Research Technician - Sustainable Beef Systems

at  Teagasc

Location: Crops, Environment and Land-Use Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford
Technician
Salary: Technician Grade 1 with a Salary Scale of €35,946 to €46,985
Closing Date: 14/02/2025 12:00 PM
Permanent Full Time

BACKGROUND:

Increasing the area under organic food production is one of the greenhouse gas mitigation and diversification actions in the National Climate Action Plan. With many suckler weanlings from organic farms currently finished conventionally, opportunities exist for farmers to finish these organically. As part of Teagasc’s Climate Centre, the development of competitive, profitable and sustainable blueprints for organic beef finishing systems is a key objective. These finishing systems must maximize the use of grass and clover so as to capitalize on Ireland’s natural competitive advantage in grass and forage production, and to contribute to the high quality, grass-fed reputation of Irish beef worldwide. An organic beef finishing study on the Kildavin Organic farm at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle will make agronomic, environmental and economic measurements to identify a profitable and sustainable organic beef finishing production system.
Teagasc are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Technician to support the state of the art research on beef production and environmental sustainability at Johnstown Castle. The role of the successful candidate will have particular emphasis on the measurements relating to animal and grassland performance, indoor feeding and environmental indicators for grass-based beef systems. This position is based at Teagasc Crops, Environment and Land-Use Research Centre at Johnstown Castle where the team of word class researchers have an international reputation for conducting science to improve and find solutions to the production and environmental challenges impacting agricultural production systems. This work on organic beef finishing systems will be in conjunction with Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre at Grange. The successful candidate will have access to extensive facilities for field and laboratory research and a dynamic team of researchers, technologists, technicians, farm staff, students and specialists. The newly recruited Technician will join this team on appointment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Level 6 qualification, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agriculture or a related discipline.
• A level 7 or above qualification in agriculture as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications would be a distinct advantage.

SKILLS

• Highly proficient in grassland management technologies including field measurements, understanding of grass budgeting and data infrastructure such as PastureBase Ireland.
• Management of indoor feeding practices.
• Excellent stockmanship; general animal husbandry, breeding management, nutrition/feeding, health and welfare
• Experience of working in a methodical manner.
• Experience of working with laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast paced environment.
• IT skills: Microsoft Office.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Database management and data analysis skills.
• Experience of working in an animal and grassland research environment.

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of animal and grassland research techniques.
• Familiarity with the beef industry and the main issues pertaining.
• Strong basic understanding of scientific principles underpinning efficient animal production in pasture-based systems (animal biology, feed chemistry, etc.).
• Knowledge of Health and Safety protocols.
• Experimental design and analysis, statistical analysis.
• Manual handling training.
• Knowledge of organic production systems.

Please refer the Job description for details