Drystock Advisor

Job Summary

Teagasc are currently hiring for two Drystock Advisors (atAgricultural Development Officer, ADO I Grade) for the Tipperary Advisory region; based in Nenagh & Clonmel. Details of each vacancy are below. 

Basic Function of both vacancies

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. There may be some regular evening / Saturday work hours for certain education and advisory roles.

Vacancy 1: Drystock Advisor

Location: Clonmel Local Advisory Office, Co. Tipperary.

Duration: Temporary Externally Funded Non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 12 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.

Background

The succesful candidate for this position will be based in the Clonmel Local Advisory Office, Co. Tipperary. This office currently employs 8 advisors and is part of the wider Tiperrary Advisory Region in Teagasc.

Vacancy 2: Drystock Advisor

Location: Nenagh Local Advisory Office, Co. Tipperary

Duration: Temporary Externally Funded Non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 59 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.

Background

The succesful candidate for this position will be based in the Nenagh Local Advisory Office, Co. Tipperary. This office currently employs 6 advisors and is part of the wider Tiperrary Advisory Region in Teagasc.

Job Objectives

• To develop and deliver an 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 clients’ farm business.

• To assist clients in the 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 organised role related training and the development of a personal development planner.

• 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 through adherence to best practice protocols.

• Take responsibility for the marketing of services and contracts to clients consistent with the achievements of the area income targets.

• Assist in the marketing and delivery 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

At the time of applying, applicants must hold a

• Relevant Level 8 Degree in Agricultural Science or equivalent which includes the majority of the following modules completed within their degree;

  • Animal Husbandry, Crop Husbandry, Soils/Geology (soil science compulsory), Environment, Farm Financial Management, Biology, Chemistry (highly desirable), Maths and Genetics.

• Level 9 or 10 post graduate qualification

• Experience carrying out similar agricultural advisory/education/training/facilitation roles

Knowledge/Skills

• Applicants must show expert agriculture knowledge and demonstrate how they stay abreast of current best practices and research. 

• He/she must be able to identify and shape the best practical applications of this knowledge in order to enhance the capabilities of farms & other enterprises.

• He/she must act as an effective conduit to the latest thinking and methods that may give farmers a competitive edge or sustain their viability

• Financial analysis and farm business planning

• Familiarity with Teagasc financial management packages

• Knowledge of QQI quality assurance procedures

• Underway to obtaining a Certificate for European Consultants in Rural Areas (CECRA)

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent analysis, numeracy, problem solving skills and decision support abilities.

• Excellent communication skills with ability to teach and transfer knowledge.

• Work and project organisational skills which shows pro-activity and drive.

• Focus on quality customer service and standards.

• Collaboration, teamwork (working with both technical and administration staff) & leadership qualities/abilities.

Other

• As this role will involve travel between Teagasc centres around the country, the candidates must have their own car and must also satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

• It is essential that the applicants Agriculture Science degree qualification is eligible for FAS registration.

Attachment:

ADO_G_0e6a06a2-aba5-4e1c-a807-1705fd0e3235.pdf