Teagasc has been appointed to undertake the Agricultural Mini-Catchment Programme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food.

This Programme will evaluate the effectiveness of the National Action Programme mitigation measures (S.I. 378 of 2006) which implement the Nitrates Directive. A number of intensively farmed mini-catchments on a range of contrasting soil types will be established in partnership with stakeholders. The effect of changes in farm management practices on the transfer of nutrients from source to water and their impact on water quality will be evaluated. Measurements, modelling and socio-economic studies will be used to evaluate the efficacy, cost effectiveness and economic impact of the measures. Modifications to measures will be identified where evidence indicates that they may be necessary.

We are now seeking to appoint a multidisciplinary group of scientists to join a well-resourced, integrated research and advisory team to support the Agricultural Mini-Catchment Programme. These are contract positions, which are expected to extend over a 4 year period.

Hydrogeochemist (Ref: HC/MC/0308)

Johnstown Castle Environment Research Centre, Wexford

The appointee will be responsible for developing and implementing a programme of intensive measurement of nitrogen and phosphorus transfers to water from agricultural systems and improving understanding of nutrient transformations along the pathway from source to receptor and within receiving waters. The role will also involve data analysis, interpretation and modelling to assess the efficacy of the measures and the dissemination of the results of the Programme.

Hydrogeologist (Ref: HG/MC/0308)

Johnstown Castle Environment Research Centre, Wexford

The appointee will be responsible for developing and implementing a programme to investigate the linkages between nutrient losses from source (field/farm) through pathways to potential receptors in the mini-catchments. He/she will be responsible for designing and installing a ground and surface water monitoring network within the mini-catchments for hydrological and hydrogeological characterisation and improving understanding of the changes in surface water quality in each of the mini-catchments. The role will also involve data analysis, interpretation and modelling to assess the efficacy of the measures and the dissemination of the results of the Programme.

Soil Researcher (Ref: SR/MC/0308)

Johnstown Castle Environment Research Centre, Wexford

The appointee will be responsible for developing and implementing a programme of intensive measurement of nitrogen and phosphorus transformations on farms in the mini-catchments and improving understanding of the linkages between sources of nutrients and their availability for transport and loss to water. The role will also involve data analysis, interpretation and modelling to assess the efficacy of the measures and the dissemination of the results of the Programme.

The successful applicants for Hydrogeochemist , Hydrogeologist, and Soil Researcher will have an honours level 8 degree in Agricultural Science, Earth Science, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Engineering or equivalent relevant discipline. A PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline would be desirable.

Socio-economics Researcher (Ref: SE/MC/0308)

Rural Economy Research Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway.

The appointee will be responsible for providing information on and analysis of the socio-economic impact of the implementation of the measures contained in the National Action Programme (S.I. 378 of 2006) on farms in the mini-catchments. The role will also involve the dissemination of the results of the Programme.

The successful applicant will have an honours level 8 degree in Economics or related discipline. A Ph.D in Environmental Economics/Agricultural Economics/Economics or other relevant discipline would be desirable.

Hydrological Modeller (Ref: HM/MC/0308)

Johnstown Castle Environment Research Centre, Wexford

The appointee will be responsible for providing the programme team with the necessary modelling and statistical support to ensure that the design and analysis of the programme tasks can deliver on their objectives and to integrate and address the scaling up of the mini-catchment results to catchment and river basin district level. The role will also involve the dissemination of the results of the Programme.

The successful applicant will have an honours level 8 degree in Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Geography, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Chemistry, or equivalent relevant discipline. A PhD in Hydrogeology or Hydrology would be desirable.

The current salary range for all positions is €36,392 to €65,340 with a starting salary of €36,392 to €49,551.

How to Apply

Detailed job descriptions and application forms for each position can be accessed on our website at www.teagasc.ie/careers

Completed application forms may be emailed to recruit@teagasc.ie Please state relevant reference code in all correspondence.

The latest date for receipt of completed application forms is 5.00pm on Thursday, 3^rd April 2008.