Gaseous Emissions Technologist

Duration:

Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 24 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 contribute, as part of the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) team, to the evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures contained in the Nitrates Action Programme under the Nitrates Directive with particular emphasis on:

• Set up and maintenance of the gaseous emissions and soil carbon monitoring programme within the ACP and other Teagasc programmes such as NASCO.
• Quantifying and modelling of greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions at the farm and catchment scales.
• Establish and manage an IT data management system for all sources of data collected for gaseous emissions and soil carbon monitoring within the ACP in collaboration with other Teagasc programmes such as NASCO.
• Quantifying soil carbon sequestration and carbon balances at the farm and catchment scales.

Dissemination of the results of the programme to a wide audience

Background

The ACP is a national project of excellence, established in 2008, and is based on a stakeholder partnership which generates knowledge to underpin sustainable farm production in a clean environment. The objectives of the ACP are:

• To generate the knowledge to ascertain the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) measures and the derogation in terms of water quality and farm practices
• To provide a basis for a scientific review of NAP measures with a view to adopting modifications where necessary
• To evaluate the effect of NAP on ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions
• To achieve a greater understanding of the factors that determines farmer’s understanding and implementation of the NAP
• To disseminate this knowledge to a wide audience including farmers, scientists, policy makers and other stakeholders.

To achieve these objectives an integrated research, technologist, technician and advisory team works with farmers in six catchments in conjunction with Teagasc’s Research and Knowledge Transfer Directorates. The programme is managed by three ACP Managers (Water quality, soil/gaseous emissions/socio economy and Knowledge Transfer) who lead and direct the team. Close liaison is maintained with farmers and farming organisations at local and national level. The first four four-year phases of the ACP ran from 2008 to the end of 2023. Phase 5 of the ACP runs from the beginning of 2024 to the end of 2027. It is hoped that Phase 6 can be agreed with the funders (DAFM) for the period 2028 to 2031.

The programme provides:

• Planning and technical support for catchment farmers to underpin profitable farming systems
• Baseline and monitoring datasets for farm production, nutrient and farm management practices, nutrient transformations and transfers to water and their impact on its quality. These are used to contribute to the national monitoring requirements of both the Nitrates and Water Framework Directives
• A transparent scientific and economic assessment of the effectiveness of the Good Agricultural Practice measures in S.I. No. 65 of 2018 required by the Nitrates Action Programme. Modification of the measures to meet the water quality targets of the Water framework Directive will be identified, if required
• Evaluation of the measures taken to reduce agricultural GHG emissions by 2030 relative to 2018 levels. In addition evaluation of ammonia levels in agricultural catchments given the emission reduction target of 5% by 2030.
• An assessment of socio-economic and behavioral factors affecting the implementation of the measures

A platform for technology transfer, education and promotion which will use the output from the ACP in the formulation of advisory and technology transfer initiatives

Job Objectives

• Maintenance and QC of eddy covariance and ammonia systems for measuring gaseous emissions.
• Contribute to the data management system for all the data collected for greenhouse gas and ammonia monitoring across the ACP catchments and other Teagasc programmes.
• Quantification of soil carbon stocks changes over the duration of the ACP and continuation of a soil monitoring network.
• Contribute to troubleshooting to optimizing existing protocols/ develop new protocols.
• Carry out field sampling, operation and management of field and laboratory equipment.
• Carryout laboratory analyses of collected field samples with adherence to good laboratory practice and quality assurance.
• Quantification of farm and catchment carbon balances.
• Participating in dissemination activities including farmer meetings, open days, stakeholder meetings etc.
• Contributing and preparation of interim reports on the effectiveness of the NAP and climate action plan measures
• Collaborating effectively with Teagasc colleagues and other relevant national and international research programmes.
• Provide technical support to ACP advisory colleagues in the catchments.
• Contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit within both the ACP and the agri-environmental research department at Johnstown Castle and foster and add to further collaboration and integration.
• Data provision as appropriate for colleagues and post-graduate students
• 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

Qualifications

• A Level 8 degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in botany, soil science, agricultural science, engineering, physics or environmental science or a related discipline.

Desirable

• A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in agronomy, soil science, crop science, environmental science would be a distinct advantage

Skills

• Ability to conduct field and catchment scale experiments related to gaseous emissions and soil carbon
• Experience in data collection and analysis relating to greenhouse gases, ammonia and soil carbon.
• Good one to one and group communication skills
• Software skills including GIS and statistical packages

Desirable

• Experience in eddy covariance techniques and/or soil and dissolved organic carbon measurement. Experience in the use of micrometeorology for investigating carbon dynamics
• Familiarity with modelling of gaseous emissions and soil carbon sequestration

Knowledge

• Familiarity with field and lab methods for investigating carbon dynamics.
• Good knowledge of Irish agriculture, general agronomy, soils, gaseous emissions and nutrient management practices on Irish farms.
• Good knowledge of soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in grassland and tillage soils.

Desirable

• Understanding of Irish agricultural systems
• Use of micrometeorological methods for investigating carbon dynamics.

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.
• Willingness to collaborate positively within the programme team as well as with outside agencies.
• Ability to contribute to group discussions/workshops with farmers and other stakeholders.
• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
• Flexible with an openness to change and an ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach to work.
• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development, with an ability to align personal development objectives with programme activities

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.

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.

Why Join Us?

• 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 our organisation.
• We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers and Active Inclusion'. We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.
• Be part of a forward thinking organisation committed to positive change
• Work in a collaborative environment that values your unique perspective
• Drive initiatives that make a lasting impact on workplace culture

Join Teagasc in creating a workplace where everyone thrives and diversity is celebrated.

#If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process please contact a member of our Recruitment Team at recruit@teagasc.ie.