CANDIDATE INFORMATION BOOKLET

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Open Competition for Appointment to the Role of
Laboratory Analyst
Stream A Biology
Stream B Chemistry
in the
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.

This competition will be run in compliance with the Codes of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). Codes of Practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.cpsa.ie.

______

Contact: Competitions & Recruitment Section Tel: 0761 064453

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Eir Building

Knockmay Road

Portlaoise

Co. Laois


Candidate Information Booklet

Please Read Carefully

Contents

Section 1: Overview of the Department 3

Section 2: Job Specification 4

Section 3: Person Specification 5

Section 4: Application and Selection Process 7

Section 5: Eligibility to Compete 8

Section 6: Principal Conditions of Service 9

Section 7: Important Information 14

APPENDIX A 17


Laboratory Analyst

in the

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Section 1: Overview of the Department

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is a multi-functional organisation which provides a wide range of services both directly and through specialist state agencies operating under its aegis. The Department has a wide and diverse customer base which includes farmers, taxpayers, consumers, food processers and other commercial operators, those involved in sea fishing, forestry, bio-energy, research as well as diverse EU institutions, other State Bodies and special interest groups. The Mission Statement of the Department is ‘to lead the sustainable development of the agri-food, forestry and marine sector and to optimise its contribution to national economic development and the natural environment’.

The laboratories of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) currently comprise of seven laboratory divisions (Bacteriology; Dairy Science Laboratories; Pathology; Pesticides, Plant Health and Seed Testing; Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs); Veterinary Public Health Regulatory Laboratory (VPHRL); Virology) located within a central laboratory complex at Backweston and at seven other sites around the country (Athlone, Kilkenny, Cork (2), Limerick (2) and Sligo. Laboratory analysts may be assigned to work in any of these locations. Analytical chemistry is carried out mainly at the Backweston campus and Limerick while biological analyses are carried out at all sites.

Vacancies

The Department currently has a number of vacancies for the role of Laboratory Analyst. It is envisaged that most posts filled will be located at the Backweston Laboratory Campus but some are located in the other locations mentioned above.

Arising out of this competition two separate competition panels will be established:

1.  Laboratory Analyst – Biology – Stream A

2.  Laboratory Analyst – Chemistry – Stream B

Candidates must clearly indicate on their application form if they wish to participate in Stream A, Stream B or both.

Following an assessment process, candidates who achieve the qualifying standard in one or both streams of the competition will be placed on the relevant panel(s) in Order of Merit and assigned to fill vacancies as they arise. The panels will remain in place for a period of up to two years from the date of the first appointment or until exhausted.

In cases where a candidate applies to participate in stream A and stream B, the one selection process will be used to assess their suitability for both streams but the candidate will be assessed separately for each stream.

In the event that a candidate achieves a place on both panels, he/she will be offered one or more appointments as vacancies arise until such time as the candidate is appointed or until the panels expire. Candidates who refuse an offer of appointment to a specific panel and location will retain their placing on that panel but forfeit their right to be offered an appointment to that location under that panel.

Candidates must ensure that they are suitably qualified for the stream for which they are applying.

Candidates should note that admission to the competition does not imply that they meet the eligibility criteria. Candidates should therefore satisfy themselves that they meet the eligibility criteria for this competition.

Section 2: Job Specification

The Laboratories support the Department in implementing official controls in respect of animal health, plant health, food safety and the safety of animal feed. The Laboratories also provide for diagnosis and investigation of diseases of farmed animals. This enables surveillance and monitoring of patterns and frequencies of endemic diseases (including zoonotic diseases) and early recognition of new/emerging and exotic diseases. The Laboratories undertake applied research and development work in support of DAFM’s animal health and public health policies.

Principal Tasks:

(i)  Responsibility for all specimens arriving in the laboratory. Recording data in a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).

(ii)  Performance of laboratory analyses, using quality-controlled test systems, usually under the supervision of a Senior Laboratory Analyst.

(iii)  Laboratory Analysts based at the Pesticides Control Laboratory perform a variety of analyses, involving both classical and instrumental techniques.

(iv)  Laboratory Analysts based in the Dairy Science Laboratories will carry out analysis in accordance with the Laboratory Quality Management System.

For a brief description of the tests carried out by analysts at the various Laboratories please see Appendix A at the end of this document.

Working Environment

The laboratories are modern with good, safe working conditions. The DAFM laboratories at Backweston are state-of- the- art facilities providing a working environment to match the highest standards in Europe.

Special Equipment and facilities available in connection with the work:

(a)  A wide range of laboratory instrumentation and facilities are provided to perform the range of testing necessary. This includes laboratories operating at various biosecurity levels equipped with modern instrumentation. Examples include ELISA processing equipment, PCR suites with automated equipment, whole genome sequencing, a range of bacteriology related equipment, sample reception, cataloguing and storage systems, chemical and residue analysis equipment (GC and LC MS-MS (including accurate mass), ICP-MS, ICP-OES, FTIR, HPLC, and biochemistry analysers).

(b)  Familiarity with the equipment and techniques listed at (a) is desirable but not essential.

Training

All Laboratories provide training on the job relevant to the duties of the Laboratory Analyst. Participation in additional training courses is encouraged. Laboratory Analysts are encouraged to seek higher qualifications where relevant courses are available in Institutes of Technology and Universities.

