Post Type: Permanent Full Time. 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.
Background:
Kildalton College is one of four Teagasc colleges and is among Ireland’s leading providers of education and training in Agriculture, Horticulture, and Equine Studies, welcoming more than 1,200 students annually. The college delivers QQI-accredited courses at Levels 5 and 6, while also offering Level 7 and 8 courses in partnership with South East Technological University (formerly WIT), reinforcing its reputation as a progressive centre of learning in the South-East.
The college’s equine facilities include an indoor arena, two outdoor arenas, an all-weather cross-country track, stable blocks, tack rooms, a horse walker, and a breeding enterprise. With approximately 50 horses available for practical training, students gain extensive hands-on experience in horse care and management, the handling of young horses, and riding instruction.
Kildalton College will also coordinate the Stud Farm Manager Apprenticeship which is due to be launched shortly.
Basic Function:
The successful candidate will join a dedicated team of equine professionals responsible for the development and delivery of the college’s equine training programmes, with a particular emphasis on the new Stud Farm Manager Apprenticeship.
- A Level 8 qualification (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent) in Equine Studies or related discipline.
- Occupational First Aid Certificate
- BHS Stage III Coach Qualification or equivalent or HSI Level 1 Coaching.
- Strong practical experience in stud management.
- Competent in completing and delivering training in practical skills associated with stud management.
- Strong IT skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Strong communication and leadership skills with ability to teach and transfer knowledge.
- Ability to manage/coach large student groups.
- Experience in handling mares, foals and youngstock.
- Preparation of horses for sales or competition.
- Nutrition and feeding management.
- Stable management skills.
- Equine health, disease prevention and biosecurity.
- Understanding of equine behaviour and welfare legislation.
- Analysis, assessment and evaluation skills.
- Teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Teaching experience.
- Foaling experience.
- Knowledge of the Teagasc Education System.
- Knowledge of QQI quality assurance procedures.
- Good understanding of the Thoroughbred industry.
- Knowledge of breeding operations and stud farm management.
- Experience of foaling procedures and neonatal care
- Knowledge of Equine reproduction and breeding cycles.
- Knowledge of pasture and land management.
- Work planning and project organisation which shows proactivity and drive.
- Quality customer service focus.
- Flexibility and openness to change.
- Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, training, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
- Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
- Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos.
- Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
- Flexible approach to work with an ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
- A results-driven individual with a strong focus on goal setting, performance delivery and accountability.
- Ability to work independently and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach to work with an ability to adapt to changing requirements and shifting work priorities.
- Ability to set clear standards and have a quality customer service focus.
- 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.
