with a Salary Scale of €40,080 to €76,519

Closing Date: 19/09/2024 12:00 PM

Funded Full Time

Job Description

Duration:
Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 19.5 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:
The appointed candidate will collaborate with leading scientists on two exciting research projects externally funded by the DAFM and EU LIFE. The role will focus primarily on the identification and analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) reduction practices for pasture-based agricultural systems. The most effective practices in relation to abatement potential in an Irish context will be highlighted, together with the research needed to develop emerging practices and technologies.

Background:
Irish agriculture is an important contributor to N and P contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. Recent trends in N and P load in waterbodies have demonstrated sustained increases, with nutrient concentrations considered too high in over 25% of rivers and over 33% of lakes. Moreover, the sector is a major source of GHG emissions, accounting for 35%-40% of national GHG emissions on an annual basis. Notwithstanding the significant volume of research undertaken on mitigating nutrient losses and GHG emissions from Irish agriculture, the sector is expected to struggle to meet its climate and water quality commitments. For policy-makers to comprehend and act upon scientific research related to GHG, N and P reduction practices there is a constant need for thorough, transparent and unbiased reviews. These kinds of review are critical for prioritizing the best options for lessening the adverse environmental effects of agricultural systems.

Teagasc Johnstown Castle is the leading centre for agricultural and environmental research in Ireland. The centre undertakes research on a wide range of subjects including water quality, climate change, ecology, pedology and air quality. The research programme is carried out by scientific and technical experts, supported by administrative and operative professionals. Johnstown Castle staff have access to state of the art laboratory, greenhouse and growth chamber facilities to present reliable results to stakeholders. They also use the estate’s land resources to conduct small or large-scale field experiments. The Johnstown Castle estate covers 400 hectares, of which 250 hectares is under farmland and the balance being forestry, parkland and lakes. The modern farms on the estate, a dairy farm and a beef farm, are devoted to measuring the sustainability of livestock production.

Job Objectives

Screen GHG, N and P solutions in Teagasc MACC, journal papers, strategic documents, policies and reports based on specific inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Perform meta-analysis of improved management practices and technological innovations for reduction of GHG emissions, ammonia emissions and nutrient losses from the agricultural sector.

Document priority management and technological options for mitigating gaseous emissions and nutrient losses to aquatic environments.

Present effective mitigation practices and strategies to policy makers.

Measure/monitor, report and verify emission reductions or removals on livestock farms participating in carbon farming initiatives.

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.

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 Requirement

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

An honours Level 8 degree, as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications , or equivalent , in environmental science, agriculture, engineering or a related discipline.

A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in environment science, agriculture, engineering or a related discipline.

Skills

Excellent project management, organization, report writing and presentation skills.

Good communicator capable of transferring concepts to students and stakeholders through the English language.

Computer literate, with proficiency in the use of MS Office, and statistical analysis software.

Detail focused with an ability to work to tight deadlines.

Comfortable analysing large datasets with multiple parameters.

Experience conducting meta-analysis with computer software.

Used to applying farm-level decision support systems

Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.

Proven record in scientific publication.

Knowledge

Familiar with pasture-based production systems.

Knowledge of Irish and EU environmental regulations.

Strong understanding of the influence of agriculture on nutrient losses and GHG emissions.

Aware of present practices to mitigate environmental impacts of agricultural production.

Good comprehension of marginal abatement cost curve methodology.

Understand design and implementation of carbon farming projects.

Acquainted with campaigns to improve the sustainability of Irish agriculture

Behavioural Competencies

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

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

Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.

Ability to generate new ideas, unique concepts, models and solutions.

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.