Location: Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow. Other Teagasc locations may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.
Technician
Salary: Technician Grade 1 with a Salary Scale of €36,946 to €47,985
Closing Date: 10/10/2025 12:00 PM
Funded Full Time
Job Description
Duration:
Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 48 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:
To provide technical support for the implementation of the SoilCycle Project including field trials, soil analysis, organic manure testing, and support for precision equipment setup and monitoring in collaboration with contractors and focus farms.
Background:
Teagasc is a Development Agency of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, whose primary function is to support science-based innovation in the Agri-food sector and the broader bio-economy.
SoilCycle is an ambitious European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project that promotes the circular economy by increasing the use of organic manures in Irish tillage systems. It leverages GPS, Near-Infrared (NIR), and umbilical slurry systems to reduce chemical fertiliser use, improve soil health, and enhance nutrient efficiency. The project will operate through regional Project Hubs, each with a contractor and "Focus Farms," conducting large-scale tramline trials and logistical studies. It aims to produce robust datasets, develop best practice guidance, and equip advisors and farmers with tools and knowledge to implement innovative slurry application techniques.
Job Objectives
* Support the setup and monitoring of field-scale tramline trials at Project Hubs and Focus Farms.
* Operate and assist with precision equipment such as GPS and NIR systems on slurry tankers and umbilical setups.
* Conduct in-field assessments including crop growth, soil conditions, and nutrient measurements.
* Input, manage, and validate agronomic data for environmental and economic modelling.
* Assist with the collection, handling, and analysis of organic manures using NIR and laboratory techniques.
* Support researchers and advisors in delivering field days, demonstrations, and farmer/contractor training sessions.
* Coordinate sampling logistics and assist with soil, slurry, and crop sample collection and analysis.
* Liaise with farmers, contractors, and laboratory staff to ensure timely sample delivery and data flow.
* Ensure accurate data entry, database maintenance, and equipment upkeep.
* Health & Safety Co-ordinator Duties or such other Health & Safety Duties as may be assigned from time to time.
* 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 Agriculture, Environmental science or a related discipline.
* Full clean Irish driver's license
* A Level 7 qualification in Agriculture, Environmental science or a related discipline.
Skills
* People and resource management skills.
* Data handling and computer skills.
* Writing skills.
* Organizational skills.
* Operation of lab/field equipment.
* Familiarity with agricultural precision equipment e.g. GPS/NIR technologies.
* Experience with slurry and fertiliser application machinery.
Knowledge
* Good knowledge of Irish tillage systems and growing crops, with a basic understanding of agronomy.
* Understanding of nutrient management.
* Demonstrate knowledge and expertise in planning, setting up and maintaining experimental field trials.
* Knowledge of organic manures and precision farming tools.
Behavioural Competencies
* Ability to work as part of a team, including collaborating and building relationships with key partners.
* Ability to problem solve and demonstrates a high level of attention to detail.
* Demonstrates positive approach to new challenges and dissemination of new tasks.
* Must be willing to adapt to new challenges and research tasks that may be outside of their research experience to date.
* Experience supporting knowledge transfer events.
* Knowledge of methods and equipment for organic manure analysis.
Other
Candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
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.
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.