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Farm Advisor - Drystock

Location: Kerry Limerick Advisory Region, Teagasc, Gortboy, Newcastlewest, Co Limerick, V42 D603
Advisory/Education
Salary: Agr Development Officer Grade I with a Salary Scale of €41,996 to €79,618
Closing Date: 15/04/2026 12:00 PM
Funded Full Time

Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary contract post, the indicative duration of which is 20 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 Teagasc national advisory service consists of a network of 52 offices across 13 Advisory Regions that deliver a professional service to over 42,000 farming clients. The service provided ranges from knowledge transfer, education, sustainability to enabling clients to optimise their utilisation of EU and national agriculture programmes, schemes and governing legislation.

Basic Function:

To provide basic technical advice and scheme support services to assigned drystock clients in the region. To develop assigned clients’ farm business, through improved technical and financial efficiency and sustainable resource management. Farm Advisors will also work closely with Specialised Scheme Advisors in the delivery of scheme and regulatory compliance work for clients

Job Objectives

Play an active part in the development of drystock farmers in the region.
To assist clients in the participation in EU and National Schemes including the Basic Income Support Scheme (BISS).
Provide a technical and scheme advisory service to assigned clients availing of this service through one-to-one consultations, farm visits, technical workshops, farm walks, seminars, open days and discussion groups.
To develop and deliver an agreed enterprise business plan as part of the regional advisory 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 and planning of clients’ farm business.
To assist clients in the change processes necessary arising from a changing agriculture
Achieve key SMART targets and key performance indicators as set out in the regional business plan annually.
Actively promote and achieve the uptake of research and advisory tools such as Profit Monitor, PastureBase, Nutrient Management Planning and AgNav among assigned clients.
Collaborate with colleagues and promote national technical programmes at local level such as, joint programmes, Future Beef, Dairy/Beef 500, Better Sheep and Better Tillage Programmes and similar programmes as they emerge in the future.
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.
Contribute to local media outputs through local papers, radio and social media.
Contribute to provision of Level 5 and Level 6 education courses at local level in the relevant subjects
Liaison with relevant stakeholders in the industry and education sectors.
Work in accordance with the Teagasc Together ethos, with Specialised Scheme Advisors and Enterprise Advisors at local level to provide a complete advisory service to Teagasc clients.
To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
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.
Take responsibility for own professional development. Seek out and upskill in technical and scheme knowledge in the relevant discipline.
Build strong working relationships with specialists and attend all technical and scheme related training in the relevant area.
To carry out such other technical & scheme related duties and assignments delegated by the Regional Manager.
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 Requirement

	Essential	Desirable
Qualifications	A Level 8 Degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agricultural Science or equivalent Candidates must be accredited as a Farm Advisory System (FAS) Advisor. Candidates who are not currently on the list of approved FAS Advisors may be eligible where they have completed DAFM FAS training or where their degree is eligible for FAS accreditation.	Relevant post graduate qualification Completion of Module 01 and 02 of CECRA training programme and ideally on pathway to becoming a CECRA certified advisor. 1 year advisory experience.
Knowledge/Skills	Candidates must show expert agricultural knowledge and demonstrate how they stay abreast of current best practices and research. They must be able to identify and shape the best practical applications of this knowledge in order to enhance the capabilities of farms and other enterprises. They must act as an effective conduit to the latest thinking and methods that may give farmers a competitive edge or sustain their viability. Candidates must stay abreast of current concepts and use effective teaching and advisory methods to impart this knowledge to clients and students. 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.	Experience carrying out similar agricultural advisory/ education/training/facilitation roles. Knowledge of financial analysis and farm business planning Experience in setting up and facilitating discussion groups. Established record of promoting grass budgeting. Familiarity with Teagasc financial management packages. Knowledge of quality assurance procedures.
Behavioural Competencies	Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, training, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders. Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme. Excellent analysis, numeracy, problem solving skills and decision support abilities. Work and project organisational skills which show pro-activity and drive. Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer. Flexible approach to work with an ability to prioritise tasks effectively. A results-driven individual with a strong focus on goal-setting, performance delivery and accountability. Ability to work independently and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables. A proactive, solutions-focused approach to work with an ability to adapt to changing requirements and shifting work priorities. Ability to set clear standards and have a quality customer service focus.
Other	Advisers will be required to have their own transport in order to efficiently carry out the duties of the role. Travel and subsistence expenses will be payable at approved public service rates. Candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.

Gender, Diversity and Inclusion

At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation.

We are commited to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'.

We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.

Attachment(s) :

ADO_Grade1_InformationBooklet.pdf

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