Job Description
Duration:
Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 40 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:
This role entails developing and expanding improved pasture management practises and nutrient management at farm level, resulting in livestock farmers achieving increases in grazing management knowledge, pasture production and utilisation, and nutrient use efficiency through the Grass10 campaign, with a particular focus on the uptake of white clover.
The objectives of this role will be achieved through:
- The creation, publication and extension of resources and tools that support the Grass10 campaign, leading to the adoption of good pasture management practices on-farm.
- Promotion of PastureBase Ireland and promotion of pasture measurement across all ruminant enterprises.
- Enhancing knowledge and uptake of measures to enhance nutrient use efficiency and mitigation of nutrient losses to the environment.
- Promoting the establishment and management of clover swards on dairy and drystock farms through focussed campaigns and events.
- Development and delivery of an effective grassland management extension programme, to ensure that Teagasc advisers and industry professionals deliver consistent best-practice advice to farmers.
- The delivery of appropriate training events and workshops for farmers and industry.
Background:
Grass10 is a multi-year campaign to increase pasture utilisation on Irish livestock farms (dairy, beef and sheep), with the objective of achieving: (1) 10 tonnes grass DM/ha/year utilised; and (2) 10 grazings/paddock/year, while at the same time reducing the N surplus while maintaining forage self-sufficiency.
Job Objectives
- Collaborate with the Clover150 programme to demonstrate best practise in clover establishment and management to the grassland industry, delivering clover workshops on commercial farms and Teagasc Research Centres.
- In conjunction with Clover150, coordinate the rollout of a wider technical advisory campaign to promote increased use of clover for grazing (and silage) swards, with concomitant adjustments to N fertilizer use targets.
- Promote nutrient management on farm by providing farmers with up-to-date information through PastureBase Ireland on fertilizer use, level of fertilizer requirements and soil fertility.
- Develop and roll out communication pathways to enhance understanding of nutrient use efficiency metrics, N surplus management, and mitigation of nutrient losses, in the context of profitable grazing systems.
- Assist in producing a weekly Grass10 newsletter in collaboration with PastureBase (PBI) staff and Dairy/Drystock KT colleagues (www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10).
- Produce a weekly Grass10 management notes podcast on the Dairy Edge platform, and contribute content to the wider Dairy Edge podcast as required.
- Promote the use of PastureBase Ireland (www.pbi.ie) by farmers, working closely with technical advisers and the PastureBase Ireland team.
- Deliver regular PastureBase training webinars and updates to Teagasc staff, farmers and industry personnel in collaboration with PBI staff.
- Assist with delivery of grazing management content and workshops at Teagasc dairy and beef regional and national events.
- Contribute/write technical papers, publications and articles for Irish livestock farmers relevant to Grass10, including publishing to www.teagasc.ie and Teagasc social media channels.
- Assist Teagasc in meeting commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
- Actively participate in the risk management, annual business planning and PMDS processes and take responsibility for own professional development
- Fully co-operate with the provisions for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, 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.
- Carry out such other duties as 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
- A Level 8 Degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agricultural Science or equivalent
- Relevant post-graduate qualification (Masters or PhD).
- Experience in grassland science.
Knowledge/Skills
- A proven ability to deliver high quality work within specified deadlines.
- Ability to work within a team environment.
- Proven networking/ relationship building skills.
- Proficiency in the use of MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) adaptable to various audiences and media types.
- Report writing skills, Social media and Podcast skills.
- Knowledge of the Irish dairy, beef and sheep industries/ sectors.
- Knowledge of soil fertility, grazing infrastructure and sward management and renewal.
- Experience in grazing management advisory and training work.
- Experience in clover establishment and management at farm level.
- Web publishing skills.
- Video recording/ editing skills.
- Experience of leading project teams.
Behavioural Competencies
- Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, training, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
- Results-driven with a strong focus on goal-setting, performance delivery and accountability.
- Sets clear standards, for self and other team members.
- Acts as a catalyst for change with a capacity to creatively problem-solve.
- Builds productive and engaging relationships with stakeholders (internal and external).
- Communicates with openness and honesty.
- Delivers on commitments and is accountable for own actions and their impact.
- Demonstrates a willingness to be innovative in terms of the development of improved products or services.
- Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos.
Other
- Advisers will be required to have their own transport in order to efficiently carry out the duties of the role. Travel and subsistence expenses will be payable at approved public service rates.
- 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.
Note: Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.
