Job Title: Technical Officer – Crop Science
University: University College Dublin (UCD)
School: UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science
College: UCD College of Health and Agricultural Science
Location: Lyons Farm, Celbridge, County Kildare, Ireland
Job Reference: 019965
Contract: 3-year contract or permanent, depending on skills and experience
Salary: €48,239 – €63,177 per year
Grade: Technical OfficerGrade: Technical Officer
Work Permit: The job description states that the position is not eligible for a work permit.
Deadline: 27 August 2026
UCD Technical Officer – Crop Science Job 2026
University College Dublin (UCD) has announced an opportunity for a Technical Officer – Crop Science within the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science. The position is designed for a technically skilled professional who can support teaching, research, field trials and the day-to-day operation of grass and crop research facilities.
The position is based at UCD’s Lyons Farm in Celbridge, County Kildare, a 250-hectare teaching and research facility located approximately 30 kilometres west of UCD’s main Belfield campus. The successful candidate will work with researchers, academic staff, postdoctoral scientists and postgraduate students involved in crop, grassland, soil and environmental science.
According to the official job description, the position is offered as either a three-year contract or a permanent post, depending on the candidate’s skills and experience. The stated salary scale is €48,239 to €63,177 per annum. The competition reference for the position is 019965.
About the Technical Officer – Crop Science Position
The successful candidate will provide technical support to the Animal & Crop Sciences and Environment & Sustainable Resource Management sections of the School. These areas cover teaching and research in crop science, grassland, soil and environmental sciences.
UCD researchers undertake both basic and applied research in areas such as grass and crop agronomy, mechanisation, digital agriculture and environmental assessment. The Technical Officer will therefore play an important practical role in supporting research activities and maintaining facilities used for teaching and scientific investigations.
The role includes responsibility for active grass and crop production facilities. This can involve trial establishment, in-season crop and grass assessment, plot layout, plot establishment and equipment maintenance. The successful candidate will also be expected to remain flexible and develop skills in other areas of the School when operational needs change.
Key Responsibilities
One of the main responsibilities of the Technical Officer will be the day-to-day running of field trials. This makes the position particularly relevant to candidates with practical agricultural, crop science, field research or agricultural technology experience.
The role also involves supporting laboratory teaching and assisting researchers with the design and establishment of field trials and plots. The successful applicant will contribute to equipment maintenance, technical improvements and the adoption of new technologies.
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Health and safety is another important part of the position. The Technical Officer is expected to promote safe working practices, ensure appropriate protective equipment is routinely used and report risks to the relevant supervisor. Equipment must also be maintained in good working condition, supported by appropriate maintenance and upgrading plans.
The position also includes planning and organisational responsibilities. The successful candidate should understand how individual tasks contribute to the wider objectives of the School or Unit, prioritise work effectively and assist with annual and forward planning activities.
Strong interpersonal skills are equally important. The job description requires the ability to communicate technical information clearly, work patiently with others, contribute positively to a team and take responsibility for decisions. The Technical Officer may also assist with staff and student induction and health and safety training.
Eligibility and Mandatory Requirements
Applicants are expected to meet several mandatory selection criteria. The job description specifies an Honours Degree for individuals who commenced at UCD after November 2006, or an NCEA Diploma or equivalent for individuals who commenced before November 2006.
Candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills and be able to work independently as well as collaboratively. Strong planning and organisational abilities, accuracy and attention to detail are also required.
Applicants should have knowledge of health and safety legislation relevant to laboratory work and experience supporting research activities. A flexible approach to work and willingness to contribute to an evolving organisation are also listed among the mandatory requirements.
Practical agricultural technology experience is particularly important for this position. Candidates should have experience with grass and crop field equipment and technology, including running, repair and maintenance. The job description gives Haldrup as an example of relevant equipment.
Experience using diagnostic equipment for fault finding in agricultural technology is also required. In addition, applicants must hold a full clean driving licence.
