Water Quality Ecology Researcher

Duration:

Temporary post, the indicative duration of which is 10 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 support collection of environmental parameters and analyse an existing aquatic ecology and/or soil fertility dataset from the agricultural catchments programme.

Irish agriculture faces the continuing challenge to balance agronomic production with environmental and social sustainability as recently reinforced in the EU Green Deal, Teagasc continues to support farmers, the agricultural industry and policy makers to improve sustainability through integrated research, advisory and education activities.   The Environment Soils and Land-Use Department focuses on providing evidence-based solutions for farmers and policy makers for economic- and environmentally-sustainable farming. Within the Department there is a highly motivated, multidisciplinary team of researchers focusing on agro-ecology, soil science, nutrient management, water quality and gaseous emissions.

Background

The EU Farm to Fork strategy, Water Framework Directive and Biodiversity Strategy outline ambitious aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce nutrient loss to water, restore waters to good status, protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services on farmland. A range of agronomic studies to improve the sustainability of Irish farming systems are underway and there is a need to maintain experiments, analyse data and write scientific papers. The successful candidate will join a highly motivated team of researchers, technicians and students within the Environment Soils and Land-use department. They will be responsible for writing a scientific paper based on existing data on water quality and aquatic ecology

• To analyse existing datasets and write a scientific paper for peer review. Depending on the successful candidate the paper could focus on linking aquatic ecology and water quality or linking soil fertility and water quality.

• Maintain existing trials through sampling of soil, herbage, water and other environmental measurements.

• 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.

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

• Candidates must have an honours Level 8 degree in ecology, agricultural science, environmental science, soil science or related discipline.

• Research experience related to soil fertility and/or aquatic ecosystems and environmental impact from grassland farming.

Skills

• Proven record of scientific communication in peer reviewed journals.

• Excellent field and laboratory skills.

• Excellent one-to-one and group communication skills (farmers, students, colleagues, stakeholders). Good team working skills.

• Excellent ability to plan, organize, manage and schedule work effectively.

• Aptitude for multidisciplinary approaches.

Knowledge

• Methods and techniques for measuring environmental parameters.

• Data analysis techniques including multivariate statistical approaches.

• Familiarity with temperate grassland management and ruminant-dominated agricultural systems.

• Methods and techniques for assessing aquatic ecosystems.

• Link between soil fertility and water quality.

Behavioural Competencies

• Willingness to work as part of an integrated advisory/research programme team

• Ability to work independently if necessary, and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables

• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.

• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.

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.