Farm Operative

Duration:

Temporary contract post, the indicative duration of which is 6 Months every year for 5 years for the May to October period, 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:

To carry out the full range of general farm operations to support the research programme in cereals and apple production.

Background:

The tillage sector in Ireland occupies 300,000 ha and underpins the Irish agri-food industry through the supply of animal feedstock and as the raw material for Irelands important brewing and distilling industries and also some food products. The development of higher value markets for crop products has been an objective of the programme for a number of years. Apple production has been identified as a significant opportunity and an experimental orchard was established in Oak Park was established 2 years ago, maintenance of the orchard will be a significant part of this role. Teagasc is the leading research and development organisation in Ireland in the fields of food and agriculture research and currently has a vacancy for a Farm Operative, with experience of all aspects of field crop production at its Crops Research Centre at Oak Park, Carlow. Our research programme deploys a broad range of disciplinary expertise covering agronomy including break crops, rotations and crop establishment. We have an extensive experimental land resource and a comprehensive range of plot specific equipment including RTK GPS. In addition, the laboratories and workshops at the Centre are equipped with the most up-to-date technology for research purposes. This ensures that research and services at Oak Park are of the highest quality enabling Irish agriculture to keep pace with advancements in technology development.

• Carry out the full range of farm related tasks, as required, including , including orchard and tillage operations;
  • Driving of tractors, farm vehicles and machinery including; spraying and fertiliser spreading.
  • Operation, management and care of equipment used in the undertaking of research farm tasks.
  • Day to day tillage/crop related tasks including all crop husbandry related tasks.
  • Conduct routine orchard tasks such as pruning, tree training, thinning, pest and disease management, irrigation, among others.
• Assist with research measurements as part of on-farm research projects
• Supervise assigned staff, including external contract/agency staff and placement/workplace students.
• Participate actively in training and self-development on an on-going basis as necessary to fulfill the role.
• Conduct all duties in a safe manner and in compliance with best practice guidelines and policies.
• 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.

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

• A Level 5 Advanced qualification, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agriculture or Horticulture or a related discipline
• Drivers licence - categories B, BEand W.

• A Level 6 qualification in Agriculture/horticulture or a related discipline is highly desirable.
• Professional pesticide user registration

Skills

• Practical tractor and other farm machinery operation skills and experience.

• Computer Skills.
• Experience with GPS based machinery operation.
• Experience with plot scale equipment.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of farm machinery operations and maintenance.
• Health and safety.
• Understanding of the tillage sector and its stakeholders.
• Understanding of crop production/agronomy.

• Knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to farming.

Behavioural Competencies

• Self-disciplined, organized and methodical.
• Ability to plan work schedule and work effectively to research timetables.
• A positive and flexible approach to working with others, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with peers & key stakeholders
• Open to change and provide suggestions for improvement.
• Has the ability to problem solve and demonstrate a high level of attention to detail.
• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
• Interested in self-development and acquiring new skills and knowledge.

Other

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.