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
We are seeking to recruit General Farm Operative to support the research programme by carrying out general farm operations that include; milking, droving, calf rearing, fencing and operating farm machinery as assigned by the Farm Manager. The farms at Johnstown Castle are operated at a high technical level and supported with good calf rearing, milking, feeding and animal handling facilities. This farm operative position will work within a dynamic team of people, including Farm manager, technicians, Farm Operatives and Researchers, across the different farms and facilities. Appointment will made on a permanent basis and will include membership of a public sector pension scheme as well as a generous annual leave allowance of 25 days plus 10 public holidays. There are also opportunities to receive further training and develop skills on the job. The appointees will be expected to work overtime on a rostered basis to cover weekend work etc. when required.
Background
Teagasc - Johnstown Castle is Ireland’s leading research institute on the rural environment, and conducts both fundamental and applied research on a wide range of subjects, including nutrient efficiency, water quality, gaseous emissions, soil quality and agro-ecology to support sustainable and profitable farming systems. There is a large team of over 140 staff and students on-site including; Researchers, Technical, Administrative, Farm staff and undergraduate and post graduate students. Teagasc is conducting cutting edge farm systems research on its three research farms at Johnstown Castle with an aim to develop knowledge to support the productivity and sustainability of dairy, beef and organic farms. These three farms support multiple projects to optimise livestock production and farm efficiency from grassland based systems while enhancing the environmental effects of these systems.
- A Level 5 qualification, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agriculture.
- Full driving license valid for use in Ireland.
- Experience in dairy and beef farming that would include milking, calf rearing, breeding, feeding of livestock and machinery operations.
- Some experience in Agriculture would be a distinct advantage
- Some experience in dairy and beef herd management would be a distinct advantage.
- Milking, calf rearing, animal handling, animal feeding, heat detection and breeding management.
- Machinery operations.
- Knowledge of good farm practices.
- Animal health and welfare standards.
- Grassland management.
- Record keeping and ability to use IT.
- Environmental standards associated with cross-compliance.
- Grass management software.
- A structured approach to work
- Ability to work on own initiative and collaboratively with others as part of a team.
- Ability to problem-solve and demonstrate a high level of attention to detail.
- A positive, proactive solutions-focused approach to work.
- Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements/priorities.
- Strives for high quality work and demonstrates commitment to the programme
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.
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.
