Job Description
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
The successful appointee will work within a modern 200 sow fully integrated research facility. Adjoined to the facility is a feed mill. Day to day duties will involve all aspects of running a modern and highly efficient facility. The appointee will be required to work in all animal sections within the unit and carry out a wide range of tasks in each area, with a strong emphasis on animal husbandry throughout. Attention to detail is extremely important in all tasks carried out.
Background
The Teagasc Pig and Poultry Research Department carries out research in the areas of pig nutrition, management, health and welfare, pig meat quality and food safety, environmental management and economics. The Pig and Poultry Research and KT Department has 6 specialised advisors, 4 research scientists, 4 postdoctoral fellows, and 4 technologists/technicians and 3 farm staff. It also hosts 12 MSc and PhD students.
Job Objectives
- Operating all aspects of pig rearing and associated functions within the research facility.
- Strong focus on accurate record keeping, systems management and unit hygiene.
- Meeting production targets and adherence to research programme protocols.
- Piglet, weaner and finisher pig management and welfare– e.g. animal procedures, animal movement and flow, regular weighing, power washing etc.
- General health and welfare management: Identifying issues, treating and recording appropriately.
- All work associated with each section of the sow herd.
- Farm recording and compliance with DAFM. Bord Bia, HPRA requirements.
- Operate, input electronic data and maintain farm feeding and ventilation systems
- Strict adherence to farm Bio-Security measures and maintaining a clean working environment.
- 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.
- 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 Requirement
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
- A Level 5 qualification, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agriculture, Farm Administration or a related discipline
- Driver's licence - categories 'B' and 'W'
- Level 6 qualification or higher would be a distinct advantage.
- Experience of operating in a pig enterprise
Skills/Knowledge
- Excellent stockmanship skills
- Time management.
- Pig production systems in Ireland.
- Animal health and welfare.
- Ability to learn and adapt to change.
- Excellent communicator, facilitates a two way flow of information.
- Ability to receive and comprehend direction clearly and seek clarification as required.
- Have strong self-motivation and an ability to work unsupervised.
- Strong planning and organising skills and an ability to schedule and prioritise workloads.
- Experience and familiarity with the use of IT and data management tools.
- Computerised feed systems and associated technology.
- Familiar with inputting data electronically via tablet or hand held devices.
Behavioural Competencies
- Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
- Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos
- Possess a strong acumen for attention to detail and takes personal pride in their work.
- Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
- Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
- Demonstrates a positive approach to new challenges
- Demonstrates a high level of ownership and commitment to the job.
- Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements/priorities.
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.
Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.