Section 3: Person Specification

1.  Educational Qualifications

Stream A – Biology

On or before the closing date for this competition, candidates must:

(a)  hold a qualification of at least Level 7 on the National Qualification Framework in one of the following :

(i)  Biosciences or

(ii)  Bio-Medical Laboratory Sciences or

(iii)  Biological Science (Microbiology or Molecular Biology desirable),

OR

(b)  hold a qualification that is acceptable to DAFM as being at least equivalent

Stream B – Chemistry

On or before the closing date for this competition, candidates must:

(a)  hold a qualification of at least Level 7 on the National Qualification Framework in Science with chemistry/analytical chemistry being a major component of the qualification

OR

(b)  hold a qualification that is acceptable to DAFM as being at least equivalent

2.  Skills/Attributes:

Essential:

·  The specialised skills required for handling a broad range of techniques and instrumentation

·  Capacity for analysis and interpretation

·  An ability to work on one’s own initiative

·  The necessary computer skills to meet modern laboratory requirements

·  Ability to work as part of a team

·  Good interpersonal and communication skills

Desirable:

·  Experience of working with pathogenic agents.

·  Experience of using laboratory equipment such as microscopes, autoclaves, thermocyclers, DNA sequencers and gel electrophoresis apparatus.

·  Experience of working with robotic workstations, ELISA readers and washers.

·  Experience in the use of chromatographic techniques, chemical and residue analysis equipment (GC and LC MS-MS (including accurate mass), ICP-MS, ICP-OES, FTIR, HPLC, and biochemistry analysers)

·  Experience of quality assurance systems.

·  Experience of laboratory information systems (LIMS).

·  Relevant postgraduate qualification.

·  Knowledge of Health and Safety Legislation


Competencies

Applicants should have all the attributes required of a Laboratory Analyst and in particular they must demonstrate, by reference to specific examples from their career to-date, that they possess or have the capacity to acquire the qualities, skills and knowledge required for the role of Laboratory Analyst as identified in the following competency framework.

1. Specialist Laboratory Knowledge and Expertise

·  Displays high levels of laboratory skills/expertise and can provide support to colleagues

·  Has a clear understanding of the objectives and targets of the role and how they support the service delivered by the unit and Department

·  Has strong analytical and problem-solving skills with particular focus on laboratory continuous improvement.

·  Is conversant with the latest developments in laboratory techniques, including IT support systems

·  Displays knowledge of method development, validation and test operations under the ISO17025:2005 quality standard

·  Displays attention to detail and a high level of conscientiousness about their role.

2. Team Work

·  Shows respect for colleagues and co-workers

·  Develops and maintains good working relationships with others, sharing information and knowledge as appropriate

·  Offers own ideas and perspectives

·  Understands own role in the team, making every effort to play his/her part

·  Encourages and supports new and more effective ways of working

3. Analysis and Decision Making

·  Effectively deals with a wide range of information sources

·  Understands the practical implication of information in relation to the broader context in which he/she works – procedures, divisional objectives

·  Identified and understands key issues and trends

·  Draws accurate conclusions and makes balanced and fair recommendations

·  Puts forward effective solutions to address problems as they arise

4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills

·  Modifies communication approach to suit the needs of a situation/audience

·  Actively listens to the views of others

·  Negotiates, where necessary, in order to reach a satisfactory outcome

·  Maintains a focus on dealing with customers (internal and external) in an effective, efficient and respectful manner

·  Is assertive and professional when dealing with challenging issues

·  Expresses self in a clear and articulate manner when speaking and in writing

5. Commitment and Delivery of Results

·  Is committed to the role, consistently striving to perform at a high level

·  Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change

·  Ensures proper service delivery procedures/protocols are in place and implemented

·  Takes ownership of tasks and is determined to see them through to a satisfactory conclusion

·  Constructively challenges existing approaches to improve efficient customer service delivery

·  Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time

·  Applies appropriate systems/ processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs

Section 4: Application and Selection Process

How to Apply

Application forms may be downloaded from

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/customerservice/customerservice/careers/currentcompetitions/

·  All sections of the form must be fully completed.

·  One hard copy of your application form must be submitted.

Closing Date

Your application must be submitted no later than 4pm on Wednesday 12th July 2017 to;

Mr Karl Brogan

Competitions & Recruitment Section

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Eir Building

Old Knockmay Road

Portlaoise

Co Laois

Applications will not be accepted after this date.

Selection Process

The methods used to select candidates for this post may include some or all of the following:

·  completion of online Assessment Questionnaire(s)

·  online and/or paper-based assessment test(s)

·  shortlisting of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application

·  a competitive preliminary interview

·  presentation or other exercises

·  a final competitive interview which may include a presentation and/or additional assessment exercise(s)

·  any other tests or exercises that may be deemed appropriate

Communication

Candidates should note that all communications relating to this competition from Competitions Recruitment Section, including the provision of results, will issue by way of email only. Candidates should ensure that a valid email address is provided on the application form and should check that email address on a regular basis.

Candidates should make themselves available on the date(s) specified by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and ensure that the contact details specified on the application form are correct.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by candidates.

NOTE: Candidates should note that where a short listing exercise based on the information supplied in the application form is applied, a board will examine application forms and assess them against pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position as outlined in this circular. It is therefore in candidates’ interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of their experiences relevant to this post in the application form.

Candidates must produce satisfactory documentary evidence of all relevant qualifications and experience claimed by them, if required.

Section 5: Eligibility to Compete

Eligibility to compete and certain restrictions on eligibility

Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply.

Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform letter dated 28th June 2012 to Personnel Officers introduced, with effect from 1st June 2012, a Collective Agreement which had been reached between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Public Services Committee of the ICTU in relation to ex-gratia Redundancy Payments to Public Servants. It is a condition of the Collective Agreement that persons availing of the agreement will not be eligible for re-employment in the Public Service by any Public Service body (as defined by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009 – 2011) for a period of 2 years from termination of the employment. Thereafter the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will be required prior to re-employment. People who availed of this scheme and who may be successful in this competition will have to prove their eligibility (expiry of period of non-eligibility) and the Minister’s consent will have to be secured prior to employment by any Public Service body.