There are several exciting opportunities for jobs in the agri-sector available at present, including positions for technical agricultural officers.

To learn more about the latest jobs in the agri-sector previewed in this article, including all essential requirements, salary expectations, and how to apply for them, visit AgriRecruit.

Dairy specialist

Progressive Genetics is looking to add expertise to its dairy team, with an open position for a dairy specialist based at its head office at Rathcore Enfield, Co. Meath.

The successful candidate should have broad farming experience and a massive interest in all aspects of cattle breeding. The role will include, but is not limited to the following duties:

  • Work with farmers, industry organisations and agencies to identify concerns, issues, trends and new developments in the industry;
  • Work collaboratively with customers, industry partners, breeding advisors and artificial insemination (AI) technicians;
  • Lead the development and delivery of educational materials, training tools and other programs to assist Progressive Genetics increase its competitive position;
  • Use performance measures to ensure that customer requirements are addressed efficiently and effectively.

Applicants for this position should ideally have a third-level qualification in agriculture or a related area, and a minimum of two years’ experience in the industry.

Technical agricultural officer

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is recruiting for technical agricultural officers in Co. Cork, Kildare, Dublin, Meath, Kerry and Waterford.

Technical agricultural officers must have a good understanding of services, schemes, programmes and controls operated by the DAFM to ensure they are conducted to the required standard.

The role of technical agricultural officers can be in areas such as horticulture, plant health, forestry, animal health, animal welfare, food science/safety and engineering.

The following are some duties associated with the role:

  • Interacting with the public/customers on schemes and services;
  • Supervision and/or monitoring of activities of food and feed business operators and ensuring compliance with all regulations;
  • On-farm controls and operator checks required under national and EU legislation;
  • Dealing with animal welfare, public health and animal health (including disease control) in line with legislative requirements; and
  • A range of other duties e.g. certification duties, crop evaluation, fisheries, forestry, pesticide control, poultry and eggs and wildlife duties.

Technical agricultural officers may be required to work in industrial conditions, e.g. meat plants and rendering plants or, in other work areas, may carry out both office and outdoor duties.

Outdoor duties may include farm inspections under various EU schemes. Technical agricultural officers may also be required to transfer to other locations and work areas on a temporary basis.

In-service training will be provided in the various work areas.

Head of operations

Agri Aware is seeking to make an appointment for the role of head of operations who, along with the executive director, will lead the business development of the organisation.

The successful candidate will be highly driven with a high-level knowledge of the agricultural sector, and a strong communicator with proven leadership qualities.

Reporting to the executive director, the successful candidate will assume the following:

  • Oversee the daily running of the office ensuring goals are achieved and deadlines met;
  • Handle all areas of HR including maintenance of standards and practices, handling recruitment and keeping personnel records;
  • Organise and attend weekly team meetings and delegation of tasks to employees;
  • Annual review of Agri Aware activities from education, communication and events;
  • Dealing with correspondence and queries from Agri Aware patrons, schools and partners;
  • Preparing letters, presentations and reports with the executive director for board and board sub-groups;
  • Assume responsibility with the executive director for board governance, in particular the establishment and oversight of new board working committees;
  • Supervision of staff and actively building staff skillset;
  • Liaising with suppliers and patrons;
  • Implementing and maintaining procedures/office administrative systems;
  • Organising induction programmes for new employees with HR partner and other bodies where necessary;
  • Represent the organisation in the absence of the executive director.

Three years’ experience in a management position and seven years’ experience in the sector, as well as a minimum 2:1 GPA in a level 8 honours degree or above is essential.

Strong public speaking and presentation skills are required. Previous work experience in communications and/or education is desirable but not essential.