Location: Kildalton College, Piltown, Co.
Kilkenny
Technician
Salary: Technician Grade 1 with a Salary Scale of €37,315 to €48,465
Closing Date: *****/ :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.
Background
Kildalton is the largest Teagasc college and a leading provider of training in Agriculture, Horticulture and Equine Studies in Ireland with over 1,400 students attending courses every year.
In addition to providing QQI accredited courses at levels 5 and 6, Kildalton College also provides courses at levels 7 and 8 in partnership with South East Technological University (SETU).
Kildalton College has a wide range of horticultural facilities including orchards and soft fruit and vegetable production unit
Basic Function
To operate as part of the horticultural team in the development, promotion and delivery of education and training within Kildalton College.
The appointee will provide technical support, co-ordinate the management, operation and running of the fruit and vegetable unit in line with enterprise unit plans
Job Objectives
Prepare, co-ordinate, deliver and assess practical skills training in line with approved curriculum and deliver feedback to students.
Managing health, safety and welfare of students and implementation of the health and safety policy.
Maintain student records of training.
Implement quality assurance policies including internal verification.
Supervision of students on work experience.
Provision of material for practicals, open days, in-service training and educational exhibits.
To assist management and administrative staff in achieving good governance and risk management through co-operation and adherence to administrative procedures and practices.
Play a key role in the college fruit and vegetable unit to facilitate innovation and development opportunities in sustainable food production.
To co-ordinate and liaise with other horticultural staff in the management, maintenance and development of the college fruit and vegetable unit.
Plan daily/weekly/seasonal work programs and implementation of crop plans in the fruit and vegetable unit.
To support management and maintenance of horticultural machinery and equipment.
Supervise and manage (when required) farm staff, including external contract/agency farm staff and students.
To maintain physical records pertaining to students and enterprise.
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 6 qualification, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Horticulture or related discipline.
A Level 7 qualification in Horticulture would be a distinct advantage.
3 years' work experience in the fruit and vegetable sector.
Skills
Practical skills associated with the production of fruit and vegetables.
Horticultural machinery operations.
Self-motivation and leadership capabilities.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to impart knowledge to students.
Ability to work on own initiative whilst being an effective part of a larger team.
Competent in operation of horticultural production machinery and equipment.
Computer Skills
Previous experience in skills training in horticulture
Knowledge
Knowledge of Fruit and Vegetable crop production and management.
Knowledge of planting, cultivation, irrigation, fertilisation, rotation and integrated pest management.
Understanding of the fruit and vegetable production sector and its stakeholders.
Compliance and relevant legislation related to food production.
Sustainability and protection of fruit and vegetable crops.
Knowledge of organic production of food crops
Behavioural Competencies
Ability to plan work schedule and work effectively to college timetables.
Ability to adopt a positive and flexible approach to working with others.
Open to change and provide suggestions for improvement.
Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
Ability to problem solve and demonstrate a high level of attention to detail.
Ability to develop student potential.
Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our
Teagasc Together
ethos
Other
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.
Note: The 'essential' qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are 'must-have' which will be used in the selection process.
Gender, Diversity and Inclusion
At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation.
We are commited to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'.
We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.