
Website Met Éireann
Introduction
The recently established Irish Soil Moisture Monitoring Network (ISMON) will significantly enhance soil moisture monitoring in Ireland. The project was initially funded by the Department of
Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) under the national Carbon Tax Fund. This initiative aims to enhance Ireland’s capability to monitor soil moisture conditions in real time and over the
long term. ISMON consists of 10 sites equipped with state-of-the-art Cosmic-Ray Neutron Sensor technology, covering major soil types, land uses, and climatic regimes in Ireland. This project is a collaborative effort led by University College Dublin (UCD), Met Éireann, and Teagasc.
The Global Climate Observing System has declared soil moisture as one of the Essential Climate Variable (ECV). Soil moisture is a critical driver of various soil processes, influencing both
agricultural productivity and environmental outcomes. Accurate soil moisture data is essential for understanding plant growth, greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient losses, and soil carbon
dynamics. It is especially vital for nutrient management to minimise nitrate/phosphate leaching to protect water quality. With climate change expected to increase weather variability and extremes in Ireland, improving the understanding and forecasting of soil moisture conditions is imperative for mitigating and adapting to future climate changes.
The ISMON long-term observation platform will significantly enhance the understanding of the water cycle, improving short- and medium-term weather prediction. The data will support various
applications, including soil and water quality protection, greenhouse gas emission mitigation, flood and fire forecasting, and risk management. ISMON will also provide crucial validation data for soil moisture prediction models, enhancing the reliability of severe weather and long-term climate
change forecasts.
ISMON consists of ten stations across Ireland where soil moisture conditions are monitored using soil moisture probe arrays and state-of-the-art cosmic ray neutron sensors. These sensors can
measure soil moisture conditions over large areas, approximately 0.6 hectares. ISMON will place Ireland at the forefront of soil moisture monitoring and modelling and aims to integrate with
existing networks like the Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme, the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO) network, the Terrain-AI project, and other initiatives.
1. Job Description:
The Researcher will support the monitoring of the Irish Soil Moisture Observation Network (ISMON). This role will involve data analysis, the harmonization of datasets and the integration of
data from various monitoring networks including CRNS, Gamma Ray and in situ soil moisture observations
Field Data Collection: The Researcher will be responsible for conducting regular field visits to the 10 ISMON sites across Ireland. Regular soil sampling to ground-truth Cosmic-Ray Neutron
Sensor (CRNS) data will also be required.
Data Management and Analysis: A significant part of the Researcher’s role will involve processing and analysing the soil moisture data collected from the field. They will use various
software tools and scripts (e.g., R, Python, Excel) to clean, organise, and analyse data, ensuring high data quality and integrity. The Researcher will collect all necessary metadata for each station and maintain accurate records of all data collection and processing activities.
Support for Integration and Harmonization: The Researcher will support the Senior Research Fellow in integrating soil moisture data with other existing monitoring networks, such as the
Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme, NASCO network, and Terrain-AI project. This involves contributing to the development and implementation of standardized measurement
techniques and protocols to ensure consistency and comparability of data across different
networks.
Reporting and Communication: The Researcher will assist in preparing comprehensive reports and presentations for both internal and external stakeholders. They will communicate findings and progress updates to the Agricultural Meteorologist of Met Eireann and other team members and participate in meetings and discussions related to ISMON activities. Additionally, the
Researcher will contribute to the dissemination of research findings through newsletters, scientific publications, and conferences.
2. Principal Tasks
Data Collection and Fieldwork:
• Collect and update metadata for all ISMON sites.
• Collect soil samples to ground-truth CRNS data at ISMON sites.
• Monitor data collection and data quality
Data Management and Analysis:
• Maintain accurate records of data collection and processing activities.
• Process and analyse soil moisture data collected from the field.
• Use software tools (e.g., R, Python, Excel) for data quality control and analysis.
• Assist in harmonizing data from different sources and ensuring data quality.
Support for Integration and Harmonization:
• Assist in integrating soil moisture data with other monitoring networks.
• Support the development and implementation of standard measurement techniques.
• Contribute to the preparation of datasets for research and operational use.
Reporting and Communication:
• Assist in preparing reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate findings and progress updates
• Participate in meetings and discussions related to ISMON activities.
Working Environment:
The Researcher will be required to work in one of Met Éireann’s locations (HQ, Glasnevin,
Cahersiveen, Shannon Airport). Where possible, the successful candidates may be authorised to
work remotely in line with approved policies for workplace attendance.
Educational, professional or technical qualifications, knowledge, skills, aptitudes,
experience, training:
a) ESSENTIAL for the job
1. A Degree/Master’s in Environmental Science, Meteorology, Hydrology, Soil Science,
Geography or a related field.
2. Experience in data collection, fieldwork, and the use of environmental monitoring
equipment.
3. Strong analytical skills and experience with data processing and analysis.
4. Proficiency in using software tools for data analysis (e.g., R, Python, Excel).
5. Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
7. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
8. Candidates must possess a valid full driver’s license to be considered for this position.
b) DESIRABLE (but not essential) for the job
1. Experience with soil moisture monitoring equipment and techniques.
2. Experience in project management and coordinating field activities.
3. Knowledge of data harmonization and integration techniques.
4. Understanding of climate and environmental science as it relates to soil moisture and
agricultural systems