Location: Animal and Grassland Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy Co. Cork
Advisory/Education
Salary: Agr Development Officer Grade I with a Salary Scale of €41,580 to €78,830
Closing Date: 23/09/2025 12:00 PM
Funded Full Time
Job Description
Duration:
Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 38 months, subject to contract. 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:
This role entails developing and expanding improved pasture management practises and nutrient management at farm level, resulting in livestock farmers achieving increases in grazing management knowledge, pasture production and utilisation, and nutrient use efficiency through the Grass10 campaign, with a particular focus on the uptake of white clover.
The objectives of this role will be achieved through:
* The design, production and publication of digital media content to promote the objectives of the Grass10 campaign, including a campaign video channel, podcast and social media platforms
* Promotion of the Grass10 campaign and PastureBase Ireland via Teagasc and wider industry events
* The creation, publication and extension of resources and tools for industry stakeholders that support the Grass10 campaign, leading to the adoption of good pasture management practices on-farm.
* Development of content and initiatives promoting Grass10 objectives to agriculture students and education staff at secondary and higher level
* Assist in development and delivery of an effective grassland management extension programme, to ensure that Teagasc advisers and industry professionals deliver consistent best-practice advice to farmers.
About Grass10:
Grass10 is a multi-year campaign to increase pasture utilisation on Irish livestock farms (dairy, beef and sheep), with the objectives of achieving: tonnes grass DM/ha/year utilised; and grazings/paddock/year, while simultaneously moderating the N balance and maintaining forage self -sufficiency.
Job Objectives
* Collaborate with Teagasc KT and AGRIP programmes to design, develop and publish branded media content for the Grass10 campaign, including a long-form video channel (Grass10 TV), as well social media and podcast content across multiple platforms
* Provide digital content from the Grass10 programme for distribution through all Teagasc media channels, including research, knowledge transfer, and education
* Develop and roll out targeted initiatives to promote Grass10 objectives among students of agriculture at secondary and higher level, including competitions and social media campaigns
* Produce weekly Grass10 podcast notes for circulation to agri-media, including events and publicity content.
* Assist in production and promotion of weekly Grass10 newsletter in collaboration with PastureBase (PBI) staff and Dairy/Drystock KT colleagues ).
* Provide Grass10 campaign content and media for Teagasc events including open days, conferences and farm events etc.
* Provide relevant digital content to programme partners (AIB, Grassland Agro, FBD Trust) for distribution through their channels, and support on same.
* In conjunction with Teagasc KT and AGRIP, coordinate the rollout of a wider technical advisory campaign to promote pasture management and increased use of clover for grazing (and silage) swards
* Develop and roll out communication pathways to enhance understanding of nutrient use efficiency metrics, N balance management, and mitigation of nutrient losses, in the context of profitable grazing systems.
* Promote the use of PastureBase Ireland ) by farmers, working closely with technical advisers and the PastureBase Ireland team.
* Assist Teagasc in meeting commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
* Actively participate in the risk management, annual business planning and PMDS processes.
* Fully co-operate with the provisions for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, 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.
* Carry out such other duties as assigned by the Head of Programme or Director of Research 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 8 Degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agricultural Science or a Level 8 Degree in Marketing, Digital Media or Communications or equivalent
* Relevant post-graduate qualification (Masters or PhD).
* Experience in grassland science.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of the Irish ruminant production systems / sectors.
* Knowledge of soil fertility, grazing infrastructure and sward management and renewal
* Experience in grazing and clover management advisory work.
* Digital media production and content creation
* Financial analysis and farm business planning
* Experience in setting up and facilitating discussion groups
* Established record of promoting grass budgeting
Skills
* A proven ability to deliver high quality work within specified deadlines.
* Ability to work within a team environment
* Proven networking/ relationship building skills.
* Proficiency in the use of MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
* Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) adaptable to various audiences and media types.
* Report writing skills.
* Social media and Podcast skills
* Web publishing skills.
* Video recording/ editing skills.
* Experience of leading project teams.
Behavioural Competencies
* Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
* Results-driven with a strong focus on goal-setting, performance delivery and accountability.
* Sets clear standards, for self and other team members.
* Acts as a catalyst for change with a capacity to creatively problem-solve.
* Builds productive and engaging relationships with stakeholders (internal and external).
* Communicates with openness and honesty.
* Delivers on commitments and is accountable for own actions and their impact.
* Demonstrates a willingness to be innovative in terms of the development of improved products or services.
Other
* The successful candidate will be required to have their own transport in order to efficiently carry out the duties of this post; travel and subsistence expenses will be payable in line with Teagasc policy. A valid full driver's licence and an ability to drive unaccompanied on Irish roads is an essential requirement.
Eligibility
* 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.
Note: Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.