Agricultural Development Officer - Business & Technology Drystock Advisor (Manorhamilton)
Job description
Job Summary
Duration:
Temporary contract post, the indicative duration of which is 10 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:
Agricultural Development Officers play a central role in the delivery of advisory, education and training services within Teagasc. Advisors are involved in the development of agriculture in a particular geographic region. They work closely with assigned client’s to ensure the sustainable development of their farm business through improved technical and financial efficiency and sustainable resource management. College Teachers & Education Officers will be involved in delivering classes/practical’s to students on a range of programmes delivered at colleges. There may be some regular evening / Saturday work hours for certain education and advisory roles.
Job Objectives
- To provide input and deliver on assigned objectives of the agreed enterprise business plan as part of an area based team
- To use a range of effective advisory methodologies including discussion group facilitation as part of an enterprise team to achieve technology transfer and sustainable client development
- To maintain a high profile for the Teagasc advisory service through activities, local regional and national events, publications and public relations
- To assist clients in the analysis & planning of their farm business in systems of production varying from organic to intensive
- To assist clients in the change processes necessary arising from a changing agriculture
- To co-ordinate referrals from the Options Programme for clients
- To facilitate clients in the analysis and planning of succession and inheritance
- To assist clients in the facilitation and participation in EU and National Schemes including the new Basic Payment Scheme
- To maintain responsibility for own development and updating through active participation in PMDS
- To assist management and administrative staff in achieving good governance and risk management through co-operation and adherence to administrative procedures and practices
- To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan
- Take responsibility for the marketing of services and contract with clients consistent with the achievement of the area income targets
- Take responsibility for the marketing of training programmes
- Liaison with relevant stakeholders in the industry and education sectors
- 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 Required
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
- Applicants must hold a relevant Level 8 Degree in Agricultural Science which includes the majority of the following modules completed within their degree: Animal Husbandry, Crop Husbandry, Soils/Geology (soil science compulsory), Environmentt, Farm Financial Management, Biology, Chemistry, (highly desirable), Maths and Genetics.
- Relevant post graduate qualification
- Experience carrying out similar agricultural advisory/education/training/facilitation roles
Knowledge/Skills
- Applicants must show expert agriculture and environmental knowledge and demonstrate how they stay abreast of current best practices and research.
- Candidates must be able to identify and shape the best practical applications of this knowledge in order to enhance the capabilities of farms & other enterprises.
- Candidates must stay abreast of current concepts and use effective teaching and advisory methods to impact this knowledge to clients and students.
- Candidates must act as an effective conduit to the latest thinking and methods that may give farmers a competitive edge or sustain their viability.
- Candidates are expected to be competent in practical farming skills e.g. livestock husbandry skills, crop husbandry skills, tractor/machinery skills, fertiliser application skills etc.
- Financial analysis and farm business planning
- Familiarity with Teagasc financial management packages
- Underway to obtaining a Certficate for European Consultants in Rural Areas (CECRA)
Behavioural Competencies
- Excellent analysis, numeracy, problem solving skills and decision support abilities.
- Excellent communication skills with an ability to teach and transfer knowledge.
- Work and project organisational skills which shows pro-activity and drive.
- Quality customer service focus.
- Collaboration, team work (working with both technical and administration staff) & leadership wualities/abilities.
- Adopt an open-minded and flexible approach to work.
- Understands and appreciates the importance of continuous professional development.
Other
- Candidates must satisfy legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
- It is essential that the applicatnts Agriculture Science degree qualification is eligible for FAS registration.
Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.
Interviews will be scheduled to take place on Wednesday 21st December 2022.
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