Location: Teagasc, Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15
Administration
Salary: Admin Grade 2 with a Salary Scale of €31,105 to €48,429
Closing Date: 17/02/2026 12:00 PM
Permanent Full Time
Job Description
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
To work closely with the Centre Operations Manager, Conference & Administration Manager and the administration team at Ashtown to ensure a positive and co-operative working environment. Below is an outline of the broad range of duties and responsibilities for the post of Research Centre Administrator. Specific Duties will be assigned on appointment.
Background:
The Ashtown Food Research Centre is a flagship research, training and innovation Centre within the Teagasc organisation and is pivotal in delivering its mission. Its main functions are to carry out food research and development programmes for the Irish meat, marine, prepared consumer foods, horticultural and other non-dairy sectors as well as hosting educational programmes with the National Botanic Gardens. The Centre hosts at any one time 235 staff and post-graduate students within 7 departments across its existing campus of 28 acres. The Campus is home to a Conference & Training Centre with 8 meeting rooms, a Science Lab, breakout spaces and canteen. Meetings, events and exams are held year round in this busy setting.
Job Objectives
* Setting up events in the Conference & Training Centre as per weekly event forms. The role will involve manual handling duties such as setting-up conference rooms, manoeuvring and arranging tables and chairs, co-ordinating supplies, and ensuring the effective management of equipment, supplies and designated spaces.
* Deliver items such as small-medium packages as required to relevant Departments within Campus.
* Check the Water Coolers for water levels, cups and standby bottles beside each Cooler and replenish where necessary.
* Assume responsibility for fleet management including bookings, maintaining accurate records, cleaning, NCT testing etc.
* Point of contact in liaising with bin providers, skip collections, lab coats delivery/collection and delivery/collection of white goods etc.
* Liaise with Conference and Administration Manager re events schedule.
* Monitor Conference & Training Centre daily and undertake checks pre-event and for the duration of events.
* Ordering stock and distribution of lab-coats etc. in collaboration with the Stores Officer.
* Raising POs and GRN as required in line with Teagasc procurement policy. Manage daily administration and month end procedures.
* Prepare post for collection by An Post/couriers each evening.
* Organise courier collections and deliveries in a timely manner.
* Provide cover for the Stores Officer during absence, annual leave etc.
* Attend local administration meetings as required.
* Support Teagasc in upholding and demonstrating its core values – 'Excellence, Integrity, Respect' in day-to-day role.
* 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.
* Any 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 from time to time with the post holder.
Skills Requirement
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
* A Level 5 qualification in a related discipline or passed an examination at the appropriate level within the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent which can be assessed as being comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent
* At least 1 years administrative experience or a related discipline.
* Any 3rd Level Qualification in Administration, Business, Finance, or related topics
* Demonstrated evidence of investment in own personal development and broadening of knowledge, skills and expertise in specific areas relevant to this role.
Skills/Knowledge
* Computer literate with a proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and Outlook
* Strong oral and written communication skills
* Good organizational and time management skills
* Strong administrative and numeracy skills
* Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of adherence to standards and procedures.
* Demonstrate a commitment to providing a high level of customer service.
* Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills.
* Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of value for money when procuring items/stock
* A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
* Project management skills
* Working knowledge of Centros Integra or similar financial software system.
Behavioural Competencies
* A structured approach to work with an ability to work in a confidential environment
* An ability to work on own initiative and to work collaboratively with others
* Organised and methodical with strong attention to detail.
* Self-motivated and ability to plan and prioritise work by importance and urgency.
* A positive, proactive solutions-focused approach to work.
* Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements / priorities.
* Ability to work to strict deadlines.
* Strong oral and written communication skills with keen attention to detail
* High degree of honesty and integrity.
* Self-disciplined with an ability to set clear standards and to take a quality customer service approach to work.
* Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos.
Other
* Candidates must hold a valid, full, clean Irish, EU/EEA or International driving licence (permit) to enable legally driving in Ireland.
Note: The 'essential' qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are 'must-have' which will be used in the selection process.