Candidates must also demonstrate awareness of the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda as part of UCD’s mandatory Equality, Diversity and Inclusion criteria.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
In addition to the mandatory criteria, UCD has identified several desirable qualifications and experiences.
Candidates with at least three years of experience in a laboratory or workshop environment may have an advantage. Experience working in an educational environment is also desirable, particularly where the candidate has interacted with different levels of staff and students.
Additional desirable qualifications include First Aid and Safety Training and a professional user licence for agrochemicals.
These additional skills can be particularly useful for candidates working in agricultural research environments where field operations, laboratory activities, machinery, chemicals and health and safety procedures may overlap.
Salary and Contract Details
The salary scale listed for the UCD Technical Officer – Crop Science position is €48,239 to €63,177 per year. The appointment will be made on the applicable scale and in accordance with Department of Finance guidelines.
The job description states that the post may be offered as a three-year contract or a permanent position, depending on the successful applicant’s skills and experience.
The competition reference is 019965, which applicants should use when identifying the vacancy and preparing their application.
Why Work at University College Dublin?
University College Dublin describes itself as one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities and Ireland’s largest university. The university has a community of more than 39,000 students and 4,000 staff from more than 152 countries.
UCD promotes research, innovation, creativity and public engagement. The university’s work includes areas connected with sustainable innovation and research, making the School of Agriculture and Food Science an important environment for candidates interested in agricultural research and sustainable resource management.
The university also highlights professional development, flexible working arrangements and employee benefits. These include hybrid work options where applicable, job-sharing opportunities, leave policies, pension arrangements, income protection and travel-related savings. Professional development opportunities include LinkedIn Learning, study leave and structured career progression frameworks.
Location of the Job
The Technical Officer will primarily work at UCD Lyons Farm in Celbridge, County Kildare. The facility covers approximately 250 hectares and serves as a teaching and research environment.
Because the position involves crop and grass research facilities, applicants should be prepared for practical and field-based responsibilities in addition to technical and organisational duties.
The role is not limited to a single technical area. The successful candidate may be required to support other teams and areas within the School as needs evolve. Flexibility and willingness to learn new technical skills are therefore important characteristics for applicants.
How to Apply for the UCD Technical Officer Job
Interested applicants should review the vacancy and application instructions through the official University College Dublin jobs portal. The job description specifically directs applicants to the UCD Work at UCD jobs page for applications and the closing date.
Official Application Link: UCD Official Jobs Portal
The provided job description does not state a specific closing date, so applicants should check the official UCD vacancy page for the current deadline before submitting an application. The document also states that this position is not eligible for a work permit, which is an important consideration for international applicants.
Contact for Informal Enquiries
For informal enquiries about the position, the job description lists:
Professor Kevin McDonnell
Title: Professor of Crop Science
Email: Kevin.mcdonnell@ucd.ie
Telephone: +353 1 716 7472
Applicants should use the official application process for submitting their applications rather than treating the informal enquiry contact as the application portal.
Final Thoughts
The UCD Technical Officer – Crop Science Job 2026 is a strong opportunity for candidates with practical experience in crop science, agricultural technology, field trials, laboratory or workshop environments and research support. The position combines technical work with field-based crop and grassland activities, equipment maintenance, health and safety, planning and teamwork.
The salary range of €48,239–€63,177 per year, together with the possibility of a three-year contract or permanent appointment depending on skills and experience, makes the role an important career opportunity within agricultural research and higher education.
Candidates should carefully compare their qualifications and practical experience with the mandatory and desirable criteria before applying. Particular attention should be given to experience with crop and grass field equipment, agricultural technology, diagnostic equipment, research support, health and safety and the requirement for a full clean driving licence.
Important: The supplied job description states that the position is not eligible for a work permit, and it does not provide a closing date. Always check the official UCD jobs portal for the latest application information before applying.
Official University College Dublin Jobs: Apply Through UCD Official Jobs Portal
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